Things to do / Travel Guide
There are three very different ways to get to Anchorage, Fairbanks and the Kenai Peninsula. Getting there may be half the fun, but be sure to understand what fun you are getting into as you choose how you will be getting to Alaska.
Alaska Cruises to Anchorage
The most popular way to get to Alaska is by boat from the lower 48. That is because Alaskan cruises are among the best values in the world of travel and there is no way to just drive up the coast to Alaska. The prices are reasonable, there is lots of competition between the various cruise lines and you can schedule a cruise for just about any time you want (during the May - September season, of course).
One way Alaska cruises originate mainly in Seattle and Vancouver and spend 7 days en-route to the final destination, usually Seward. From there, arrangements can be made for the three hour bus to Anchorage.
Fairbanks (FAI) and Anchorage (ANC) Airports
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airports is well served by the major US carriers, offering non-stop service to Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Hawaii. Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), on the other hand, connects to the lower 48 via Seattle. Alaska Airlines is the main carrier in both airports.
Consider an open-jaw ticket when planning an Alaska vacation. Fly into Anchorage, make your way north to Fairbanks, via Denali and return from Fairbanks.
Driving the Alaska Highway
Definitely, the most rugged and adventurous way to get to Alaska is by car via the Alaska Highway. Also known as the ALCAN, the 1390 mile road from Dawson Creek, British Columbia connects to the Richardson Highway for Fairbanks and Valdez and the Glenn Highway for Anchorage. Driving to Alaska from the lower 48 makes sense if you really want to explore the remote areas of the Yukon and Alaska.
Bear in mind that Dawson Creek is 800 miles from Seattle, so expect about 2500 miles of driving to get from the Pacific Northwest to Fairbanks, including some worthwhile detours.
Airports Serving Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula
Getting-There
Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)
|
|
|