Fairbanks to Denali National Park: A Guide for Tourist

The driving distance from Fairbanks to Denali National Park is 121 miles. You can use car, train or book a shuttle bus to go from Fairbanks to Denali National Park.

Fairbanks to Denali National Park by car

Distance and Duration

Distance: Approximately 121 miles (193 kilometers).
Duration: Around 2 to 2.5 hours without stops, depending on road conditions and traffic.

Route Overview

Start in Fairbanks:
- Head south on the George Parks Highway (Alaska Route 3).
Continue on George Parks Highway:
- This highway will take you all the way to the entrance of Denali National Park.
- The drive offers beautiful Alaskan scenery, including mountains, forests, and occasional wildlife sightings.

Fairbanks to Denali National Park A Guide for Tourist

Key Stops and Attractions

Nenana: A small town along the route, known for its historical significance and the Nenana Ice Classic, an annual event where people guess the exact time the ice will break on the Tanana River.
Denali Viewpoints: There are several viewpoints along the George Parks Highway where you can stop to get a glimpse of Denali (Mount McKinley), the highest peak in North America.
Visitor Centers: Once you arrive at Denali National Park, make sure to visit the Denali Visitor Center for maps, information, and educational exhibits.

Tips for the Journey

Check Road Conditions: Especially in winter, road conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice. Check Alaska’s 511 Traveler Information for real-time road conditions.
Fuel Up: There are limited services along the highway, so it’s a good idea to fill up your gas tank in Fairbanks.
Bring Supplies: Pack snacks, water, and any other essentials, as services can be sparse.
Wildlife Caution: Be alert for wildlife on the road, including moose and bears.

Enjoying Denali National Park

Shuttle Buses: The park offers shuttle buses that take you deep into the park, as private vehicle access is limited.
Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails for all levels of experience.
Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for bears, moose, caribou, and other wildlife.

Fairbanks to Denali National Park by train

You can travel from Fairbanks to Denali National Park by train. The Alaska Railroad offers daily service on their Denali Star train route.

The train ride takes about 4 hours and is a great way to see the Alaskan scenery. The train travels through taiga forests, wetlands, and mountains. You might even be able to see Denali, North America’s tallest mountain, on a clear day.

Here are some details about the train ride from Fairbanks to Denali National Park:

Departs Fairbanks Depot at 8:20 AM
Arrives Denali Park Depot at 12:10 PM
Distance: 122 miles
Travel time: 3 hours, 50 minutes
Service options: Adventure Class, GoldStar, Wilderness Express
Operates from May 10 to September 19 (subject to change)

You can find more information and book your tickets on the Alaska Railroad website.

Fairbanks to Denali National Park by shuttle bus

There isn’t a public bus route directly from Fairbanks to Denali National Park, but there are several private shuttle bus companies that offer this service. These shuttles are a convenient and affordable way to get between the two locations. Shuttles typically take between 2.5 to 3 hours for the journey.

Here are some of the benefits of taking a shuttle bus from Fairbanks to Denali National Park:

Convenience: Many shuttle services offer hotel pick-up and drop-off in Fairbanks and Denali, eliminating the need to worry about transportation at either end of your trip.
Affordability: Shuttles are generally less expensive than train travel.
Scenery: The drive between Fairbanks and Denali National Park is quite scenic, and you can relax and enjoy the views as the driver navigates the Parks Highway.

Here are some of the shuttle companies that operate between Fairbanks and Denali National Park:

1st Alaska Tours: This company offers a shuttle service from Fairbanks to Denali National Park with a departure time of 8:30 am and a price of $150 per person (as of June 2024).
Parks Highway Shuttle: This company offers multiple departures throughout the day from Fairbanks, with prices starting at around $70 per person.
Denali Park Shuttle: This company offers a shuttle service from Fairbanks to Denali National Park with a departure time of 7:00 am. They also offer pick-up and drop-off at various locations in Fairbanks. The price from $125 per person

Tag: train from fairbanks to denali park, tours from fairbanks to denali

Read more: