• Introduction
• Juneau and Glacier Bay National Park
• To Seward and Kenai Fjords via Anchorage
• The Wilds of Denali National Park and Mount McKinley
• Fairbanks: A City on the Arctic's Edge
• Smart Splurges in Alaska
• Getting To and Around Alaska

Getting To and Around Alaska

GETTING TO AND AROUND ALASKA

GETTING THERE Direct flights from the lower 48 states operate out of about a dozen cities (most go through or originate in Seattle), via Alaska Airlines, Continental, Delta, and American. The majority of direct flights come into Anchorage, though there are routes into Juneau, Ketchikan, and Fairbanks as well.

GETTING AROUND Navigating Alaska’s big cities and attractions by land is easier than you might think—although the state is grand, most points of interest are contained within a relatively compact area and linked together by a few major highways and rail routes. However, the state’s extreme terrain can often render ground travel to outlying areas (referred to as the bush) treacherous or unfeasible. From Juneau—inaccessible by road from the rest of the state—visitors must fly or hitch a ferry to travel elsewhere. Yet any inaccessibility is remedied by ubiquitous aviation: Alaska has about one registered pilot for every 58 residents.

By Air Carriers like Alaska Airlines, Era Aviation, Wings of Alaska, Frontier Alaska, and L.A.B. Flying Service operate between most Alaskan cities, while bush planes, outfitted with wheels, floats, or skis, can be chartered
for more remote destinations. Flightseeing trips use small airplanes to access roadless Native villages or any settlements above the Arctic Circle, while helicopter tours usually cater to mountain and glacier visits.

By Road Renting both cars and RVs is easy in larger cities and offers maximum freedom in exploring the state via its scenic highways. Additionally, RVs are a great option for those seeking to take their time exploring the open country between destinations. Pay close attention to fuel, especially when driving off the major roads, because gas stations are not always easy to find.

By Train Rail journeys offer visitors the opportunity to let someone else do the driving while enjoying the stunning scenery, and with less development along rail lines than highways, those views are usually better. However, service is limited, with only two lines operating in the state. The remote White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad stretches between Skagway and Carcross in the Yukon Territory, while the much more tourist-friendly Alaska Railroad operates routes linking Anchorage and Seward, as well as Anchorage and Fairbanks, with a stop at Denali National Park en route (whitepassrailroad.com; akrr.com).

By Sea The most popular way to travel to Alaska is on a cruise ship. But even if you’re based on land, traveling on one of the state-run ferries operating on the Alaska Marine Highway is a scenic means of travel, particularly on routes between the water-bound coastal communities of the Inside Passage or from the Kenai Peninsula to Kodiak Island (ferryalaska.com). Day-cruise tours are the primary means of access to several major sights, including Glacier Bay National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. Be sure to book ferry passage well in advance.

ITINERARIES

Long Weekend Fly into Juneau and use the city as a home base for forays into the surrounding wilderness (sea kayaking in Auke Bay, Mendenhall Glacier). Plan an overnight trip to Glacier Bay National Park.

One Week Start with three days in Juneau as above, then catch a flight to Anchorage, rent a car, and spend one day exploring the city. Spend the next day driving out to the Kenai Peninsula via the Seward Highway for a two-night stay in Seward, allowing time to visit the Kenai Fjords National Park. Return to Anchorage for the flight home.

Two Weeks Follow the above, but continue from Anchorage toward Denali National Park by road or rail. Consider spending one night in Talkeetna, or head straight to the park for a two-night stay. Continue to Fairbanks and spend two nights there, factoring in at least half a day for a flight excursion to the Arctic. Fly home from Fairbanks.