Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kinds of vehicles are used for the Park Connection?
A: We operate full size deluxe 52 passenger Prevost Motorcoaches. Learn More »
Q: Do you run every day even if only a few people are scheduled?
A: Yes. The Park Connection operates 7 days a week between mid-May and mid-September regardless of how many people we have scheduled.
Q: Is the Park Connection wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes. We require a 48 hour notification for anyone requiring a wheelchair accessible coach. The motorcoach can accommodate up to two wheelchair clients at one time.
Q: What are the operating dates of the Park Connection?
A: We operate 7 days a week from mid-May to mid-September. See our schedule for specific operating dates. Learn More »
Q: What destinations does the Park Connection serve?
A: We offer daily Motorcoach services between Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Seward. We also offer services on a limited basis to Whittier, Girdwood and Moose Pass. Learn More »
Q: What are the limits for luggage on your service?
A: We allow two bags per person and a small carry on item. Additional fees may be incurred if you have an excessively large oversized bag or for particular items. These items include bicycles, fish boxes, mountain equipment in large duffel bags or fishing equipment. We do not charge for items like strollers, car seats, wheelchairs, scooters or oxygen concentrators.
Q: Can I take a firearm with me on the Park Connection?
A: Yes. Firearms can be transported on the motorcoaches but must be in a proper gun case, locked and ammunition located in a separate bag. The firearm will be stowed underneath in the luggage bays for transport.
Q: Do I need to bring a car seat for my small child?
A: Car seats are not required for children on the Park Connection Motorcoach. The State of Alaska does have a strict child car seat law for most other passenger vehicles, so keep that in mind in case some of your other tours require you to have car seat restraints.
Q: What is the child rate for the Park Connection?
A: Adult rates are based on anyone 12 years and older. Child rates are based on 11 years and under including infants. Child rates are 50% off adult rates. Learn More »
Q: Does the Park Connection have a restroom on board?
A: Yes. We ONLY operate 52 passenger deluxe motorcoaches that do have a restroom on board.
Q: Does the Park Connection make photo stops along the way?
A: Alaska offers plenty of beauty along our scenic byways regardless of what direction you are traveling, however, we are limited in the areas that we can stop. We are considered a transportation service as well and have a strict schedule to adhere too. This can sometimes make it difficult to stop along our routes. Wildlife can be seen at any random time along our highways and we try to slow down to get a good view but usually are unable to stop. The motorcoaches do have ample opportunity to take photos since we do have large picture windows on each side of our coaches.
Q: Does the Park Connection offer any tour narration?
A: Yes. Our drivers are encouraged to give light and informative narration relevant to the scenery and location you travel through.
Q: What are the lunch options near the Dena'ina Civic Center?
A: The Dena’ina Civic Center is in the heart of downtown Anchorage, so there are plenty of options for to-go food or a quick sit-down meal nearby. Dark Horse Coffee Company, Alaska’s Gourmet Subs, Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse, Flattop Pizza, Pil’s Deli, Urban Greens Subs & Salads, and the Anchorage Cider House are all within five blocks of the Dena’ina. Since restaurant hours can change, we recommend checking with one of our Park Connection staff for their favorite open spots nearby.
Q: When I disembark from the cruise ship how do I find you?
A: It depends on the port:
In WHITTIER when you get off the cruise ship you will enter a cruise terminal where you will need to claim your luggage. Once you find your bags, look for the Park Connection sign located near a seating area. Please remain seated and we will have a representative come in to meet you.
In SEWARD ON FRIDAYS and MONDAYS when ships are in port we generally have a departure right from the cruise dock. Check your Park Connection documents and if this is the case when you disembark the cruise ship you will enter a cruise ship terminal where you will need to claim your luggage. Then once you have found your luggage remain inside the terminal and a representative will come into the terminal when the Park Connection motorcoach arrives to guide you out to our motorcoach.
In SEWARD ON OTHER DAYS when you get off the cruise ship you will enter a cruise terminal where you will need to find your luggage. Then exit the terminal and look for the Shuttle Sign for the free City Shuttle from the Port Terminal to the small boat harbor where you will board the Park Connection motorcoach service. Their shuttle is complimentary, it is a short 5 minute transfer to the small boat harbor.
Q: Will the Park Connection drop me off at my cruise ship?
A: It depends on the port:
In WHITTIER we will drop you off at the cruise ship terminal.
In SEWARD if you take our afternoon service from Anchorage at 3:00 PM we will drop you off at the cruise ship terminal in Seward. If you choose to take our morning service, you have the choice of going to the small boat harbor where you can lunch or explore Seward until they allow you to enter the embarkation terminal, typically around 11:30am. The Gateway Hotel, located one block from the Seward Boat Harbor offers a luggage check for a small fee. The City of Seward offers a free shuttle from the small boat harbor to the cruise ship terminal.
Q: Do you drop off or pick up at all hotels and the airport?
A: We have designated stops along all of our routes. When you make your reservation and provide your information we will determine the best place to board the Park Connection. For all of our services into Anchorage we offer a drop off downtown and the Ted Stevens International airport main terminal.
Q: Can I take the Park Connection if I don't have a reservation?
A: We do welcome walk on last minute guests on a space available basis, although advance reservations are recommended. You can pay the driver exact cash or have the driver call the manager on duty to use a credit card. You can also call our main office at 800-266-8625 to make a reservation over the phone.
Q: Can I switch my reservation to a different day?
A: Yes you can, subject to availablity, and fees may apply. If you have a special circumstance and need to change only the date of your reservation please contact us. Learn More »
Q: Can I take the Park Connection from Whittier to Seward or vice versa?
A: Yes, new for 2025 we are offering direct service between Whittier and Seward on most major ship days.