Travel to Alaska

Flying to Alaska

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.

The major airport is: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

Airport Guides

Departure tax

None.

Travelling to Alaska by Rail

The scenic, historic and expensive Alaska Railroad (tel: +1 907 265 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.

Driving to Alaska

Cars are available for hire statewide, with major chains featured in most cities. The road system is in good condition and if drivers use common sense, 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).

Driving note

Drivers should note that weather conditions can be hazardous, and create visibility and navigational challenges.

Getting to Alaska by boat

Ferry operators

The Alaska Marine Highway System (tel: +1 907 465 3941; 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 South Central Alaska service from June to September, linking the two routes (running between Juneau and Seward).