Amazing service. From the time we called to see if they could fit us in, to the end of the trip. Udo, the pilot gave us a great flight, from seeing the top of McKinley to spotting the bear on the way back. Cami was great, went out of her way to provide a great experience – Larry O.
Getting From Anchorage to Talkeetna
How do I get from Anchorage to Talkeetna?
There are a few ways to make the trip, depending on the season and style of your travel.
- Drive – rent a car and take the Parks highway North for about 2-2.5h. It’s the simplest way to explore at your own pace, stop for photos, and enjoy the scenery.
- Take the Train (seasonal schedule) – The world famous Alaska Railroad runs a beautiful route between Anchorage and Talkeetna. During the summer there are daily departures with full service, and the schedule is as follows:
Anchorage to Talkeetna – 8:20am > 11:05am (May 13th through September 17th)
Talkeetna to Anchorage – 5:15pm > 8pm (May 13th through September 17th) .You can reach the Alaska Railroad at (800) 544-0552 for an update or visit the website by clicking here. - Take a bus or shuttle (limited availability) – a handful of bus and shuttle companies operate between Anchorage and the Denali corridor. This option changes year-to-year and is not as frequent as people expect. Booking ahead is essential.
Parks Connection Bus is a popular option and they can be reached at (800) 208-0200 or by visiting the website by clicking here.
Anchorage to Talkeetna – 6:30am > 9:00am (June 1st through August 31st) and 3pm > 5:30pm (May 13th through September 15th)
Talkeetna to Anchorage – 11am > 1:30pm (May 14th through September 16th) and 5:45pm to 8:30pm (June 1st through August 31st) - Fly by bush plane – the Alaskan way! (fastest and most scenic) – Charter flights between Anchorage and Talkeetna area common. Bush planes are part of everyday life here. Talkeetna has its own airport, but it is also common to hire these services for adventures and land on remote airstrips, glaciers, gravel bars, lakes, etc – areas where there are no roads, so cars can’t reach. Click here to book you private air journey to/from Talkeetna with us.
Will I see Denali’s summit?
Views vary by weather and cloud ceiling. We design routes for the best conditions of the day and brief you pre-flight.
Is a glacier landing worth it?
Absolutely! Glacier landings are the highlight of Denali scenic flights. While a landing is not guaranteed, as we keep your safety (and the safety of our pilots) a priority, it adds a perspective you can’t get from the air alone—scale, silence, the magnitude of the range, the experience of feeling a plane gliding on snow and of course, photos on the ice with bragging rights.
What if weather cancels my flight?
We’ll try to reschedule during your stay; if not possible, we will refund your payment in full.
For Bear Viewing Experiences and Private Charters our cancellation policy is no refund within 3 days of the tour.
What should I wear/bring?
Layers, sunglasses, closed-toe shoes, and your camera/phone. We provide headsets.
Are there weight limits?
Yes 275lbs per seat or total 750lbs total per group/cargo weight for the Cessna 185, or 1200lbs for the DeHavilland Beaver. Call us if you require special accommodations.
How far in advance should I book?
Peak season fills fast. Book early, and, if you can, keep a backup time for weather flexibility.
Is there an additional on-line or on phone booking fee?
There are no additional fees if you call us directly to make your reservation.
There is a online booking fee (a percentage of your total) that is charged by our reservation software. Call us at (907) 733-2321 – 7 days a week – 8am – 6pm (summer hours) , 9am-5pm (winter hours) to book over the phone with a member of our team, in Alaska (no automated menus, speak a real human!). We will be happy to help you.
Talkeetna is on the same time zone as Anchorage (AKDT). If you need help finding out what time it is in Alaska prior your call click here to visit World Time Buddy.
Is it best to book online or on the phone?
Online is convenient as its 24/7 but if you call us, we can help you answer any questions you may have about your trip.
When is payment due, and is a deposit needed (how much)?
Your reservations can be paid in full, in advance, or if you prefer, you can simply pay a deposit of $100 per person (online booking fee may apply)
Is a National Park Pass needed for glacier landings?
Yes, in case of a glacier landing, a National Park Pass ($15 per person) is required by the National Park Services. The pass can be purchase at our hangar during check in by scanning the NPS QR code on site or click here to visit Pay.Gov.
What should I expect?
- Check-in: Please arrive 30 minutes early at our hangar in Talkeetna.
- Weather: Alaska weather is quite dynamic and it can change fast; we may adjust routes or timing for the best window. If we can’t fly, we’ll work to reschedule or refund per policy.
- Your Experience: Every seat has great viewing and headsets for not only a personal narration from our experienced pilots but it gives you the ability to ask questions and communicate with our pilots during the tour.
- What to wear: Sunglasses, closed-toe shoes; dress in layers for glacier landings.
- Photos: Make sure to charge your phone and/or cameras. While we love when people pause to enjoy the moment (and pictures don’t do it justice), we know you will want to capture some of the stunning landscape to share with your loved ones.