Interior Alaska Bus Line

This is your chance to travel like the locals! Many Alaskans ride this bus line that motors between Anchorage, Glennallen, Fairbanks, and Tok, making stops along the way in off-the-beaten-path destinations.

The Experience

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, you can board a van or a 20-passenger bus to travel Interior Alaska Bus Lines’ route. It’s a true locals experience—this is the bus that rural Alaskans ride—and it gives you a great opportunity to connect with real Alaskans. As you traverse less-direct routes than the tourist buses, you’ll have the opportunity to visit remote locations that you could only see if you rented a car—places like Mentasta, Midway, Slana, Glennallen, Eureka, Delta Junction, and Northway. Sit up front and your driver may even point things out along the way!

There’s no restroom on board, but there are plenty of scheduled stops, and you’ll be able to take additional bathroom breaks if needed. Stops along the way are often gas stations or lodges, so you’ll have opportunities to grab food as well.

Details

Schedule: Operates year-round on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Vehicles: Each route has two vehicles: a 12-passenger van with van seating and a 20-passenger bus, with 2 seats on each side of an aisle.

Suggested Routes

Here are some of the trips you could take aboard Interior Alaska Bus Lines.

Anchorage to Glennallen

This is a gateway to Wrangell St. Elias National Park; from Glennallen, you can fly to McCarthy/Kennicott.

• Departs Anchorage 5:55 a.m., arrives Glennallen 9:45 a.m.; $70
  

Anchorage to Fairbanks (via Tok)

This 12-hour ride follows the Glenn and Richardson highways. It’s a less-direct route than taking the Parks Highway, but you get to see a lot of the state.

• Departs Anchorage 5:55 a.m., arrives Fairbanks 5:45 p.m. Departs Fairbanks 8:30 a.m., arrives Anchorage 8:45p.m.; $160

Anchorage or Fairbanks to Tok

The first major stopping point across the Canadian border for visitors who drive the Alcan, Tok has several campgrounds and hotels. Stay a few nights and enjoy flightseeing, hiking, and other adventures.

• Departs Anchorage 5:55 a.m., arrives Tok 12:50 p.m. Departs Fairbanks 8:15 a.m., arrives Tok 12:15 p.m; $120 from Anchorage, $80 from Fairbanks.