Alaska Travel Guide

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International Travel

Getting There By Air

Roads are few in Alaska, due to mountains, tundra and inhospitable terrain. The most common way to get around this wilderness state is by air, most small aircraft being equipped with floats. Several airlines, largely based at Anchorage, operate services to almost every Alaskan village. Alaska Airlines (tel: 1 800 252 7522, in the USA only; www.alaskaair.com) flies to Alaska's largest cities (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Ketchikan), as well as a number of bush communities throughout the state. A number of smaller, regional airlines provide statewide services.

Departure Tax

None.

Main Airports

Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) (www.dot.state.ak.us/anc) is situated 3km (2 miles) south of Anchorage.

Fairbanks International (FBK) (www.dot.state.ak.us/faiiap) is 3 miles (5km) southwest of central Fairbanks.

Ketchikan International (KTN) sits on Gravina Island just across from the city; a small ferry runs from the airport to just above the state ferry dock.

Juneau International (JNU) is located 14km (9 miles) north of Juneau.

Getting There By Water

The Alaska Marine Highway System (www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs) provides a practical ferry service on four separate routes: Inside Passage/Southeast, Southwest and Southcentral. Cross-Gulf route. Visitors can board the ferry at Bellingham (Washington) and travel up to Skagway on the Inside Passage/Southeast route; the Southwest route connects the Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound to the Aleutians Islands; the Kennicott ferry runs a twice-monthly Southcentral service from June to September, linking the two routes (running between Juneau and Seward).

Getting There By Rail

The scenic, historic and expensive Alaska Railroad (tel: (907) 265 2494; www.alaskarailroad.com) operates daily between Anchorage, Fairbanks, Grandview, Hurricane and Seward. At the southern end of the rail corridor, connections with the state ferry system can be made at Seward and Whittier. Except for the Anchorage-Seward and Anchorage-Grandview routes, the railway operates all year round, with reduced services from September to May. There is also the White Pass & Yukon Route from Skagway.

Getting There By Road

The famous Alaska Highway covers a staggering 2,647km (1,645 miles) from Delta Junction, near Fairbanks, to Dawson Creek (British Columbia, Canada). Drivers should note that weather conditions can be hazardous, and create visibility and navigational challenges. The road system is in good condition, however, and if drivers use commonsense and are prepared for changes in the weather, the Alaska Highway is an ideal way to explore the state. Other roads only reach a quarter of the state's vast area, and treacherous weather conditions can make driving a hazardous option. Further information and suggested itineraries may be found online (www.northtoalaska.com).

Cars are available for hire statewide, with major chains featured in most cities.

Alaska Direct Bus Line (tel: (907) 277 6652 or 1 800 770 6652, in the USA only; www.alaskadirectbusline.com) offers bus services from Anchorage to Whitehorse, Canada (journey time - 16 to 18 hours) and from Fairbanks to Whitehorse (journey time - 13 to 15 hours). From Whitehorse, Greyhound Canada (www.greyhound.ca) offers connections to Vancouver, British Columbia (journey time - 40 hours 30 minutes). The total travel time from Alaska to the lower 48 states can take up to five days and involve a number of connections. Greyhound Canada also has connections from Prince George, British Columbia to Prince Rupert, British Columbia (journey time - 10 hours 30 minutes), from where a ferry may be taken to Alaska. This trip follows the impressive Yellowhead Highway as it heads along to the coast.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

Airplanes are usually the fastest, most efficient way to get around Alaska, particularly if you plan to travel to remote Alaska Native communities in the far north. Jet service is available from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Ketchikan to communities in Adak, Barrow, Bethel, and Cordova. However, many tour operators offer flights or helicopter tours, combined with adventure activities.

Getting Around By Water

Day cruises are available from major towns to popular tourist destinations such as Misty Fjords National Monument, Glacier Bay National Park, Prince William Sound, and Kenai Fjords National Park.

Ferries are also an important water-based transport option. Alaska’s Marine Highway offers scheduled services to the Inside Passage, Prince William Sound, the Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak Island and the Aleutian Islands. Book in advance during the summer, especially if you’re traveling with a car or RV.

Getting Around By Road

Alaska’s highways are modern and in good condition. The state is home to Scenic Byways renowned for their scenic, natural, historical and cultural assets. Alaska has two All-American Roads - the Seward Highway, which stretches from Anchorage to Seward and the Alaska Marine Highway. It is the only marine route in the National Scenic Byways program. The Glenn Highway, which runs from Anchorage to Glennallen, also in Southcentral Alaska, is a National Scenic Byway.