Exploring Alaska: Best Ways To Travel The State

There are many ways to travel around Alaska, including by air, road, rail, sea, or a combination of these. The best option for you will depend on your budget, how much time you have, and your travel preferences. If you want to travel independently, you can rent a car or RV, or take a bus or train. If you'd prefer to join an organised tour, you can choose from motorcoach tours, cruises, or flightseeing and helicopter tours.

Travel by air

Flying is a great way to get to and around Alaska, offering a unique perspective on the state's sweeping landscapes and providing access to some of its most remote areas.

The main airports in Alaska are in Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau, with regular jet services connecting them to the rest of the country. From these larger airports, regional carriers and chartered services provide access to smaller communities, villages, and remote areas.

If you're looking to fly between major cities and moderately-sized towns, commercial flights are readily available. Alaska Airlines is the main operator, with Delta and United also offering flights to the state. These airlines connect cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan, as well as smaller towns like Cordova, Yakutat, and Petersburg.

For those looking to venture even further off the beaten path, bush planes can take you to some of Alaska's most remote national parks, as well as to the southwest and Arctic regions. These areas are truly wild and rarely visited by most travellers, so if you're looking for an adventure, this could be the option for you.

Another option for air travel in Alaska is flightseeing. These tours typically depart and return to the same location, so you won't be using them to get from point A to point B. However, they offer a chance to see the state from a bird's-eye view and access areas that may be difficult to reach by other means. Popular flightseeing tours include the Glacier Landing in Denali National Park and the Katmai National Park Bear Viewing tour.

When planning your trip to Alaska, keep in mind that air travel can be a great way to cover long distances quickly and access remote areas. However, it may be more expensive than other forms of transportation, and you'll need to book in advance to ensure you get the flights you want.

Travel by road

Alaska is a car-friendly destination, and driving is a great way to experience the state's breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Here are some tips and things to keep in mind for travelling through Alaska by road:

Driving to Alaska

If you're driving to Alaska from the contiguous United States, you'll be crossing through Canada and there are over 100 border crossings to choose from. The most popular route is the Alaska-Canadian Highway (ALCAN), a 1,387-mile road that connects Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska. This route offers more services and attractions, including Liard River Hot Springs and Muncho Lake. The Cassiar Highway is a less travelled alternative that runs about 450 miles from Kitwanga Junction to Junction 37, where it meets the ALCAN. This route offers less traffic and better wildlife viewing opportunities, but there are fewer services along the way.

The ideal time to drive to Alaska is during the summer, from late May to mid-September, as you'll have milder weather and longer daylight hours. Most people take 5-7 days to drive through Canada, depending on their pace and desired stops.

Driving in Alaska

Roads in Alaska are generally well-maintained and wide enough to accommodate large vehicles. The distances between gas stations can be long, so it's recommended to fill up whenever possible. Some notable roads in Alaska include:

• The Glenn Highway: This route takes you east from Anchorage towards the Yukon, offering breathtaking views of Mount Wrangell.
• Richardson Highway: One of two routes from Fairbanks to the south, the Richardson Highway intersects with the Glenn Highway and leads to Valdez on the edge of Prince William Sound.
• Parks Highway: This highway takes you from Anchorage to Fairbanks, passing by the entrance of Denali National Park.

Car Rentals and Public Transport

Car and RV rentals are available in most Alaskan cities, and it's recommended to book these in advance. Major rental agencies operate in Alaska, but there are also local options.

For those who don't want to drive, there are public transport options available. The Park Connection is a bus service that connects major cities like Seward (Kenai Fjords National Park), Anchorage, and Denali. Additionally, there are taxis and car-sharing services like Uber and Lyft available in Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Travel by sea

Travelling by sea is a great way to experience Alaska's coastal mountains, glaciers, marine wildlife, and towns. There are several options for those who wish to explore Alaska by boat, including cruises, ferries, and chartered boats.

Cruises

Cruises are a popular choice for travellers to Alaska, especially for those visiting for the first time. Multi-day cruise packages offer convenience, a wide range of services, and a balance of relaxation and adventure. Cruise ships typically offer all-inclusive meals, entertainment, and amenities, with some featuring luxury accommodations and services. The best time for cruising is from June through September, with a few sailings also available during the shoulder season in May and October.

Cruises departing from Seattle or Vancouver, BC, usually explore the Inside Passage and return to their departure city or continue on to Southcentral Alaska, ending in Whittier, Seward, or Anchorage. These cruises allow passengers to visit multiple communities and national parks, such as Glacier Bay National Park and Prince William Sound, where they can witness tidewater glaciers calving into the ocean.

When choosing a cruise, consider the size of the ship. Mega-ships carry 2,500 or more passengers, while mid-sized ships carry fewer, and small ships carry less than 150 passengers. Small and mid-sized ships offer a more intimate experience and allow more time in each port city.

Ferries

The Alaska Marine Highway System, also known as the Alaska State Ferry, is a vital part of the transportation network in Alaska. These ferries connect major waterfront communities in Southeast and Southwest Alaska, including Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Whittier, and Kodiak. They offer a more affordable and informal way to explore Alaska by boat, with the option to bring your vehicle on board.

Chartered Boats

For a more customised experience, you can charter a boat for a day or for transport to specific destinations. This option is ideal for completing a bucket list item, such as fishing or exploring remote areas of Alaska.

Travel by train

There are two railroads operating in Alaska: the Alaska Railroad and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Both trains journey through areas that are inaccessible by road and offer "whistle stop" service for passengers to disembark along the way for a quiet day of picnicking, fishing, or hiking.

The Alaska Railroad

The Alaska Railroad is a modern railroad with track stretching 470 miles from Seward to Fairbanks, with stops in top destinations like Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, and more. The railroad is famed for its glass-domed rail cars and excellent service.

The train tours are a convenient and fun option for those interested in seeing Southcentral and Interior Alaska but who don't want to drive themselves. You can hop on board for a scenic day trip or book a multi-day package that includes overnight stays at hotels and lodges along the way, with activities such as rafting, wildlife viewing, hiking, ziplining, and more. A major rail station in Denali National Park provides one of the most favoured methods of reaching the iconic national park.

There are two classes of passenger service available, including GoldStar Service featuring glass-domed ceilings and outside viewing platforms. Locally-sourced food and beverages are offered in dining cars so you can enjoy hearty and delicious meals on your journey. Local tour guides provide narration and point out the bears, moose, bald eagles, and other wildlife that can be seen along the way.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

For a train adventure in the Inside Passage, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad travels from Skagway to Fraser, British Columbia. Established in 1891 during the Klondike Gold Rush, it’s now a scenic rail line that takes visitors through rugged terrain and impressive scenery.

Several tour options are available, ranging from two hours to a full day, with drop-off options for camping and hiking excursions. Route highlights include Glacier Gorge, Dead Horse Gulch, and Bridal Veil Falls. The train climbs steeply up to White Pass, the boundary between the United States and Canada, at 2,888 feet in elevation. The two-hour train tour is one of the top excursions in Skagway and is a popular option for cruise ship passengers in port for the day.

Travel by bus or shuttle

If you're looking for a convenient and affordable way to travel around Alaska, consider travelling by bus or shuttle. These options allow you to leave the navigating to someone else while you enjoy the state's scenic highways and landscapes.

Motorcoaches, Buses, and Shuttles

Deluxe motorcoaches offer generous space, comfortable seating with large windows, overhead and rear luggage storage, and a PA system for tour guide narration. They are a great option for those looking to socialise with travelling companions and meet fellow travellers. Some companies even offer private charter services in buses or vans, providing a more customised and intimate experience.

Shuttle Services

Shuttle transportation is ideal for visitors who want to explore Alaska's top destinations by road without the hassle of renting a car. Shuttles range from short transfers to custom multi-day itineraries. Some companies offer regularly scheduled shuttle services within specific areas, transporting visitors from hotels and community pick-up locations to top attractions. Other shuttles run between communities or on roads that are not recommended for rental cars.

Bus and Motorcoach Tours

Alaska bus and motorcoach tours offer the convenience of packaged travel, with excellent tour options and stops at off-the-beaten-path destinations. These tours can range from one day to several weeks, connecting top destinations like Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Talkeetna, Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Valdez. They are a particularly convenient post-cruise land tour option for cruise ship passengers disembarking in Anchorage, Seward, and Whittier.

Specific Bus and Shuttle Services

The Park Connection offers a deluxe, scheduled motorcoach service connecting Denali Park to Anchorage, Talkeetna, Seward, and Whittier. Airlink Shuttle & Tours is an Alaskan-family-owned and operated company that provides transportation for your trip. Premier Alaska Tours, Inc. offers unique touring styles that allow guests to experience Alaska authentically, rather than merely passing through.

Benefits of Travelling by Bus or Shuttle

Travelling by bus or shuttle in Alaska is a comfortable and budget-friendly option. It allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and wildlife that the state has to offer. You can also connect with other travellers and join group tours, enhancing your social experience.

So, if you're planning a trip to Alaska and want a hassle-free way to explore the state, consider travelling by bus or shuttle. These options provide convenience, flexibility, and the opportunity to socialise, making your journey memorable and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions