Planning Your 2027 Trip to Camp Denali
Planning your Alaska adventure should be exciting, not overwhelming. Here's everything you need to know to get to Camp Denali.
Traveling to Alaska may seem complicated at first, but planning your journey to Camp Denali is simpler than you might think. With a little advance planning, getting here can become an enjoyable part of the adventure.
The most important thing to remember is that Camp Denali has fixed arrival and departure days on Mondays and Fridays. As you build your itinerary, be sure to allow enough time to travel before and after your stay so your connections are comfortable and stress-free.
Step 1: Fly to Alaska
Most visitors begin their journey by flying into one of Alaska's two international airports:
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in Anchorage
Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) in Fairbanks
Both airports offer convenient access to Denali National Park. Choosing which airport to use often depends on your overall travel plans, airline schedules, and whether you'd like to explore other parts of Alaska before or after your stay.
Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to spend a night in Anchorage or Fairbanks before continuing to Denali.
Step 2: Travel to Denali National Park
Once you've arrived in Alaska, you'll make your way to the Denali park entrance. There are three popular ways to do this, each offering a different travel experience.
Rental Car
A rental car provides the greatest flexibility and is an excellent choice if you plan to explore Alaska before or after your stay. From Anchorage, the drive to Denali takes approximately 4–5 hours along the scenic Parks Highway. If time allows, consider stopping in the historic town of Talkeetna, roughly halfway between Anchorage and Denali, for lunch or a walk through town. From Fairbanks, the drive is considerably shorter, taking about 2 hours.
While having your own vehicle offers flexibility, keep in mind that it will remain parked at the Denali park entrance while you are staying at Camp Denali.
Alaska Railroad
For many visitors, traveling aboard the Alaska Railroad is one of the highlights of an Alaska vacation. Rather than focusing on the drive, you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and learn about Alaska from the onboard hosts.
If you choose the train, you'll want to ride the Denali Star route.
Travel times are approximately:
Anchorage to Denali: 8 hours
Fairbanks to Denali: 4 hours
Because the southbound train from Anchorage arrives later in the day, you'll need to spend the night near the park entrance before joining Camp Denali the following afternoon.
Guests arriving from Fairbanks can make the connection to Camp Denali the same day, although it does make for a long travel day. Many guests still prefer to arrive the evening before and enjoy a more relaxed start to their stay.
Park Connection Motorcoach
The Park Connection Motorcoach is a comfortable alternative for guests traveling from Anchorage.
The motorcoach offers daily summer service between Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, and Seward, with both morning and afternoon departures. Coaches are equipped with restrooms, seat belts, and in-seat power for charging phones and other devices, making the journey both comfortable and convenient.
From Fairbanks: 3 hours
From Anchorage: 5.5 hours
Meet our buses at 12:15 PM. Extra time is needed to drop off your luggage and park your vehicle. Our drivers will direct you to free, long-term parking.
Personal Vehicle
From Anchorage (via Denali Star Train Route)
Arrive by train at approximately 3:40 PM the day prior and overnight at the park entrance.
The following day (Monday or Friday), meet our buses at 12:30 PM at the train depot.
From Fairbanks (via Denali Star Train Route)
Arrive at approximately 12:10 PM
Meet our buses upon arrival at the train depot
Railroad
From Anchorage
Be sure to reserve the “Anchorage to Denali” motorcoach that departs at 6:30 AM
Motorcoach arrival: 12:30 PM
Meet our buses nearby at the train depot upon arrival
Motorcoach
Step 3: Arrive at Camp Denali
The 2027 season marks the exciting return of road access to the heart of Denali National Park. For the first time in several years, guests will once again travel the full length of the Park Road to reach Camp Denali.
On your arrival day (Monday or Friday), please meet our staff in the Denali Train Depot parking area by 12:30 p.m. Our Blue Bird buses depart at approximately 1:15 p.m. for the scenic drive to Camp Denali, arriving at the lodge later that afternoon.
The journey through the park is more than transportation; it's the beginning of your Camp Denali experience, with opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy spectacular views along the way.
Departing Camp Denali
On departure day (Monday or Friday), we leave Camp Denali at 6:45 a.m. following a light breakfast.
You'll arrive back at the Denali Train Depot at approximately 11:45 a.m., allowing ample time for same-day connections by train, motorcoach, or personal vehicle to either Fairbanks or Anchorage.
Need Help Planning?
Every Alaska itinerary is a little different, and we're always happy to help. If you have questions about arrival dates, transportation, or how to fit Camp Denali into a larger Alaska adventure, don't hesitate to contact our office. We're happy to help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time in Alaska.