Alaska.com: Alaska's Travel Website

Independent travelers often benefit from using one of the bus lines that link Denali National Park with Anchorage, Talkeetna and Fairbanks.

The trip -- taking into account the stops made along the way -- takes about six hours going from Anchorage to Denali and about two hours going from Fairbanks to Denali.

Buses pick up passengers at several places in Anchorage and Fairbanks; no "bus station" serves all the lines. Along the Parks Highway, pickups are made at gas stations, trailheads, train depots and cafes.

Passengers can also arrange to be dropped off and picked up anywhere along the route, which is perfect for backpackers heading into the forest.

These lines are used to carting around camping gear and bicycles. Nevertheless, if you plan to bring any of that, mention your plans to the reservation agent to ensure that there's room.

Among the companies are Parks Highway Express, Alaska Parks Connection, Alaska Backpackers Shuttle and the Talkeetna Shuttle Service.

What you'll pay

Each bus line's fares are different, but here's roughly what to expect for four popular trips:

• Denali to Anchorage -- $60 one way / $110 round trip
  
• Denali to Fairbanks -- $40 one way / $70 round trip
  
• Denali to Talkeetna -- $45 one way / $80 round trip
  
• Anchorage to Fairbanks -- $79 one way / $149 round trip