Here’s what you need to know about our shuttle transportation, plus some information about the beautiful drive between Anchorage and the community of Palmer.
There are so many complicated details to arrange when planning a trip to Alaska, but transportation hassles shouldn’t be one of them. Outbound Heli wants every step of your Alaska vacation to be as smooth as possible, and are happy to announce that we now offer round-trip transportation from Anchorage to our base of operations in Palmer.
Located just 45 scenic minutes from downtown Anchorage, Outbound Heli Adventures is the closest helicopter glacier tour operator to Alaska’s largest city, and, as a bonus, it just happens to be a beautiful drive as well.
Serving guests for all Outbound Heli trips, our comfortable shuttle van operates daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. between May 15 and September 15. We’ll pick you up at just about any Anchorage location as well, from hotels and Airbnbs to the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Plus, after your helicopter adventure, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and scroll through all the amazing photos you took, while our driver heads back to the city.
At just $90 per person, the Outbound Heli shuttle is also a great deal, especially if you’re only in Anchorage for a short time and don’t want to rent a car.
How to book our shuttle
When you are booking our adventures on the website, you will be able to add the shuttle before finalizing your order. You can also email or call our office to add to your existing booking.
What you’ll see along the way on our shuttle
Traveling north and a bit east along the scenic Glenn Highway from Anchorage to Palmer, Outbound Heli’s shuttle service allows guests to enjoy the views of Southcentral Alaska’s stunning scenery, including lush forests, grassy meadows, and the meandering Knik River. Our shuttle driver always keeps an eye out for wildlife along the way, too, especially moose that often browse willow shrubs along the roadway.
Heading out of town, the Chugach range is visible on the right (south) side of the van. Much of these mountains sit within Chugach State Park, the nation’s third-largest. With a wide range of activities available across the entire area, the Chugach is a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and, at Eklutna Lake, kayaking the seven miles to Eklutna Glacier. The U.S. Air Force and Army are represented on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, located on the eastern edge of Anchorage and stretching more than 64,000 acres along the northwest and southern sides of the Glenn Highway.
To the left and front (northwest and north, respectively) sit the Talkeetna Mountains. These peaks provide a dramatic backdrop for the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, known affectionately as “the MatSu” by locals. The Talkeetna range stretches approximately 100 miles north-to-south in an oval sort of shape, with east-to-west about 70 miles in diameter. The valleys created by these towering peaks, with their volcanic and glacier soil composition, have proven to be an agricultural hotspot, with many farms built up during the Depression as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal that brought colonists from the Midwest to Palmer.
What you should bring and wear
The word of the day is layers, and they are key to a comfortable, safe Alaska adventure due to the fact that our weather can change with little notice. Dress with a base layer of a long sleeved, non-cotton shirt, then pack a fleece layer and add a waterproof jacket, even if the weather at the moment is clear. This final layer also adds windbreaker protection (it can be breezy up on a glacier!). For footwear, make sure everyone in your party is wearing close-toed shoes with good traction. Sneakers or hiking shoes are generally fine, but it’s important to know that heeled shoes or sandals are not permitted, for your safety.
The Outbound Heli shuttle has the capacity for each guest to bring a small backpack, and in this bag you should put extra clothing, a hat, sunglasses, a water bottle, and a snack or two. And don’t forget your camera! Our website FAQs go into more detail about gear, so check it out prior to pick up.
Our base is located in the community of Palmer, 45 minutes from Anchorage, and within the heart of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Upon arrival, our friendly team will help you check in, answer any questions, and provide the necessary safety and information briefings before your flight. Welcome to one of the best ways to see Alaska; we can’t wait to show you around!
Need more information or have questions about the Outbound Heli Adventures shuttle? Give us a call at +1 907-351-6736, or email our team at info@outboundheli.com.