Can I drive to Alaska without going through Canada?
Alaska is most certainly American, but it's more than 2,000 miles away from the nearest state, Washington. Getting there with a vehicle requires either driving through Canada or taking a ferry.
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One of the most popular routes to get to Alaska from the mainland United States is along the Alaska-Canada Highway, also referred to as the Alaska Highway or the Alcan Highway, which starts in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and ends in Delta Junction, Alaska.
The state may be big, but it's simple to navigate by road. Driving yourself gives you the freedom to get off the beaten track, take your time, and discover more of Alaska's remote towns, trails, and attractions. Car and RV rentals are available in most Alaska cities.
U.S. citizens flying between another state and Alaska do not need a passport. However, those driving through Canada or traveling on a ferry or cruise ship with stops in Canada are required to carry one. All non U.S. citizens will need a passport and possibly other documents to enter.
Due to Alaska's location on the western side of Canada's Yukon and British Columbia territories, it is not possible to drive to Alaska without going through Canada. Alaska is the westernmost state in the U.S. and it can only be reached by land via a few crossings with Canada.
TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONSThe State of Alaska does not require COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, or masking for travelers. However, individual businesses and communities may have their own requirements. Please check with businesses, cruise lines, and tour operators for their specific COVID-19 regulations.
The train climbs steeply up to White Pass, the boundary between the United States and Canada, at 2,888 feet in elevation. The two hour train tour is one of the top excursions in Skagway and is a popular option for cruise ship passengers in port for the day. Alaska is not accessible from the contiguous U.S. by train.
Flying to AlaskaAlaska, of course, is not an international destination for a U.S. citizen flying there from the “Lower 48;” however, those portions of the flight that overfly or land in Canada must comply with Canadian regulations.
Most visitors spend seven to fourteen days in Alaska. Much of this decision depends on where you want to go and how you're getting around. Cruising is one of the most popular ways to visit Alaska – especially for first-time visitors – with most cruises lasting seven to ten days.
A flight from a city in the United States to Alaska is considered domestic. All 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands are considered domestic for the purposes of immigration.
The driving distance from Seattle to the Yukon Territory/Alaska border crossing is about 1,800 – 1,900 miles, depending on which route you take. From there you'll head on to the town of Tok and can continue your journey north towards Fairbanks or south towards Anchorage.