Travel & Logistics
Travel to Alaska
Most participants fly into Anchorage International Airport and travel from there to Talkeetna. For information on flights to and within Alaska, contact our local experts:
Talkeetna Travel
907-733-8728
Travel from Anchorage to Talkeetna
Talkeetna is accessible by highway, railroad, or air. Highway travel time is about three hours. Van shuttles offer daily service between Anchorage and Talkeetna during the climbing season. Most shuttles require reservations for service to downtown Talkeetna.
It is important to make your shuttle or train reservations before booking your flight to Anchorage to ensure that you’ll be able to arrive in Talkeetna on time.
Please contact AMS to request a ride from the train or bus station to your lodging. The summer train station is located ¼ mile from downtown and the bus drops off 1 mile from downtown Talkeetna.
Talkeetna Taxi
907-355-8294
locally owned, operated, and great customer service
Denali Overland Transportation
907-733-2384
1-800-651-5221
locally owned and operated
Go Purple Shuttle
907-644-8098
popular, reasonable fares, custom times
Alaska Railroad
1-800-544-0552
one northbound train daily to Talkeetna, from mid-May to mid-September
Park Connection Motorcoach
1-800-208-0200
nice motor coaches, stops at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge from mid-May to mid-September
Nestled against the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city with a population of just over 260,000 people.
The following accommodations have been recommended by AMS clients and students.
Anchorage Guesthouse
907-276-7226
similar to a hostel and particularly popular choice among climbers and AMS participants, in midtown Anchorage
Executive Suite Hotel
907-243-6366
apartment style suites, near airport
Copper Whale Inn
907-258-7999
downtown Anchorage, next to the waters of Cook Inlet
Hotel Captain Cook
800-843-1950
downtown Anchorage, five star hotel.
Duke’s 8th Ave Hotel
800-478-4837
907-274-6213
Hampton Inn
907-550-7000
You are welcome to stay at the AMS campground before or after your expedition, free of charge. Just bring your own tent and be aware there is no running water. Showers and laundry are available for a small fee at the Roadhouse, three blocks away.
Chinook Wind Cabins
800-643-1899
located right next door to AMS
Talkeetna Roadhouse
907-733-1351
10% discount for AMS participants, famous breakfasts & bakery
Talkeetna Hideaway Guesthouse
907-232-7944
Nine furnished guestrooms, free internet, laundry facilities and full kitchen
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
877-777-4067
luxury hotel, ¾ mile from downtown & AMS
Talkeetna Cabins
907-733-2227
new efficiency cabins in the heart of downtown
Talkeetna Inn
866-436-5672
on the river, close to AMS and downtown
Swiss Alaska Inn
907-733-2424
family operated, conveniently located, offering a discount to AMS climbers
AMS suggests that you purchase travel insurance immediately after paying your deposit. This insurance may cover costs if you are unable to join your program due to personal emergency, personal or family medical reasons, or if a program is canceled for reasons beyond AMS’ control. It may also cover evacuation and medical expenses in the result of illness or injury.
AMS is not responsible for costs associated with canceled enrollment, programs that cancel for reasons beyond AMS’ control, and evacuations from the mountains. Check with your travel agent for more policies. Many climbers use Travelguard.