If you have read many of my posts, you know I like the Denali National Park transit bus system. During the summer I usually ride the free bus to Savage River once a week. To go further into the Park via the East Fork Transit Bus, it costs about $35 for the day (plus an entrance fee, I bought an annual pass).

You are allowed off and on the transit buses. If you start at the bus depot near the entrance and stay on the same bus the whole time to and from East Fork it takes about 4.5 hours. But why not make a day of it? It doesn’t cost any more to get off to hike or after passing a cool animal, get off at the next stop and catch a bus going the other way and hope to see it again.

If you can make time for several days in the Park, you can really maximize your transit experience by driving to Teklanika Campground and staying the minimum of 3 nights. When you make your reservation you can buy a “Tek Pass” for the cost of one East Fork ticket (per person). The Tek Pass allows you to ride the buses for your entire stay as long as you don’t go east of the checkpoint.

When my parents & I stayed for 3 nights, we mostly went back and forth between Teklanika and East Fork, but did travel further east to Primrose Ridge (hiking, blueberries!) one afternoon. Only one time in our roughly seven journeys by bus did we need to wait for a second bus as the first green bus was full. I am thinking 4 or 5 days would be even better next time!

Advantages:

Multiple trips for the price of one ticket.

Flexibility – get on and off wherever and whenever you want.

While driving the road, have a busload of people with you to help spot the animals.

When ready for solitude or bird watching or stretching your legs or a closer view of wildflowers, just get off the bus for awhile.

Can get an early bus or two, an evening bus or two and rest during the middle of the day.

Disadvantages:

May need to wait awhile for a bus – often running late if they have been seeing a lot of wildlife. If a bus is full need to wait for the next one with a seat available.

Weather and wildlife are unpredictable – be prepared for rain, wind, cold, heat, bears, mosquitoes, etc.

The transit buses do not have the camera with zoom and video screen for viewing wildlife that the more expensive Denali tour buses have. Bring binoculars or a good camera and if the bus is full, hope the animals are either on your side of the bus or that the critters hang around for awhile so that everyone gets a look.

No cell phone service, shopping or restaurants the entire time. (Or is this an advantage? 🤔)