How do I get to Anchorage in Alaska?

There are daily flights between Anchorage and other major cities in the USA, 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.

Flying to Anchorage

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 major cities in Europe and Asia including Tokyo, Seoul, Frankfurt and Reykjavik. There are generally more flights operating in the summer months. Airlines that service Anchorage include Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta and United Airlines. Once you arrive in Anchorage, you can get to downtown Anchorage in around 15 minutes either by taxi, rideshare or the People Mover Bus.

Taking a ferry to Anchorage

You can't take a ferry direct to Anchorage, but you can travel to Whittier which is around 96 kilometres 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 coastal communities with each other or with mainline ferry routes.

You can travel as a foot passenger or with a motor vehicle. Bunk bed-style cabins are available if your journey takes a few days, but you can also pitch a small tent on the upper deck. Most vessels have public showers and a canteen serving hot and cold food.

Taking public transport to Anchorage

There are no direct trains 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.

Driving to Anchorage

Alaska-Canada Highway (AICan)

You can drive to Alaska from the lower 48 states via the AICan which runs 2,092 kilometres 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 fuel, food and toilets are scarce compared to the AICan and there may be several hours between amenities.

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

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