Getting around Alaska


Getting around Alaska

Getting around Alaska on the cheap can be tough; public transportation is limited, and many areas are only accessible by boat or plane, which is quick and convenient but invariably pricey. With little traffic, hitching is hard work, but is more acceptable, and safer, than elsewhere.

With the exception of the ferry system, Anchorage is very much the hub of Alaska with several bus companies running to major destinations: Seward with Seward Bus Line (phone 907/224-3608, ; $35); Homer with Homer Stage Lines (phone 907/235-2252; $45); Denali ($49) and Fairbanks ($69) with the Parks Highway Express (phone 1-888/600-6001, ); and Valdez ($71) and Whitehorse, Yukon ($206) with Gray Line's Alaskon Express (phone 1-800/544-2206, ).

The expensive Alaska Railroad runs nearly five hundred miles from Seward north through Anchorage to Fairbanks, with a spur to Whittier for ferries to Valdez. One-way fares from Anchorage are: Denali, $125; Fairbanks $175; and Seward $55.

Driving around Alaska in summer requires no special skills, though the less traveled routes often have a gravel surface and caution is required. Be aware, however, that wildlife, especially moose, can be a danger any time. In spring and fall you should be prepared for snow, and it is wise to carry a survival kit, particularly in winter, as traffic can be sparse even on major routes. Conditions on the roads can change rapidly - call 907/456-7623 for information, or 1-800/478-7656 for a pre-recorded hotline.

Travel by plane is not always more expensive than other methods, especially if you can map out your itinerary in advance with the state's largest operator, Alaska Airlines, which flies to most major communities and uses subcontractors such as ERA Aviation (phone 1-800/866-8394, ), Reeve Aleutian (phone 1-800/544-2248), and PenAir (phone 1-800/448-4226) to get to smaller towns.

If you are traveling from outside North America, consider pre-purchasing an Alaska Airlines "Best of the West" air pass that allows you to reserve up to ten one-way flights either within Alaska ($99 each leg), or from outside the state (essentially Seattle or LA to Anchorage; $149), or any combination of these.

Chartering a plane might sound extravagant but can be an inexpensive alternative for groups of four or more, and may be the crowning glory of an Alaskan vacation. To arrange this, contact any operator of small planes (every town has at least one). ERA Aviation, Reeve Aleutian and PenAir are good places to start, though they may refer you to another company.

Southeast of Alaska

Glacier Bay National Park

Haines
The Town
Travel info
Bars and restaurants

Juneau
Travel info
Restaurants
Downtown

Mendenhall Glacier
and Tracy Arm Fjord

Ketchikan
The Town
Arrival and info
Restaurants

Sitka
The Town
Travel info
Restaurants

Skagway
The Town
Travel info
Restaurants

Exploring Skagway
Chilkoot Trail
Wrangell