Skip the rental-car scramble and relax into a 45‑minute scenic transfer from Anchorage to Alyeska. The Girdwood Express is a shared shuttle built for hikers, skiers and day-trippers heading into Chugach State Park.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A low, steady rumble from the highway and the Turnagain Arm sliding past like a living mirror set the tone as the Girdwood Express rolls out of Anchorage. In under an hour you leave city grids behind and enter Chugach’s lean slopes, where glaciers pull the light and the spruce lean toward the road as if curious about your destination.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
45 minutes one-way
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for all travelers in basic mobility
Wildlife
History
Girdwood began as a turn-of-the-20th-century mining and railroad community and evolved around the Alyeska Resort after mid‑20th-century development.
Conservation
Chugach State Park and Turnagain Arm are sensitive habitats—practice Leave No Trace, respect closures and be bear-aware when hiking off the road.
Reserve your spot on the Alyeska/Girdwood Express today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book morning or early afternoon slots
Mornings reduce risk of merged departures and give maximum daylight in Girdwood for activities; afternoons can be busier and subject to schedule adjustments.
Confirm flight details the night before
Operator monitors arrivals but reconfirming helps coordinate pickups and minimizes wait if flights shift; provide airline and flight number at booking.
Dress in layers and carry a compact daypack
Coastal winds and elevation swings make layering essential; have rainproof outerwear and a small pack for snacks or camera gear.
Expect shared-ride logistics
You’ll be grouped with other travelers within the same timeframe, so allow flexibility for minor route adjustments or additional stops.
Layered jacket (insulating + rain shell)
Rapid weather shifts along Turnagain Arm make warm, waterproof layers useful year-round.
Daypack
Holds essentials for onward hikes, snacks and camera gear once you reach Girdwood.
Mobile ticket or printed confirmation
Required for boarding and speeds up check-in—operator accepts mobile or paper tickets.
Small binoculars
Useful for spotting eagles, marine life in the Arm and distant glaciers from the road.