How to Get to Denali National Park in 2022

Post Summary: How to Get to Denali National Park in 2022

The first step in planning any visit to Denali National Park is planning how long to spend in the park and how you are going to get there. Denali is one of the most accessible national parks in Alaska but it is still a remote National Park and can be a little tricky to visit. We are going to break down all your options for how to get to Denali National Park.

Best of Denali National Park and Preserve in a Nutshell

THINGS TO KNOW: 11 Things to Know Before Visiting Denali National Park and Preserve

FACTS: 35+ Extraordinary Denali Facts & Statistics

BOOKS TO READ: 8 Books to Read Before visiting Denali National Park

GETTING THERE: How to Get to Denali National Park

HIKES: Best Hikes in Denali

TOURS: Best Tours in Denali

SPECIAL EVENTS: Denali Road Lottery

CAMPING: Camping in Denali

LODGING: Best Denali Hotels

NEARBY PARKS: Gates of the Arctic, Kenai Fjords, Kobuk Valley, Wrangell – St. Elias

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Quick Guide for getting to Denali National Park

Compared to other Alaska National Parks, Denali National Park and Preserve is pretty easy to get to. The park is located in south-central Alaska between Alaska’s two major cities with the park’s only road entrance. The park entrance is located at Mile 237 on Highway 3.

Denali can be reached by car, train, or bus from Fairbanks and Anchorage.

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Denali National Park Entrances

Denali’s one-road entrance is located at Mile 237 on Highway 3. The latitude and longitude of the entrance is 63.728443, -148.886572.

Denali National Park Gateway Cities

McKinley Park, AK

McKinley Park is a small seasonal hamlet that is only open from late May to mid-September. Locals refer to the area as “Glitter Gluch” as its primarily made up of hotels, tourist restaurants, and kick-knack shops. Most of the hotels cater to cruise ship passengers doing a land tour, but you can book hotels without doing a cruise.

Where to stay in McKinley Park?

Hotels in McKinley Park

• McKinley Chalet Resort – A rustic-style resort complex with dining and a river view. Rooms from $129/night; book on Booking.com, or Hotels.com

• Denali Bluffs Hotel – This hotel overlooks McKinley park on Sugarloaf Mountain with comfortable rooms.  Rooms from $329/night; book on Booking.com or Hotels.com

• Denali Grizzly Bear Resort – This quiet lodge is located a little ways away from McKinley Park and has a Riverview. Rooms from $289/night; book on Booking.com or Hotels.com

Vacation Rentals & Airbnbs in McKinley Park

• Denali Sunset House – The Denali Sunset House is a craftsman log cabin with amazing decks. Sleep 10. Rent from $649/night; book on VRBO

• Denali Park Place – Park Place is a homey apartment that sleeps 4. Rent from $101/night; book on VRBO

• Harbor House – Harbor House offers Denali views with a wraparound deck. Rent from $375/night; book on VRBO

Camping in McKinley Park

There is no camping or RV parks in McKinley Park but Denali’s Riley Creek Campground is located nearby.

Healy, AK

Healy is a small town located about 13 miles north of Denali National Park’s entrance on the Parks Highway. The town boasts a grocery store and a couple of gas stations along with a collection of locally owned hotels and restaurants. If you have read Jon Krakauer’s book Into the Wild, the Stampede Road is where Christopher McCandless was dropped off for his hike into the Alaskan wilderness. The actual bus that McCandless lived in has been removed and will be displayed in the Museum of the North in Fairbanks. If you wish to follow McCandless’s path, please come prepared for the river crossings. These river crossings prevent McCandless from returning to civilization and in recent years several other people have died trying to cross these rivers.

Where to stay in Healy?

Hotels in Healy

• Denali Lakeview Inn – Lakeview Inn is a gorgeous inn located on a lake on the outskirts of Healy. Rooms from $240/night; book on Booking.com

• Healy Heights Family Cabins – These family cabins are quaint cabins with kitchenettes and mountain views. Rooms from $229/night; book on Booking.com.

• Aurora Denali Lodge – The Aurora is a modern yet Alaskan hotel. Rooms from $99/night; book on Booking.com or Hotels.com

Vacation Rentals & Airbnbs in Healy

• Denali Hideaway – This breathtaking Alaskan studio apartment sleeps 4. Rent from $119/night; book on VRBO

• Luxury Home – This luxury home has a great room with views to die for and sleeps 8 Rent from $242/night; book on VRBO

• Denali Bear Cabin – Denali Bear Cabin has a hot tub and sleeps 6. Rent from $390/night; book on VRBO

Camping in Healy

There are several RV parks in Healy and tent camping is located at Eight Mile Lake.

Cantwell, AK

Cantwell is about 29 miles and a 30-minute drive from the Denali entrance. The town is most noted for being where the Denali Highway (a different road than the Denali Park Road) meets the Parks Highway. The landscape surrounding the town was the film location for the Into the Wild Movie. The replica bus used during filming is located at the 49th State Brewery in Healy.

Where to stay in Cantwell?

Hotels in Cantwell

• McKinley Creekside Cabins – These cabins split the difference between the park and Cantwell and have several nearby hiking trails. Cabins from $252/night; book on Booking.com or Hotels.com

• Cantwell Lodge – Cantwell Lodge is a simple budget hotel with wifi. Rooms from $125/night; book on Booking.com or Hotels.com

• Backwoods Lodge – Backwoods Lodge offers Denali views with moded amenities. Rooms from $320/night; book on Booking.com

Vacation Rentals & Airbnbs in Cantwell

• Adventure Denali – Adventure Denali is a handbuilt log cabin that is lakeside with mountain views. Sleeps 8. Rooms from $176/night; book on VRBO

• Off Grid True Alaska Experience – Off-Grid True Alaska Experience offers a true Alaska entrance for true adventurous. Outhouse included. Rooms from $150/night; book on VRBO

• Gorgeous Lakeside Chalet – Gorgeous Lakeside Chalet sleeps 6 with a lake and its own boat launch. Rooms from $400/night; book on VRBO

Camping in Cantwell

There are several RV parks in Cantwell and camping can be found along the Denali Highway.

Flying to Denali National Park

Map of Denali National Park Airports

Click here to see an interactive map of the airports near Denali National Park.

Airport in Denali National Park

Kantishna Airport

The Kantishnia Airport is located in the heart of Denali National Park. This tiny airport is only serviced by air taxis from Talkeetna. These flights are used to shuttle guests back to their hotels after the long bus ride into Denali or by Kantishnia area lodge guests.

Airports near Denali National Park

Healy River Airport

Healy River Airport (HRR) is the closest airport to Denali National Park. This airport is a small regional airport that has NO commercial passenger service. The airport is primarily used by Denali National Park flight tours and private planes. It is possible to charter a flight from other Alaskan airports to Healy, AK. There is a car rental company in Healy.

Distance from Denali Park Entrance: 14 miles

Drive time from Denali Park Entrance: 18 minutes

Talkeetna Airport

Like Healy River Airport, Talkeetna Airport (TKA) is a small regional airport located in Talkeetna, AK. There are seven air taxis operating out of this airport. They offer flightseeing tours of Denali and the Talkeetna area as well as shuttle flights to the Kantishna Airport and the Denali Climbing Base Camp. There is no regular commercial passenger service outside of the Denali flights.

Distance from Denali Park Entrance: 153 miles

Drive time from Denali Park Entrance: 2.5 hours

Major Airports within a one-day drive of Denali National Park

Fairbanks International Airport

Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is the largest airport in Northern Alaska. The airport is the main hub for northern Alaska air travel. There are several small operations that provide regional service to Alaska’s small towns. Fairbanks has year-round service from Alaska Airlines and Delta to Seattle, WA, and Anchorage, AK From late spring to early fall, there are flights from most major airline hubs such as Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and San Francisco.

Distance from Denali Park Entrance: 120 miles

Drive time from Denali Park Entrance: 2 hours

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the largest airport in Alaska. Anchorage is a medium-sized airport. During the busy summer season, there are over 50 nonstop flights to 14 U.S. States and other countries like Canada, Germany, and Russia or China from most major airlines. During the winter, Alaska Airlines, Delta, and United offer direct flights to their hub cities. There are also several local carriers who service smaller Alaskan cities such as Kodiak or King Salmon.

Distance from Denali Park Entrance: 243 miles

Drive time from Denali Park Entrance: 4.25 hours

Public Transportation to Denali National Park

Alaskan Railroad

The Alaskan Railroad offers year-round service to Denali National Park. It has regular trains that run from Anchorage to Fairbanks. There is daily service from mid-May to mid-September. During the rest of the year, there is weekend service and select midweek service. Check the schedule for exact times.

Anchorage to Denali: 8 hours

Fairbanks to Denali: 4 hours

Buses to Denali

The Alaska Park Connection Motorcoach provides bus service between Anchorage and Denali. These buses provide transport to the McKinley Park hotel area outside of the park. From here, you can arrange a shuttle into Denali National Park. There is a free shuttle running from McKinley Park to the Visitor Center and free shuttles running to Mile 15. Beyond mile 15, you will have to pay for a shuttle bus.

Anchorage to Denali: 6 hours

Guided Tours of Denali National Park

There is currently only one guided tour day tour to Denali from Anchorage.

• Mt Denali Flightseeing Tour from Anchorage with Glacier Landing

There are some great Denali tours from Healy or Talkeetna. Here are a few of my favorites.

• Denali Peak Flight
• Denali Heli-Hiking Tour
• Denali Backcountry Adventure
• Denali National Park Walking Tour
• Denali Hiking Tour

Driving to Denali National Park

Denali National Park only has one road entrance. It is located on the Parks Highway which runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The Parks Highway is a scenic drive and can provide some of the best views of Denali the mountain.

You can drive to Denali National Park but access to the park itself is limited to the first 15 miles of Denali Park Road. The road is closed to the public for most of the year. During the summer season, access to the full 92-mile park road is limited to bus tours and hiker shuttles.

The Denali Park Road is only open to public vehicles for five days a year during the September Denali Road Lottery.

Driving Distances to Denali National Park

Frequently Asked Questions about getting to Denali National Park

What airport do you fly into for Denali National Park?

You can either fly to Fairbanks International Airport or Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. It’s a toss-up as to which airport is better to fly into for Denali National Parks.

Personally, I’d look at the big picture. Which airport has the best flight options from your home airport and which one has cheaper rental car options? I’m based in Knoxville and I can usually get better routing when I fly into Anchorage.

Can you drive into Denali?

You can drive the first 15 miles of Denali Park Road year-round. The rest of the Denali Park road is bus-only except for the Denali Road Lottery.

How long is the train ride from Anchorage to Denali?

The train takes 8 hours from Anchorage to Denali and 4 hours from Fairbanks to Denali.

Is Denali closer to Anchorage or Fairbanks?

Denali National Park is about 120 miles from Fairbanks. It’s a 2-hour drive or 4-hour train ride from Fairbanks to Denali. Anchorage is about 240 miles from Denali and is a 4-hour drive or 8-hour train ride.

Do I need a car in Denali?

It depends. If you are staying at a hotel that has a courtesy shuttle or camping within the park, then it is definitely possible to visit Denali without a car. Take the train or bus to Denali and then use the courtesy shuttle and park buses to explore.

How do I get from Fairbanks to Denali National Park?

There are two options for getting from Fairbanks to Denali National Park. You can either make the 2-hour drive or 4-hour train ride.

How do I get from Anchorage to Denali National Park?

There are three options for getting from Anchorage to Denali National Park. You can either make the 4-hour drive, 4-hour bus ride, or 8-hour train ride.

Does Alaska Trip Planning Leave You Feeling Overwhelmed?

Jump right into booking your Alaska National Parks trip with our expertly designed, pre-made, downloadable National Park itineraries.

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Final Thoughts on Getting to Denali National Park

Do you have any questions about Denali National Park or need help planning your National Park trips. Check out our other articles on Denali.

If you have any other questions let us know in the comments below or join us in discussing all things National Parks with our National Park Trip Planning Community on Facebook!

More Information for your trip to Alaska

• ALASKA: National Parks of Alaska
• ALASKA NATIONAL PARK: How much does it cost to visit Alaska’s National Parks?
• DENALI: Visiting Denali National Park and Preserve: The Complete Guide
  • How to Get to Denali National Park
  • 11 Things to Know Before Visiting Denali National Park and Preserve
  • 8 Books to Read Before visiting Denali National Park
  • Denali National Park Camping: The Definitive Guide to Camping in Denali National Park
  • Where to Stay in Denali National Park? 14 Best Denali Hotels
  • The 20 ABSOLUTE Best Hikes in Denali National Park
  • 25 Amazing Denali National Park Tours
  • Denali Road Lottery – Everything You Need to Know
  • 35+ Extraordinary Denali Facts & Statistics
• GLACIER BAY: Visiting Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve: The Complete Guide
  • Glacier Bay National Park Maps: The Complete Collection
  • 5 ABSOLUTE Best Hikes in Glacier Bay National Park
• KATMAI: Visiting Katmai National Park and Preserve: The Complete Guide
  • The Complete Guide to Brooks Lodge in Katmai National Park
• FAIRBANKS: Chena Hot Springs Resort – The best way to end your Alaska Adventure
• WRANGELL – ST. ELIAS: Visiting Wrangell – St. Elias National Park and Preserve: The Complete Guide
  • 13 ABSOLUTE Best Hikes in Wrangell – St. Elias National Park

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