The Alaska Park Connection offers twice daily coach service between Anchorage and Denali Park or Seward, including connecting service between Denali Park, Anchorage and Seward.

You will see some of Alaska's most scenic highways while riding the Alaska Park Connection. The Parks Highway north of Anchorage travels the fertile Matanuska-Susitna valley, up through Denali State Park which offers some of the best views of Mt. McKinley, and across the Alaska Range into Denali National Park. South of Anchorage, the Seward Highway runs alongside the Turnagain Arm, and over two scenic mountain passes down to the picturesque seaside town of Seward. This route well deserves its designation as Alaska's only National Scenic Byway.

The Alaska Railroad stretches 470 miles from Seward on the south-central Kenai Peninsula, to the northern "golden heart" city of Fairbanks. Along the way, the train travels through some of the most scenic and rugged territory in Alaska, including Denali National Park, Denali State Park, and Chugach National Forest. The Alaska Railroad runs two primary passenger services during the summer season. On the rail north of Anchorage, the Denali Star operates daily between Fairbanks, Denali, Talkeetna and Anchorage. To the south, the Coastal Classic operates daily between Anchorage and Seward.

In addition, for passengers departing Whittier by cruise ship we also offer Alaska Railroad service from Anchorage to Whittier. This trip has a convenient 10:00am departure time and will drop you off right at the cruise ship terminal in Whittier.

Alaska Railroad trains feature large picture windows, comfortable seating, dining cars, restrooms, and luggage cars. Two pieces of luggage per person are permitted, with extra luggage subject to a fee. Local Alaskan high school students who have attended a special railroad class are on board offering commentary on a personal level. The Alaska Railroad is accessible to wheelchairs, with special ramps at the depots and provisions on the train cars for occupied wheel chairs.

Relax and view the scenic beauty of a ride on the Alaska Railroad, the last full-service railroad in the United States. Sit back and enjoy the comfortable seating and large picture windows. The train features informative tour guides, and diner cars offer a casual and relaxed atmosphere.

The route between Anchorage and Whittier is very scenic, and the rail schedule works well for passengers boarding cruise ships in Whittier. After traveling through Anchorage you will descend through the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. This area, also commonly known as Potter's Marsh, is a good place to spot migratory birds, water fowl and moose. Your trip continues along the Turnagain Arm, a body of water featuring the world's second highest tides at over 30 feet. Beluga whales can often be seen following salmon on the incoming tide, and Dall sheep frequent rocky mountain sides. After passing Girdwood and Portage Glacier you will travel through a two mile tunnel before reaching Whittier.

Length: 2 Hours

Departure Information:
10:00 AM depart Anchorage Depot, arrive Whittier 12:20 PM

Alaska Railroad Denali Star
The Denali Star rail route travels north of Anchorage along the Knik Arm and through the towns of Wasilla and Talkeetna. Heading north from Talkeetna you will pass over Hurricane Gulch and Broad Pass before arriving at the railroad station at Denali National Park. The bridge at Hurricane spans 918 feet, some 296 feet over the Chulitna River. Your trip from Denali Park to Fairbanks will take you through Healy and Nenana and several other small communities. The entire railroad trip spans over 350 miles and takes 12 hours. Nearly everyone breaks the train trip up and stays in Denali National Park or Talkeetna for a few nights. Your railroad journey offers a number of great views of Mt. McKinley, and an excellent chance to see wildlife such as moose, bald eagles, and bear.

Let Alaska Tour and Travel be your one-stop source for information and reservations for Alaska car rentals, van rentals, and Alaska self-drive vacation packages.

Many people choose to rent a car when they travel through Alaska. Rental cars can add flexibility to your Alaska vacation, and can often result in a cost savings over other modes of travel, particularly for groups of three to five travelers. Most travelers pick up their cars at or near the Anchorage airport. Anchorage is Alaska's main airline hub, and has the widest selection of rental car choices as well. We offer cars for pick up near the Anchorage airport in all major categories including compact, mid size, full size, 5 passenger SUV, 7 passenger SUV and mini vans. 

The major highways between Seward, Anchorage, Denali Park and Fairbanks are all paved and easily traveled in the summer by any type of vehicle, with maximum speed limits ranging from 55 to 65 mph. Highways are mostly paved with one lane of travel in each direction. Less traveled roads in Alaska are generally in good shape. Fuel typically is more expensive the further away from you get from Anchorage, with prices last summer ranging from $2.50 to $3.25 per gallon. If you plan to do a lot of driving in Alaska, the Alaska Milepost guidebook will be an invaluable resource for planning your Alaska vacation and to have with you as you travel Alaska.