Free Buses

2020 Schedule Changes

(June 2, 2020) In light of COVID-19, there will be no courtesy bus service in Denali. 

Learn about other operational changes to Denali in summer 2020.

 

 

 

In the summer, there are three free bus lines around the park entrance area to help visitors travel between the visitor center and other facilities. They are called the Savage River Shuttle, the Riley Loop Shuttle and the Sled Dog Demonstration Shuttle.

As the visitor center and other facilities are somewhat spread out, these free buses eliminate excess traffic, confusion, and parking challenges.

The main bus stops are located at the Denali Bus Depot and in between the Denali Visitor Center and the Alaska Railroad Depot. Numerous other stops are indicated on the map, for people who are at Riley Creek Campground or other facilities.

All entrance area shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible. All operate daily in summer and are free. Refer to a map of the entrance area of the park to orient yourself.

 

Savage River Shuttle

Why, Where

This bus route is perfect for visitors wishing to experience a short bus ride into the park. Regularly departing from the Denali Visitor Center and the Denali Bus Depot, this shuttle travels to trail heads at Mountain Vista and Savage River. At Savage River, Mile 14 on the park road, visitors can hike trails, picnic beside the river, or just enjoy the 2-hour round trip ride.

This is a perfect activity if you only have a couple of hours or don't have time to take one of the long shuttle rides further into the park. Visitors may also access the Savage River Campground by taking this shuttle.

The bus traveling to Savage River might be green or tan colored, and will have a placard in the front window reading "Savage River Shuttle."

 

Riley Creek Loop Shuttle

This bus continuously circuits the entrance area, linking all major visitor facilities roughly every 30 minutes. Stops are located at the Riley Creek Campground, Denali Bus Depot, Denali Visitor Center bus stop, Murie Science and Learning Center, Riley Creek Mercantile, and the Horseshoe Lake/Mt. Healy Trailhead.

The Riley Creek Loop Bus will have a placard in the window reading "Riley Creek Loop."

 

Sled Dog Demonstration Shuttle

This round trip transportation service is the only way to get to the park sled dog demonstration other than walking.

Boarding takes place at the Denali Visitor Center (DVC) bus stop, and you must be at the visitor center bus stop 45 minutes before demonstration time. There are no tickets, nor any cost, to use the sled dog demo bus.

There is no parking at the kennels, and there are no late departures from the DVC bus stop. Demonstration times vary during shoulder seasons; check at the DVC bus stop or at the DVC for departure times. The walk from the DVC to the kennels is about 1.5 miles each way, mainly uphill on the way from the visitor center to the kennels.