Denali National Park buses return to full capacity for the summer

Passengers on transit and tour buses in Denali National Park and Preserve no longer have to abide by physical distancing measures, the National Park Service said this week.

The change applies to park transportation systems, including buses that are operated by Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture in Denali. Masks are still mandatory for everyone on tour and transit buses in the park this summer, park officials said, and people who are vaccinated will still have to wear a mask.

Transportation in Denali had been operating at a reduced capacity to accommodate riders and allow for physical distancing.

Those who are planning park trips this summer can reserve a bus seat online.

Through mid-September this year, a limited number of private vehicles are also allowed to drive the Denali Park Road to the Teklanika Rest Stop 30 miles in with a $25 permit. (Teklanika road permits are currently sold out for the season.) Vehicles without the permit can go as far as the Savage River Check Station, 15 miles in.