You can drive to Alaska from the contiguous United States but you’ll need to drive via Canada to get there. Alaska’s only land border is the 1450 mile long eastern border that it shares with Canada. All other Alaskan borders are maritime borders, including the border with Russia in the west.
Almost all road traffic into Alaska travels along the 1387 mile long Alaskan Highway. This road links Dawson Creek in British Columbia, Canada with Delta Junction in Alaska. It can be reached by a number of different highways in Canada, depending on your starting point in Canada or the U.S.
Over the course of this guide we’ll take a look at the different routes into Alaska. We’ll also look at some of the practicalities of making the trip, along with alternatives to undertaking the long drive. We’ll also take a look at some of the best things to see in Alaska, both on the way and in the wider area. Read on to find out more.
Where is Alaska Located?
Alaska is located in the extreme northwest of North America. It is the largest state in the United States in terms of land area. Alaska is bordered by Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south and southwest and the Bering Sea to the west.
Driving Distances to Alaska
Alaska’s remote location means that any road trip from the Lower 48 will be a monumental undertaking. Even if you’re fortunate enough to be travelling from Seattle, the closest major city, it’s still a journey of over 2,000 miles. You can double this distance if you’re travelling from the East Coast or the South.
Starting Point | Destination | Distance | Drive Time |
New York | Fairbanks, Alaska | 4,247 miles | 69 hours |
Chicago | Fairbanks, Alaska | 3,459 miles | 57 hours |
Los Angeles | Fairbanks, Alaska | 3,280 miles | 56 hours |
Houston | Fairbanks, Alaska | 4,026 miles | 66 hours |
Seattle | Fairbanks, Alaska | 2,146 miles | 39 hours |
Different Routes to Alaska
There are four main road routes into Alaska from Canada. The first two of these routes take you into eastern Alaska from where you can travel extensively around the main Alaskan road network. The third and fourth crossing takes you into south-east Alaska. These routes take you to the cities of Haines and Skagway respectively where the roads end. From these cities you’ll either need to retrace your journey or travel on the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry system to continue your onward journey.
Alaska Highway (Alcan Highway)
The Alaska Highway is the most famous and well-travelled route to Alaska. It starts in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada, and stretches approximately 1,387 miles through the Yukon Territory before entering Alaska. This highway is paved for most of its length, but travellers should be prepared for some rough and gravel sections, especially in more remote areas. The Alaska Highway connects to the Richardson Highway in Alaska, which leads to major cities such as Fairbanks and Anchorage.
An alternative route and a more scenic detour from the Alaska Highway is the the Cassiar Highway. Running parallel to the Alaska Highway to the west, it extends for around 450 miles. Starting in Kitwanga in British Columbia, it joins the Alaskan Highway near Watson Lake in the Yukon. The Cassiar Highway offers a more scenic and less-travelled route compared to the main Alaska Highway.
Taylor Highway & Top of the World Highway
For adventurous travellers to Alaska, you can consider taking the route via the Taylor Highway and the Top of the World Highway. This route runs north of the main Alaska Highway route and provides a more challenging, albeit more scenic route into Alaska. The route branches off from the main Alaska Highway just after the town of Whitehorse and passes through Carmacks, Yukon Crossing and Stewart Crossing. It eventually reaches West Dawson from where it runs west for 79 miles into Alaska, joining with the Taylor Highway shortly after the border. The Taylor Highway runs in a southerly direction, re-joining the Alaska Highway at Tetlin Junction, just east of Tok.
This route into Alaska certainly isn’t the quickest but it’s definitely the most spectacular. The Top of the World Highway offers stunning views from it’s elevated position. You should be aware the road is impassable during the winter months and can even be a challenging drive during the summer months. The road is mostly unpaved with gravel surfaces and some challenging sections.
Haines Highway
An alternative route into Alaska is to travel along the Haines Highway, which is also known as the Haines Cut-Off. The road stretches for 160 miles from the Alaska Highway to the coastal city of Haines. To get onto the Haines Highway you need to turn off at the Haines Junction on the Alaska Highway.
As the road network ends in Haines, the Haines Highway tends to be a side trip rather than the main route to travelling into Alaska. However the city of Haines is a major seaport and it’s possible to travel onto other destinations using the Alaska Marine Highway Service, which regularly visits the city.
The Klondike Highway to Skagway
The final major route into Alaska is along the Klondike Highway, which runs from the Alaskan Panhandle, all the way through to British Columbia in Canada. Much like the Haines Highway, the road effectively leads to a dead end. In this case the city of Skagway is the final destination on the road. While Skagway is a great little destination in it’s own right, the only way to continue your onward journey from Skagway without retracing your steps is by taking a ferry to Haines. The limited options for onward travel make the Klondike Highway another interesting side trip, rather than a really meaningful way of reaching the wider Alaska region.
How to get to Alaska
Despite Alaska’s remote location and distance from the Lower 48, there are still plenty of ways to travel there. Below, we take a look at each of the option available to you for travelling to Alaska by land, sea and air.
Land
As detailed above there are 4 major road routes into Alaska, all passing through Canada. The Alaska Highway is the easiest and most efficient route to take, but there’s some stunning detours and routes you can take if you have the time and an appropriate vehicle.
When travelling by land there are unfortunately no public transport options available. There are no buses that make the journey between Alaska and Canada. There are also no train service between Alaska and Canada, despite Alaska’s fairly extensive train infrastructure.
Sea
Alaska is served by a network of ferries known as the Alaska Marine Highway System. This network of ferries connects coastal communities in the south-west, south and south-east of Alaska with each other and the contiguous United States. Ferries, which carry both passengers and vehicles sail from Bellingham in Washington, all the way to Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands in the far south-west of Alaska. For information on sailing schedules, routes and costs, check out the Alaska Marine Highway website.
Air
Alaska is home to 3 international airports, which are located in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau. Anchorage is the busiest of these 3 airports and offers the widest range of flights. Major airlines such as Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines all offer regular flights to and from Alaska. These flights includes numerous destinations in the Lower 48, as well as to other North American countries and even as far afield as Europe. The airports at Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau also serve as domestic hubs for flights to other smaller and remote locations throughout Alaska.
Do I Need a 4WD to Drive to Alaska?
It is possible to drive to Alaska without a 4WD if you stick to the major highways and travel during the warmer summer months. However, travel outside of these parameters is often much more complicated.
The biggest factors in whether you’ll need a 4WD are the specific route you plan to take and the time of year you will be traveling. Without getting into the specifics of each road during each season, here are some considerations to help inform your decision:
Main Highways: If you plan to drive on the main highways like the Alaska Highway (Alcan Highway) or the Cassiar Highway, a regular two-wheel-drive vehicle is typically sufficient. These highways are generally well-maintained and paved, making them accessible to most vehicles. Many travellers drive these routes with standard sedans, SUVs, or minivans.
Side Roads and Off-the-Beaten-Path Routes: If you intend to explore more remote areas or venture onto unpaved and rough roads, having a 4WD vehicle can be essential. Some areas in Alaska, especially in less populated regions, may have gravel or dirt roads, which can be challenging for standard vehicles. Where possible follow local advice on the suitability of your vehicle.
Weather Conditions: Consider the time of year you’ll be traveling. During the summer months, the main highways are generally clear of snow and ice. However, in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) and winter, weather conditions can be much more unpredictable. Having a 4WD vehicle with better traction can be essential. There’s a reason everyone that lives in Alaska owns a 4WD!
Adventure Activities: If you plan to engage in specific adventure activities like backcountry exploration, off-road adventures, or accessing remote camping spots, a 4WD vehicle would be far more suitable for such endeavours.
Personal Preference: Some travellers simply prefer the added confidence and capability of a 4WD vehicle, especially when exploring less travelled areas. Having a 4WD certainly gives you more options when you’re out on the open road.
Regardless of the type of vehicle you choose, it’s important to ensure your vehicle is in good working condition and equipped for long-distance travel. This includes carrying essential supplies, spare tires, tools and emergency equipment. This is especially relevant if you plan to travel through more remote areas.
Can you Drive to Alaska in Winter?
It is still possible to drive to Alaska in winter, however driving to Alaska during the winter months presents additional challenges. It also requires extra preparation due to the harsher weather conditions and the reduced daylight hours.
The following are the most important factors to consider when planning to drive to Alaska in winter:
Weather Conditions: Winter weather in Alaska can be severe, with heavy snowfall, icy roads and sub-zero temperatures. You should always check weather forecasts and road conditions before and during your journey. You’ll need to be prepared for changing weather and potential road closures.
Vehicle Preparation: Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and equipped for winter driving. You should change to winter tires with good traction, ensure your battery is fully charged and your brakes and heating system are in top condition.
Winter Driving Skills: Driving in icy and snowy conditions is an acquired skill. Make sure you’re familiar with winter driving techniques and apply common sense to how you drive. If you brake gently, accelerate slowly, watch your speed and maintain a safe following distance you can’t go too far wrong.
Daylight Hours: In winter, Alaska experiences significantly shorter daylight hours, especially in the northern regions. Plan your drive accordingly and be cautious during low-light conditions. It’s recommended that you never drive at night during the winter months in Alaska.
Road Services and Amenities: Some areas of Alaska may have limited road services, gas stations, and accommodations during the winter months. Plan your route ahead of time and anticipate long distances between stops.
Emergency Supplies: Be sure to carry an emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, extra warm clothing, food, water, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. In case of unexpected delays or emergencies, these supplies might just make the difference.
Do I Need a Passport to Drive to Alaska?
You will need a passport if you are driving to Alaska from the contiguous United States. You require a valid passport to cross into Canada and then to subsequently re-enter the United States afterwards. This is because you’ll be passing through Canadian territory when driving to Alaska via the Alaska Highway or any other routes to Alaska. It isn’t possible to drive to Alaska without going through Canada.
However if you’re planning to either fly or use the Alaska Marine Highway System to reach Alaska, then you can travel without a passport. Although you will still need to produce an acceptable form of identification to complete your travels. The reason for the difference in approach is that travel by both air and ferry doesn’t necessitate entry into Canada. As long as you do not intend to disembark in Canada, you can travel by sea or air on the same basis as any other domestic trip between two states.
Best Things to see and do Along the Alaska Highway
While the Alaska Highway is primarily known for it’s spectacular scenery, there’s also plenty of interesting stops along the way. We’ve included 10 of the very best things to see and do along the Alaska Highway below.
Liard River Hot Springs
Located in Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park in British Columbia, these natural hot springs provide a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. You can take a dip in the warm waters surrounded by the beautiful boreal forest.
Northern Rockies Lodge
Located near to Muncho Lake in British Columbia, the Northern Rockies Lodge offers some excellent opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking. The scenic Muncho Lake is also perfect for kayaking or canoeing, just try not to fall into its icy waters!
Watson Lake
Watson Lake in the Yukon Territory is a popular destination, sitting at the cross roads of the Alaska Highway and the Cassiar Highway. It’s best known for its famous Sign Post Forest, where visitors to the area leave signs from their hometowns. It’s a unique and ever-growing collection of signs from all over the world.
Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre
The Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre is a cultural institution located in Teslin, Yukon, Canada. It serves as a hub for preserving, celebrating, and sharing the cultural heritage and traditions of the Tlingit Indigenous people. The center is dedicated to showcasing the rich history, art, language, and way of life of the Teslin Tlingit First Nation. The Heritage Centre features a variety of exhibits and displays that highlight the Tlingit people’s traditional practices, including their distinctive artwork, crafts, and ceremonial regalia.
Carmacks
Many visitors choose to stop in Carmacks in the Yukon for its natural beauty, outdoor adventures along the Yukon River and rich Indigenous heritage. It’s a great location to witness the Northern Lights, while you can also explore hiking trails and immerse yourself in the tranquil charm of this gateway to the northern wilderness.
Kluane National Park and Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Yukon, Kluane National Park is known for its massive glaciers, towering mountains, and diverse wildlife. The park is best seen from above so consider taking a flightseeing tour, which includes Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak.
Whitehorse
The capital of the Yukon, Whitehorse offers various cultural attractions, historical sites and plenty of outdoor activities. Popular attractions include the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, the SS Klondike National Historic Site, and the MacBride Museum of Yukon History. It’s a great place for an overnight stay and to break up your journey north.
Carcross
This small community on the shores of Bennett Lake is famous for its stunning scenery and rich indigenous heritage. One of the most popular activities is to take a scenic train ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. You should also checkout the Carcross Desert, the world’s smallest desert.
Skagway
While technically off the Alaska Highway, Skagway is a popular cruise port and a historical town with well-preserved buildings from the Klondike Gold Rush era. if you’ve got the time and you don’t mind the extra mileage it’s well worth a visit.
Haines
Haines, Alaska is another picturesque town and a nature lover’s paradise. A not insignificant distance off the Alaska Highway, it’s nestled between the mountains and the sea. Haines offers some exceptional wildlife viewing, including bald eagles and grizzly bears. You can also immerse yourself in the plentiful outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and fishing, all while enjoying the small-town charm and cultural richness of this scenic destination.
Best Time to Drive to Alaska
Generally speaking the summer months are the best time to drive to Alaska. The warmer and more consistent weather and better driving conditions make the journey far easier and more enjoyable. There’s also significantly more hours of daylight, allowing you to make the most of your time. On the flip side, it’s also the busiest time to travel to Alaska with more traffic on the road. You might also find that hotels are more expensive and lack availability.
While the summer months are typically accepted as the best time to visit Alaska, there’s still merit in visiting at other times of the year. Alaska experiences distinct seasons, with each offering its own advantages and considerations. Here’s a summary of what to expect during each season:
Summer (June to August)
- Summer is the most popular time for travellers to drive to Alaska. The weather is generally milder, and many outdoor activities and attractions are accessible.
- The days are long, with the famous “midnight sun” phenomenon occurring in the northern parts of the state. This allows for extended daylight hours for driving and exploration.
- Most campgrounds, lodges, and visitor centers are open, providing ample accommodation and services along the way.
- Wildlife is abundant, and you have a good chance of seeing animals like bears, moose, and eagles during your journey.
- However, summer is also the peak tourist season, so popular destinations can be crowded, and accommodations may fill up quickly. It’s advisable to book in advance during this time.
Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October)
- Spring and fall offer the advantage of fewer crowds and a quieter experience on the roads and at attractions.
- The landscapes may be covered with snow in early spring, but you can witness the arrival of spring blooms and migrating birds.
- In the fall, you’ll experience beautiful autumn foliage as the leaves change color.Keep in mind that some services and attractions may have limited hours or be closed during the shoulder seasons.
Winter (November to March)
- Driving to Alaska in winter can be a unique and adventurous experience, but it requires careful planning and preparation.
- Winter landscapes are stunning, with snow-covered mountains and frozen lakes.
- However, winter weather can be harsh, with icy roads and sub-zero temperatures. Travelling during this time requires winter driving skills, appropriate gear and awareness of road conditions.
- Some areas may have limited road services and accommodations and some attractions may be closed during the winter months.
Ultimately, the best time to drive to Alaska depends on your interests, comfort level with weather conditions, and desired travel experiences. Many travellers opt for the summer months for the milder weather and extended daylight, but each season offers its own unique charms and opportunities for exploration.
