Traveling To Alaska: Best Ways To Get There

Alaska is a popular destination for travellers, with more than 1.9 million visitors in 2017. The best way to travel to Alaska depends on your interests and priorities. There are five possible ways to cover the distance: by air, train, cruise ship, state ferry, or road. Anchorage is the busiest airport in Alaska, with more than 240 flights arriving daily and direct flights to many major US cities. The Alaska Railroad offers a scenic way to travel within the state, but it is not connected to the rest of the world. Cruise ships are a popular option, with over one million visitors cruising to Alaska each summer. The state ferry system offers a more affordable and intimate experience, stopping at smaller ports that cruise ships don't access. Finally, driving through Canada is an option for those who want to explore Alaska by road, but it requires careful planning and documentation.

Flying into Anchorage

Anchorage is at the heart of rail and road travel in Alaska, and there are more small aircraft and pilots in Anchorage than anywhere else in the state. The Alaska Railroad has its largest depot in Anchorage, and trains depart the city daily throughout the summer for destinations such as Denali, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Spencer Glacier.

If you fly into Anchorage, you can rent a car to explore the state further. All the major rental agencies have offices in Anchorage, and car rentals are easiest to arrange in the city. Anchorage is a great starting point for the best road trips in Alaska.

If you don't want to drive, you can still explore Alaska by booking onto a multi-day excursion or tour that departs from Anchorage. Many tour companies offer day trips and multi-day excursions that depart from Anchorage, including wildlife viewing, guided hikes, and glacier spotting. You can also use flightseeing companies to access great places off the road system, such as remote fishing spots and Denali.

Using trains and automobiles to get around

If you want to see Alaska's parks, glaciers, and wildlife, flying into Anchorage and using trains and automobiles to get around is the best option. You will have the freedom to explore the city without a car, but you will need one if you want to travel farther out to destinations such as Denali National Park or the Kenai Peninsula and Kenai Fjords National Park. Anchorage has a variety of car rental options, and the best road trips in Alaska typically start there.

Anchorage is also the heart of rail and road travel in Alaska, with the state's largest depot for the Alaska Railroad, which offers daily summer trips to Denali, Kenai Fjords National Park, and hidden gems like Spencer Glacier. The Alaska Railroad also offers special trips, such as the Glacier Discovery Train, which makes whistle-stops so passengers can go berry picking, glacier walking, or simply enjoy the scenery.

If you would rather leave the transportation to someone else, there are many tour companies in Anchorage that offer day trips and multi-day excursions. These trips can include wildlife viewing, guided hikes, glacier spotting, and other activities, all while an expert guide handles the driving.

Driving to Alaska

Another option for getting to Alaska is to drive. The Alaska Highway, also known as the Alcan Highway, is a 1,382-mile (2,224 km) road that connects Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada, to Delta Junction, Alaska. The highway is paved or chip-sealed and passes through the rugged landscapes of British Columbia, Yukon, and Alaska. Driving to Alaska offers a unique and immersive experience with more flexibility and freedom to explore less-visited areas. It is also a cost-effective option for longer trips, as camping or staying in budget-friendly motels can reduce accommodation costs.

The ideal time to drive to Alaska is during the summer, from late May to mid-September, when the weather is milder, the days are longer, and the road conditions are better. Outside of this window, many campgrounds, hotels, and lodges close for the season. It is important to plan your journey in advance, as services such as hotels, gas stations, and grocery stores can be spread out along the route. It typically takes 5 to 7 days to drive through Canada to Alaska, depending on your pace and the time allocated for rest and sightseeing.

To drive to Alaska, you will need a passport, as the majority of the Alaska Highway is in Canada. Most travellers choose one of two routes to reach the beginning of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, either through British Columbia or through Alberta. The Alberta route can include stops in Banff and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies. The British Columbia route leads through Prince George and onto the Hart Highway to Dawson Creek.

Other Options

In addition to flying or driving, some people choose to take a ferry or cruise to Alaska. There are also options to combine different modes of transportation, such as taking a train or driving to a port town and then exploring the coastline by ferry.

Going on a cruise

Alaska is a vast state with a varied landscape, from towering glaciers to icy bays and rugged mountain ranges. A cruise is a convenient way to see some of the best locations in Alaska, especially if you want to cover a lot of ground. Cruises are a great way to see Alaska's coastal mountains, glaciers, marine wildlife, and towns.

Choosing a cruise company

There are many cruise companies to choose from, including Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Costco Travel. Princess is the highest-rated Alaska cruise line, with dozens of industry awards, including being voted the number one cruise line in Alaska 20 times by the readers of Travel Weekly. Royal Caribbean has been voted the best cruise line for 21 years running.

Itinerary

A cruise is a good option if you want to visit several places in Alaska. Most cruises depart from Seattle or Vancouver, with some departing from San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Anchorage. Cruises typically last seven to ten days, with some longer options available.

Onboard activities

Cruises offer a range of onboard activities to keep you entertained while at sea. Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas, for example, features a fan-favorite Flowrider and unparalleled views from every room. You can also expect activities like bumper cars, zip-lining, and rock climbing.

Shore excursions

When your cruise ship docks at one of Alaska's ports, you'll have the opportunity to go ashore and explore. Excursions are a great way to make the most of your time in each port and see the best that Alaska has to offer. Here are some popular shore excursions:

• Whale watching in Kenai Fjords National Park
• Dog sledding in Skagway
• Glacier tours in Juneau
• Flightseeing tours in Anchorage
• Wildlife tours in Haines
• Birdwatching in Hoonah
• Historical tours in Skagway
• Hiking in Denali National Park

When to go

The best time to visit Alaska on a cruise depends on what you want to see and do. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21. If you want to see the Northern Lights, it's better to go later in the summer when the sunsets are earlier and provide more contrast.

What to pack

Alaska's weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to pack layers. Bring zip-up sweaters, boots, and a rain jacket. You might also want to bring binoculars, a rain poncho, and a day pack for shore excursions.

Local cuisine

When in Alaska, be sure to try the local cuisine, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients. Some dishes to try include:

• Wild-caught salmon
• Alaskan King Crab
• Sourdough bread
• Alaskan wild berry pies

Renting a car

Rentals are expensive, ranging from $100 to $150 per day, but there are ways to save money. For example, visiting in May or September can reduce costs to as little as $30-$50 per day for a midsize car. Reserving in advance and taking advantage of corporate discounts can also lower rates. If you're renting last minute, check rates frequently as they change several times a day.

When renting a car in Alaska, be aware of the following:

• Most rental companies don't allow their vehicles on non-paved roads, and doing so may void your insurance. If you want to explore gravel roads, consider renting from a company that specializes in this, such as Alaska 4x4 Rentals, Alaska Overlander, or Alaska Auto Rental.
• The maximum speed limit in Alaska is 65 mph, but most highways have a speed limit of 55 mph. The speed limit is 20-25 mph in business districts and residential areas and 15 mph in alleyways.
• Always keep your headlights on, regardless of the time of day.
• Be alert for wildlife, as moose, deer, caribou, bears, and other animals have the right of way and can appear suddenly.
• Buckle up and ensure any children are in the appropriate car seats, as required by Alaskan law.
• Bring a map or GPS, as remote Alaskan roads can be confusing, with markers sometimes in kilometers instead of miles.
• You can cross state and international borders, including the neighboring Canadian border, with your rental car. Just inform the rental agency of your travel plans.

Taking a ferry

The ferry from Bellingham to Alaska travels along the Inside Passage, stopping at ports including Ketchikan, Wrangell, Sitka, Petersburg, Juneau, Haines, and Skagway. The full route continues to Dutch Harbour and Unalaska in the Aleutian Islands. The ferry runs year-round, with an additional sailing added every other Wednesday from May to September, which reaches as far as Whittier. This route bypasses Canada and delivers passengers within 90 minutes of Anchorage.

The Bellingham ferry terminal is located in Fairhaven Village, Bellingham, and the journey to Ketchikan takes 36 hours. The full route to Skagway takes around three days. The ferries have a range of sleeping options, from private cabins to deck space where passengers can pitch a tent. There are dining rooms and cafeterias on board, as well as heated solariums and forward observation lounges.

Ferries to Alaska fill up quickly, especially during the summer months, so it's important to book in advance. Costs vary depending on destination, vehicle size, sleeping accommodations, date of ticket purchase, and availability. Dynamic pricing means that fares increase as space on sailings decreases, so it's best to book early.

Frequently asked questions