Can you drive to Alaska without crossing the border?
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More Information on Driving to AlaskaDriving to Alaska—like living in Alaska itself—is a total adventure. Enjoy the trip, and don't forget to stop and enjoy the scenery every once in a while! It's a long drive, but well worth it.
All passengers must have some kind of government-issued photo identification to board the Alaska Ferry, such as a driver's license, passport, military ID, or equivalent. For more details, see the full list of Alaska Marine Highway Travel Policies. If traveling in Canada, a passport or other acceptable ID is required.
Have you ever driven the Alcan — or just wished you could? The 1,520-mile road through Canada and Alaska is a magnet for adventurous travelers. There are some hardships: rough pavement, dust, mud, and long empty stretches between the few settlements supplying food, gas, and a place to stay.
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.
Can I fly to Hawaii or Alaska as an undocumented traveler? Traveling to Hawaii or Alaska is considered a domestic flight. Both Hawaii and Alaska are states of the U.S. Therefore, flying to either destination follows the same TSA guidelines as traveling to any other state in the country.
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.
It is a dirt road, but you should not need 4 wheel drive in the summer (if seen plenty of motorcycles and RVs) but it is a good idea to have a 4x4/awd if you plan to stay in Alaska. The road closes in the winter and it likely not passable (a part from snow machine).
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.