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.
Getting There
Coordinates
Latitude: 61.217888Longitude: -149.878555
Anchorage stop: GuestHouse Suites, downtown Anchorage
Tok stop: Three Bears Outpost
Fairbanks stop: Transit Center
Prices & Dates
Season | Year Round | Monday, Wednesday, Friday |
Rates | $30–$170, depending on route | $5 cash discount | 50% off for active military |
Rate Notes | Bicycles and pets are allowed for an additional charge. |
Look for occasional specials on their site and Facebook page. | |
Luggage Allowance: 2 regular suitcases and 1 small carry-on per person; extra luggage will be an additional charge. |