How to Travel to Anchorage in Alaska

Anchorage is Alaska’s most populous city. There are daily flights between major cities in the US, Canada and several international destinations. If you’re travelling from somewhere a bit closer, you could also drive via Canada or take a cruise to Anchorage.

By air

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the main airport in Anchorage with daily flights between 200+ cities in the United States and Canada including Portland, Chicago, Seattle, New York and Los Angeles. If you’re travelling from overseas, there are seasonal flights to and from popular destinations in Europe and Asia including Tokyo, Seoul, Frankfurt and Reykjavik. Airlines that fly to Anchorage include Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta and United Airlines. There are generally more flights operating in the summer months. Once you arrive at Anchorage Airport, you can get to downtown Anchorage in around 15 minutes either by taxi or rideshare, or taking the People Mover Bus.

By boat

You can't take a ferry direct to Anchorage, but you can travel to Whittier which is around 60 miles south of Anchorage. The Alaska Marine Highway operates weekly ferries from Prince Rupert in British Colombia or Bellingham in Washington. They also operate daily services that connect small townships and remote communities along the coast with each other or with mainline ferry routes. You can travel either as a foot passenger or with a motor vehicle. Bunk bed-style cabins are available if your journey takes a few days, but you may prefer to pitch a small tent on the upper deck. Most vessels also have public showers and a canteen serving hot and cold food.

By train

There are no trains that run direct to Alaska, but you can still get pretty close. You can take an Amtrak Cascades train along the west coast of the US to Bellingham in Washington, and from here, take the ferry to Whittier in Alaska.

By car

Alaska-Canada Highway (AICan)

You can drive to Alaska from the lower 48 states via the AICan which runs 1300 miles between Dawson Creek in British Colombia and Delta Junction in Fairbanks, Alaska. The good thing about this route is that there are several resting stops and amenities to refuel along the way. If you’re travelling from the eastern or middle half of the lower 48, drive west before heading north to get onto the AICan.

Stewart-Cassiar Highway

The AICan is the most popular route, but if you want a more scenic drive you can also take the Stewart-Cassiar Highway which starts at Junction 37 just west of Watson Lake in Yukon and ends at Kitimat in British Colombia. The road forks off from the Dease Lake Highway in BC and offers a more wild and rugged drive into Alaska. Just note that gas, food and toilets are scarce compared to the AICan and you could be driving for hours between any amenities.

Whichever route you drive, ensure you stock up on supplies and check road conditions prior to and during your trip.

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