The Adventure Begins
Compared to locations like Anchorage or Fairbanks, McCarthy is a little off the beaten path! We thought it would be helpful to create a brief summary of the options for traveling to McCarthy. Remember, it takes a while to get to us, so plan on staying an extra night to truly explore the area.
Read Through Our FAQs
Option 1: Drive
The condition of the McCarthy Road has improved greatly over the past few years, so much so that many car rental companies are now willing to allow select vehicles on the McCarthy Road.
Here’s a list of car rental companies that allow you access to their vehicles for travel on the McCarthy Road:
Budget Rent A Car
Exclusive to McCarthy Lodge & Ma Johnson’s Guests allows SUV vehicles on the McCarthy Road with proof of full coverage of insurance. Alaska’s offices for Budget Car Rental: toll-free number 1-800-248-0150, or from overseas 1-907-243-0150.
Rent-A-Subaru
alaska 4x4 rentals
Alaska 4x4 Rentals is a 100% Alaskan owned business with a focus on providing outstanding customer service. Our clients can expect friendly and professional service and high quality, roomy and capable vehicles for their Alaskan adventures. Call 907-290-0173
go north
GoNorth Car & RV Rental in Anchorage, Fairbanks & Whitehorse: offers 4 wheel drive SUV’s, trucks and truck campers that are allowed on public gravel roads, including the McCarthy Road. Call 866-236-7272 or (907) 479-7272.
GoNorth Car & RV Rental
levi car rental
1135 E Dowling Rd, Anchorage, AK 99518
a-1 car rental / anchorage vans
3710 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK
Driving Directions
From Anchorage
- 307 mile
- East on Glen Hwy
- 7 hours travel time
From Glenallen
- 128 miles
- South on the Edgerton Hwy
- 3h 45m travel time
From Fairbanks
- 371 miles
- South on the Richardson Hwy
- 8 hours travel time
Option 2: Fly
Flying in to the back-country of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is, for many, a trip of a lifetime. The remote areas of this pristine world heritage site are accessible by bush plane, offering a variety of outdoor experiences unique to Alaska. Many visitors are finding that a fly-in guided day trip is a great way to experience the back-country, yet return to the comfort of Ma Johnson’s Hotel.
Wrangell Mountain Air
Take one of 3 daily flights into McCarthy from Chitina and avoid the McCarthy Road. Flight Tour Shuttle at McCarthy included! Go to the Wrangell Mountain Air website for details or call 1-800-478-1160 / 907-554-4411.
Mail Plane
From Anchorage or Gulkona, you can also use the Mail Plane to get to and from McCarthy and Gulkona (which is near Glennallen), or Anchorage. Scheduled Shuttle service as part of the US Mail delivery by plane! Flights are on Monday and Thursday between Anchorage and McCarthy. In 2020 Reeve Air is adding even more options for Anchorage to McCarthy air service, check out the links below!
Personal Bush Plane
Flying to McCarthy in your own bush plane?
If you have your own private plane, you can also fly into the McCarthy airfield. There are also several private air taxi services available in the area.
No matter how you get here, be sure to do a flight seeing trip into the deep wilderness that surrounds McCarthy!
Option 3: Shuttle
Whether you’re wanting to do a day trip or multi-day stay and don’t want to leave a rental car sitting, there are several shuttle options for you. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as you are driven to us.
Copper Spike Transport
Featuring brand new luxury vans specifically for the added comfort you want on the McCarthy Road trip.
Kennicott Shuttle
Replace the drive with a shuttle van ride by Kennicott Shuttle (formally Backcountry Connection). They offer scheduled shuttle services between Anchorage and McCarthy and daily van service from Glennallen to McCarthy for backpackers during the summer months. Call 907-822-5292.
Overflow Shuttle - Scheduled Anchorage to McCarthy Shuttles
Scheduled Anchorage to McCarthy Shuttles and rate info: www.overflowtransit.com
Anchorage Departures every Monday and Friday
McCarthy Departures every Sunday and Thursday
This is a locally owned family business. www.overflowtransit.com
Bus Line - Fairbanks to Glenallen
Take Alaska/Yukon Trails Bus Line from Fairbanks to Glennallen, then take Backcountry Connection from Glennallen to McCarthy. Alaska/Yukon Trails connects Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Valdez, Prince William Sound, Whittier, Seward within Alaska and Dawson City, Yukon Territory. For reservations, please call 1-800-770-7275.
Bus Line - Anchorage to Glenallen
Via Alaska Direct Bus Line & The Kennicott Shuttle. Reservations required. Please call: In Anchorage: 907-277-6652; In Whitehorse: 867-668-4833; In other areas: 1-800-770-6652. Passengers are allowed one piece of luggage and one overnight or flight bag (which must fit in the overhead rack). Excess baggage will generate an additional charge.
