
How long is the train ride from Anchorage to Denali?
The train takes 8 hours from Anchorage to Denali, and 4 hours from Fairbanks. It’s recommended you spend two nights in the park, leaving you one full day to explore. The Whole Line. Spend several days, stopping in Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks. Once in Fairbanks, return to Anchorage by rail, or fly back to Anchorage.
How do you get from Anchorage to Denali?
Driving Guide
- Eagle River Nature Center. ...
- Thunderbird Falls Trail. ...
- Eklutna Historical Park. ...
- Nancy Lake State Park. ...
- Iditarod Sled Dog Race Restart. ...
- Hell Bent Fishing Charters. ...
- Willow Creek Tours. ...
- Susitna River Bridge. ...
- Talkeetna Turnoff. ...
- Denali Gold Tours. ...
How long is the drive from Anchorage to Denali?
Denali National Park is a “must-see” destination for many visitors to Alaska. The motorcoach trip from Anchorage to Denali Park covers about 240 miles and takes about five and a half hours. You depart Anchorage on the Glenn Highway, the only road north out of Anchorage.
How to get from Anchorage to Denali?
How to Get From Anchorage to Denali National Park
- Take the Train. Daily tourist trains operate from Anchorage to Denali from a variety of tour companies. ...
- Hop on a Bus. Motorcoach services transport tourists northward from Anchorage into Fairbanks and Denali on a daily basis during the summer months.
- Drive to Denali. ...
- Fly to the Park. ...

Is it better to drive or take train from Anchorage to Denali?
3. Re: train or drive Anchorage to Denali? I would always recommend a car over the train. It just gives you so many more options and flexibility for your stay.
How much is a train ride from Anchorage to Denali?
FaresRouteAdventure Class Adult/Child (2-11) (VALUE PRICING)GoldStar Service Adult/Child (2-11) (VALUE PRICING)Anchorage/Wasilla to Denali$144/72$287/167 (B) (L)Anchorage/Wasilla to Fairbanks$205/103$405/242 (B) (L) (D)Talkeetna to Anchorage$90/45$226/133 (D)Talkeetna to Wasilla$90/45$226/133 (D)12 more rows
Can you take a train from Anchorage to Denali?
Ride the train from Fairbanks or Anchorage to Denali National Park for a quintessential Alaska journey. Anchorage-based passengers may pair the Star with day trips to Talkeetna, while passengers originating in Fairbanks can enjoy a midday excursion in Denali National Park and still be home that evening.
Does a train go to Denali National Park?
In the summer season (mid-May to mid-September) the Alaska Railroad's Denali Star Train stops twice daily, connecting Denali to Anchorage, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Denali National Park was established in 1917, just six years before the completion of the Alaska Railroad in 1923.
Is the train to Denali worth it?
Re: Is Denali worth it - bus vs train? Denali is DEFINITELY worth it! Last year, I only stayed for 2 nights and wish I had booked for the entire week. We took one of the bus trips into the park for the full day and saw so much wildlife and the scenery was amazing.
How do you get around Denali without a car?
Three types of free buses operate on the publicly-driveable portion of the Denali Park Road. These enable visitors without vehicles, or those who wish to leave their vehicle behind, to travel between various facilities, trails, campgrounds and day-use areas. All of these are free, and none require reservations.
Is Denali a day trip from Anchorage?
How far away is Denali? On a clear day you can see Denali, once known as Mount McKinley, from Anchorage. North America's tallest mountain is located in Denali National Park, a four to five hour drive from Anchorage or an...
Where does the train drop you off in Denali?
The train from Anchorage arrives at the park 3:55 pm and gets into Fairbanks at 8 pm. The Denali River Cabins & Cedar's Lodge provide complementary pick up and drop off at the train station in Denali Park.
Is it worth going to Denali National Park?
It was nice to say we saw it, but it really wasn't the grand view that we thought it would be, as it is very far in the distance. Denali National Park's wide open panoramas are spectacular, as is the whole state of Alaska. Stunning Alaskan wilderness awaits you in many parts of the state, not just the national park.
What is the most scenic train ride in Alaska?
the Denali Star routeMost Scenic Alaska Railroad Trips. Most people that have traveled the entire Alaska Railroad system would likely agree that either the Denali Star route between Anchorage and Denali or the Coastal Classic Route between Anchorage and Seward is the most scenic.
How many days do you need in Denali National Park?
2-3 daysThat said, the ideal number of days to spend in Denali National Park is 2-3 days. With at least two days, you'll have plenty of time to sample what the Denali area has to offer, and with a third day, you'll probably get to experience everything you want to.
Does Alaska Railroad have sleeper cars?
Does the Alaska Railroad have sleeper cars? No. Overnight options are available through Alaska Railroad's many tour and hotel partners.
How to get to Denali National Park from Anchorage?
From Anchorage there are four main ways to get to Denali National Park: If you're under a time crunch , consider charter air service into the park companies like Kantishna Air Taxi can arrange special service from Anchorage to Kantishna inside Denali National Park. The flight lasts approximately 2 hours, and you'll need to make further arrangements ...
What time does the Alaska Railroad arrive in Denali?
If you love rail travel or won't be renting a car, consider the Alaska Railroad. The train departs daily from Anchorage, arriving in Denali at 4 p.m.
Where does the Denali train go?
The train departs daily from Anchorage, arriving in Denali at 4 p.m. The trip north passes through the town of Talkeetna. The Denali depot is right next to the park's visitor center. You won't have to wait to see Mount McKinley either; many of the best views are along the way. Motorcoaches also connect the city and the park.
Where can I see Denali?
On a clear day you can see Denali, once known as Mount McKinley, from Anchorage. North America's tallest mountain is located in Denali National Park, a four to five hour drive from Anchorage or an... Bus, Van & Motorcoach Charters. Bus, Van & Motorcoach Charters. Have a large group traveling in Alaska?
How long is the road to Denali Park?
The road into Denali Park is 92 miles long and most private vehicles are not allowed past mile 15. You also cannot see Mt. Denali from the Denali Park entrance area, including the hotels. For these reasons, nearly all visitors travel into the park by shuttle bus or tour bus.
How many nights should I spend at Denali Park?
You will want to spend at least two nights at Denali Park, and if you have the time, consider adding a night in Talkeetna to take in the best views of Mt. Denali outside the Park.
What to do in Denali?
What to Do. There is plenty to do in Denali in addition to bus trips into the park. River rafting on the Nenana River is very popular, as are dinner theaters. You can also go flightseeing by helicopter or fixed wing aircraft, go for a hike, take an ATV tour, or even visit the sled dog kennel of a champion Iditarod musher.
Where to stay in Denali?
Most visitors to Denali stay in hotels or lodges located just outside the Park entrance, either one mile north in the Denali Canyon area or seven miles south near Denali Village. Our top picks are the Denali Princess, Grande Denali and Denali Bluffs Hotel north of the entrance, or the Lodge at Denali Village to the south.
Is there a taxi service at Denali Park?
Traditional taxi service at Denali Park is very limited and advance arrangements are recommended. If you are staying in the Canyon area north of the Park entrance, many shops and restaurants are within walking distance.
How long is the Denali train ride?
Every summer morning, the northbound Denali Star Train departs Anchorage for the 356-mile, 12-hour journey to Fairbanks, with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali National Park; while in Fairbanks, the southbound Denali Star embarks on the reverse.
Where does the train go from Anchorage to Talkeetna?
Traveling between Anchorage and Talkeetna, the train crosses the Knik River with the Chugach Mountains as a backdrop. Just south of Talkeetna, watch for views of Denali rising high above the Susitna River.
Where to ride Denali Star?
The daily schedule and popular destinations makes the Denali Star ideal for traveling Alaska. Ride the train from Fairbanks or Anchorage to Denali National Park for a quintessential Alaska journey. Anchorage-based passengers may pair the Star with day trips to Talkeetna, while passengers originating in Fairbanks can enjoy a midday excursion in ...
What is the name of the mountain in Alaska?
On a clear day, passengers enjoy sights of the train’s namesake peak: Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. Traveling between Anchorage and Talkeetna, the train crosses the Knik River with the Chugach Mountains as a backdrop.
Where is Broad Pass in Alaska?
Just south of Denali National Park, Broad Pass offers majestic views of the Alaska Range in all directions; north of the park, the train winds along Healy Canyon, following the curves of the Nenana River below. The daily schedule and popular destinations makes the Denali Star ideal for traveling Alaska.
When did Denali National Park open?
Even though the Parks Highway, which opened in 1971, made the place accessible by car, most modern-day visitors still transit through the Denali Depot. To come by rail is to be a part of the grand history of Alaska's most famous national park. Served by rail 50 years longer than by road.
What is the highest point on the Alaska Railroad?
After reaching Broad Pass, which marks both the highest point on the Alaska Railroad and the lowest pass in the Alaska Range, the train winds through a wide taiga plateau before pulling into the Denali Depot . The Alaska Railroad offers two levels of service between Anchorage and Denali Park: Adventure Class and GoldStar Dome.
How much does the Alaska Railroad charge for baggage?
The Alaska Railroad charges $20 per item for oversized or excess baggage. Passengers can transfer to the Anchorage Depot by taxi, rideshare, or hotel shuttle (where available). Upon arrival into Denali Park, guests are met at the depot by local hotel and lodge shuttles.
How many bags are allowed on Alaska Railroad?
The Alaska Railroad offers checked baggage service. Passengers are allowed two checked bags plus one carry on, with dimension and weight restrictions like those of airlines.
What to bring on a train trip?
What to Bring. Bring a camera, medications, and government issued photo ID. Bring a credit or debit card for additional onboard purchases (cash not accepted). It is a good idea to dress in layers, since the temperature can vary depending on the weather and the train car's heating and cooling system.
