Denali trip before cruise

Question

Please help with my travel plans. We leave on Princess cruise Wednesday June 18th.

My plans so far.

Fly in Friday June 13th at 230pm getting a rental car at the Anchorage airport

Not sure if we should stay in Anchorage or where a good place to stay on our way to Denali would be.

Staying at Grande Denali Lodge on the 14-16th. Found most places booked so I'm hoping we will like this place.

Not sure where we are staying next. I would like to stay in Anchorage the night before so maybe stay the 16 and 17 in Anchorage.

I have to return the car to the airport but didn't realize it was a two hour drive to the ship port.

I was trying to pick up and return car to same spot.

From what I can see I can pay for a coach bus or train ride to the port. If we choose the train is it pretty easy to figure out? We have never traveled by train, Also how do we get from the airport to the train station?

Two parents both 52 and two adult children 20+21 traveling. We enjoy National parks on most vacations. So any ideas or must sees would be great since that the next step in my planning

Thanks for any help

Answer

Your Denali and Alaska pre-cruise itinerary can be optimized with a few adjustments to make travel smoother and maximize your time in the parks while minimizing stress before boarding your Princess cruise.

Flying into Anchorage on Friday, June 13th:

Since you arrive mid-afternoon, it may be best to spend the night in Anchorage before heading north to Denali on Saturday morning. Staying in Anchorage allows you to rest after your flight and pick up your rental car without rushing.

Consider hotels near the airport such as the Anchorage Marriott, Hotel Captain Cook, or Hyatt Place for convenience and easy access to your rental car. Staying in downtown Anchorage is also an option if you want to explore local restaurants or shops that evening.
Driving to Denali is approximately 4–5 hours from Anchorage, so an early Saturday departure allows you to make the most of your first full day in the area.

Grande Denali Lodge (June 14–16):

The lodge is well-located for access to Denali National Park. While the lodge itself has limited nearby restaurants or shops, it provides a good base for park activities and day tours.

Within Denali, consider the following activities:

Take a shuttle bus or guided tour into the park. The Tundra Wilderness Tour is highly recommended for first-time visitors; it offers wildlife viewing, scenic stops, and great photo opportunities without hiking long distances.
Short walks along the Savage River, Horseshoe Lake, or the visitor center trails are perfect for adults who enjoy nature without strenuous hiking.
If you have a full day, consider a guided rafting trip or flightseeing tour around the park for a unique perspective of the mountains and glaciers.

Returning to Anchorage (June 16–17):

After your stay at Grande Denali Lodge, drive back to Anchorage. To reduce stress on the day of your cruise departure, it’s wise to stay in Anchorage the night before. You can either return your rental car that evening or keep it overnight depending on your cruise departure plans.

If you return the car the night before your cruise, you can arrange a shuttle or taxi to the cruise port the next morning. The drive from Anchorage to Whittier or Seward (where many Princess cruises depart) is approximately 2–2.5 hours.
If you plan to use the Alaska Railroad, the Anchorage train station is downtown. You can take a taxi or rideshare from your hotel to the station. The train is straightforward for first-time travelers, with staff on hand to assist and provide guidance. The Coastal Classic or Glacier Discovery routes provide scenic views along the way. Note that train schedules should be checked in advance, as they may vary slightly in June.
Alternatively, coach buses run regularly between Anchorage and the cruise port. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to drive or take the train. Many buses depart from downtown Anchorage hotels and have luggage handling included.

Other recommendations along the way:

Consider a brief stop in Talkeetna on your way to Denali. This charming town has shops, cafés, and opportunities for short hikes or river views. Flightseeing tours of Denali are also offered here.
In Anchorage, if time permits, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center or the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for a relaxing outdoor stroll before your cruise.
Fuel up on snacks, water, and essentials before leaving Anchorage for Denali, as services along the Parks Highway are limited.

Summary:

Your plan is workable and efficient. Key tips are to:

Spend the first night in Anchorage after your flight.
Drive to Denali early Saturday morning and stay at Grande Denali Lodge for June 14–16.
Return to Anchorage on June 16, stay overnight June 16–17, and plan your transportation to the cruise port the next day using a bus, train, or rental car drop-off.
Book any park tours, train tickets, or shuttle services in advance to ensure availability during mid-June peak season.

This itinerary allows you to enjoy Denali’s highlights, have a comfortable Anchorage stay before your cruise, and minimize stress with transportation logistics.

Denali trip before cruise

More Denali National Park and Preserve Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions