-
Drive the Alaska-Canada Highway
The most direct route to Alaska is to get on the Alaska-Canada Highway (AlCan) in Dawson Creek, BC. If you’re coming from the middle or Eastern half of the lower 48 and you want to get there as fast as possible, head west in the US before going north to hop on the AlCan. Plan to spend at least four days traveling between Dawson Creek and Anchorage—more if you want to see some sights along the way.
This is the most popular route to Alaska by car, and there are plenty of gas stations and amenities along the way.
-
Drive the Trans-Canada Highway
If you’re coming from the Eastern side of the lower 48 and you want to maximize your time in the Canadian wilderness, consider the Trans-Canada Highway. As the name suggests, this highway crosses Canada from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast. It will take you through the Canadian Rockies and much of the country’s wilderness. For sightseeing, check out this list of 14 recommended attractions to check out along the way.
-
Drive the Cassiar Highway
If you want to take the road less traveled, the Stewart-Cassiar Highway is for you. This is a two-lane highway through some of the most isolated areas of British Columbia, and it will offer spectacular nature and wildlife views. It starts in Yellowhead, BC and connects to the AlCan at the edge of the Yukon Territory. Take advantage of all opportunities to get gas along the way (there are enough amenities, but just enough) and prepare for some patches of rough road. If you’re driving in winter, you may want to stick to the AlCan.
See AlsoElements Of Itinerary -
Prepare your vehicle
These highways are paved the entire way, so you can drive them in most any vehicle. And enough gas stations dot the way that you don’t have to stock up with extra cans. But even the AlCan is sparsely populated for certain lengths and an inconvenient place to be stranded. Be sure to have your car checked out and serviced before you head out. If you expect a potential issue, it can’t hurt to carry whatever part you suspect might give you problems.
-
Pack with the long road in mind
Of course, if you drive, you can pack whatever you can fit in your vehicle. But keep in mind that, if something were to happen to your vehicle, you’d want to be prepared to hang out and wait for help. Make sure you have food, water, and a variety of clothes. Even if it’s summer, pack rain clothes and cold-weather gear. It never hurts to have a sleeping bag, just in case. And remember to bring good maps.
-
Plan for customs
If you choose to drive, be prepared to stop at the border. Canadian customs requires people driving to Alaska to possess a certain amount of money—or a major credit card—in order to cross the border. They want to know that if you have a problem, you’ll be able to take care of yourself. They will turn you away if you don’t have it, so do your research ahead of time and be prepared. Canada also enforces different firearms laws than the United States, so it’s easier to simply leave them at home if you don’t plan to hunt. If you’re under 18, you’ll need a notarized document signed by your parents giving you permission to cross the border.
-
Take the ferry
The Alaska Marine Highway ferry is a shorter trip; it will take two or three days depending on where you disembark, while driving takes up to a week or more. And on the ferry—unless you’re headed to Skagway or Haines, Alaska—you can avoid going through customs. With this option, you’ll save mileage and wear and tear on your car while enjoying the coastal scenery and whale watching.
You’ll hop on in Bellingham, WA. Once you reach Alaska, you can choose to make stops along the way until you get to your destination. You’ll have the option to reduce costs by camping on the ferry deck or make it more comfortable by booking a stateroom. Staterooms aren’t cheap and they sell out months in advance, but if you want a bed for the night, it’s the way to go. You’ll only have access to your vehicle a couple of times a day, so be sure to pack as if you were backpacking or staying in a hotel so you’ll have everything you need with you.
No matter how you decide to get your vehicle to Alaska, you’ll be sure to have a memorable and beautiful experience. And once you get there, you’ll have the freedom to explore the state however you want. If you want to try it all, consider driving to Alaska and taking the ferry back down to the lower 48.
FAQs
How to Get to Alaska with Your Vehicle - Alaska Tour Jobs? ›
Getting to Alaska by Car
Most drivers go north into Canada to connect with the Alaska Highway, or "Alcan." The highway runs from Dawson Creek in British Columbia to Delta Junction in Alaska. There is no bus or motorcoach service that connects the continental states and Alaska.
Getting to Alaska by Car
Most drivers go north into Canada to connect with the Alaska Highway, or "Alcan." The highway runs from Dawson Creek in British Columbia to Delta Junction in Alaska. There is no bus or motorcoach service that connects the continental states and Alaska.
If you move to Alaska without a guaranteed paycheck, you're going to need some savings to take care of your basic needs on arrival: food, shelter, and transportation. Make sure to sock away at least three months' worth of savings before you make the move to Alaska. Six months' would be ideal (if you can swing it)!
Can you get to Alaska by car without going through Canada? ›The answer is yes! If you drive to Alaska you must drive through Canada. If you drive to Alaska you will need to drive through the province of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The Alaska Highway is 2,224 Km/1382 miles long and stretches from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska.
Can you tour Alaska by car? ›Alaska road trips are legendary for their beauty and access to top sights as well as off-the-beaten track destinations. Driving the famed Alaska Highway in a car or RV offers the opportunity to linger along the way.
Can I ferry my car to Alaska with myself? ›The Alaska Marine Highway does allow vehicles to sail unaccompanied. However, depending on the port there is a unaccompanied fee attached.
How much does it cost to get your car to Alaska? ›It costs $1,500 to $4,500 on average to ship a car to Alaska. It takes an average of 10 to 14 days for your car to arrive in Alaska. Many locations in Alaska are only accessible by boat, so you may need to arrange transport to or drive your car to a port before you ship your vehicle.
Do you get $1000 for living in Alaska? ›Oil and mining revenues go into the state-run fund, which distributes an annual sum (usually between $1,000 and $1,500) to all Alaska residents. It's a smaller check than the others on this list, but you'll continue to receive it for as long as you live in the state.
What is the minimum wage in Alaska? ›Alaska's current minimum wage ($11.73 an hour as of January 1, 2024) falls short of covering the basic expenses of working people in the state.
How much money do I need to move to Alaska? ›| 1 ADULT | 2 ADULTS (BOTH WORKING) | |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Children | 3 Children | |
| Required annual income after taxes | $41,991 | $127,341 |
| Annual taxes | $6,384 | $15,721 |
| Required annual income before taxes | $48,375 | $143,062 |
Is it worth it to drive to Alaska? ›
Driving to Alaska can be a more cost-effective option for a longer trip by lowering your accommodation costs if you camp or stay in budget-friendly motels.
How many days would it take to drive to Alaska? ›It can take up to double the normal driving time - meaning that even if you drive 10 hours a day you should allow 8 to 10 days just for the drive. Alaska is stunning during winter, but the icy road conditions and fickle weather might make this drive challenging.
Is there a ferry to Alaska? ›The Alaska Marine Highway is Alaska's state-owned ferry system. The ferry offers scheduled service from Bellingham, WA and Prince Rupert, B.C. to over 35 port communities in the Inside Passage, Prince William Sound, Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak Island, and the Aleutian Islands.
What is the farthest north you can drive in Alaska? ›The Dalton Highway in Alaska is a 415 mile/667 km long highway that connects the Interior of Alaska to the far North. The Dalton Road begins at mile 73 on the Elliott Highway (78 miles north of Fairbanks) and ends at the town of Deadhorse, a few miles from Prudhoe Bay, site of North America's largest oil discovery.
How do I bring a car to Alaska? ›Take the ferry
The Alaska Marine Highway ferry is a shorter trip; it will take two or three days depending on where you disembark, while driving takes up to a week or more. And on the ferry—unless you're headed to Skagway or Haines, Alaska—you can avoid going through customs.
Self Drive Tours for independent travelers with accommodations, rental car assistance & roadtrip routes. There's nothing like exploring Alaska on a self-drive tour on a road trip by rental car or RV.
What is the best route to drive to Alaska? ›The most popular route, the Alcan Highway stretches across 1,387 miles (2,232 kilometers) from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska. The pros of this route include more services, and a wider range of attractions. Highlights include Liard River Hot Springs and Muncho Lake. Cassiar Highway.
How long is the ferry ride from Washington to Alaska? ›The Alaska Ferry runs 24 hours a day. It takes 36 hours from Bellingham, WA to reach the first stop at Ketchikan. Visitors often disembark in a variety of towns, stay a few nights on land, then continue on the ferry.
Do you need a passport to go to Alaska by car? ›United States residents do not need a passport to go to Alaska.