Anchorage to Talkeetna

Transportation at a Glance

	Estimated Time	Travel Guide/Schedule
Car	2- 2.5 Hours	Talkeetna Driving Map
Bus	2.5 Hours	Bus Schedule
Train	3 Hours	Train Schedule

By Car

This is the fastest, most flexible way to make this trip—and you’ll want to stop off at scenic viewpoints along the way. However, Talkeetna has no car rental agencies, so you can’t drop your car off here and change to another form of transportation.

By Bus

Travel time is about the same as by car, and on a motorcoach, of course, you can just kick back and enjoy the ride. Taking a bus also allows you to switch to the train for the trip to Denali, the most scenic portion of the northbound rail. (If you drive to Talkeetna you’re stuck with the car; there are no rental agencies here.) Bus arrival times range from around 10 a.m. to 5:30 or 6 p.m.

By Train

The train’s 8:15 a.m. departure puts you in Talkeetna just after 11 a.m, giving you the rest of the day to explore this quirky town. This is the most expensive option, and the scenery isn’t all that different from the road. But it’s a relaxing trip; you can have breakfast along the way and take in the views, often from a domed rail car.