There are three (3) free shuttle bus services available in the park’s entrance area to facilitate visitor travel between the various visitor service buildings. Because the facilities are somewhat spread out, the courtesy buses eliminate excess traffic, confusion, and parking challenges for those visitors not wishing to utilize the trails that link all facilities.

The main entrance area bus stops are located at the north end of the Wilderness Access Center (WAC) and the Denali Visitor Center (DVC) bus stop - between the Alaska Railroad Depot and the Denali Visitor Center complex.

All entrance area shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible, and operate daily.

Savage River Shuttle schedule
Riley Creek Loop schedule
Sled Dog Demonstration information

All Entrance Area shuttle buses are free.

Map of the Entrance Area

NPS

Savage River Shuttle Bus

Savage River Shuttle

This courtesy bus is perfect for those visitors wishing to experience a short bus ride into the park. Regularly departing from the Denali Visitor Center Bus Stop and the Wilderness Access Center, the Savage River Shuttle travels to the Savage River day use area at Mile 14 on the park road.

At Savage River, visitors can hike the Savage River Loop Trail, picnic beside the river, or just enjoy the 2-hour roundtrip ride. Schedules vary during the season, so check at the WAC and DVC bus stops or information desks for departure times.

This is a perfect activity if you only have a couple of hours or don’t have time to take one of the other shuttle rides further into the park.

Visitors may also access the Savage River Campground by taking this shuttle.

NPS

Riley Creek Loop Shuttle Bus

Riley Creek Loop Shuttle

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

This bus operates ½ hour before the first regularly scheduled shuttle bus departs the Wilderness Access Center to go into the park, and stops running ½ hour after the last shuttle bus returns, providing transportation back to the Riley Creek campground and long-term parking lot.

NPS

Pup from the 2004 Salmon Litter

Sled Dog Demonstration Shuttle

Unless you plan on walking the nearly 3 miles to the park kennels, this roundtrip transportation service is the only way to get to the NPS sled dog demonstration. Boarding takes place at the Denali Visitor Center (DVC) bus stop, and you must be there at least 40 minutes before demonstration time.

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.