Transportation Denali to Anchorage

[nicaphile]

My first time posting:)

Is there any other way to get back to Anchorage from Denali? The train gets in at 8:30 pm. The Park Connection Motor Coach gets in at 1:30. Our flight is at 8:30.pm. If there isn't another way, is it practical to take the bus, get our bags to the airport and then venture into Anchorage for a few hours?

The other possibility is to keep the rental car for the trip to Denali, but I am not sure we want to miss the chance to experience the train. Ideas? Opinions?

[springtxbill]

Some of the airlines will not let you check your bags in until 4 hours before the flight, so check with your airline. You may just need to stay another day.:)

[Budget Queen]

How much time are you there??? The rail is best used when you have TIME and at least 2 overnights at Denali Park, also great is a day in Talkeetna.

 

The train isn't that scenic and has a great deal of the routing along the Parks Highway. I would definately keep the car. I have ridden the entire Alaska RR and BY far, the most scenic portion is the Anchorage/Seward portion, if you have budgeted the time- take that and forget the Anchorage/Denali run.

[nicaphile]

Thank you, that's helpful. Is there a part of the Anchorage-Seward train trip that is different than what you would see in a car? We plan to drive to Seward, but would consider doing a RT train Anchorage to Girdwood if that part was scenic and different than what we would see driving. Thanks

[Budget Queen]

No it's not the Anchorage Girdwood portion, which is exactly the same as the Seward Highway. It's the Girdwood/Seward portion. Way superior to the highway.