Can you get to Alaska without going through Canada?

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.



People Also Ask

The ferry doesn't stop in Canada; the first stop is Ketchikan in Southeast Alaska. It then stops at other Alaska communities in that region, including Juneau. There are also connections (and some continuations) from Juneau to Whittier in Southcentral Alaska, which is connected to Anchorage by rail and road.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Getting there with a vehicle requires either driving through Canada or taking a ferry. Both options boast unrivaled scenery and an adventurous experience, but require a little planning. Here are our recommendations for getting yourself and your vehicle to the Great Land, including road and water options.

MORE DETAILS

The primary airlines flying to Anchorage are Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, American, and Sun Country (summer only). International airlines include Air Canada, Condor, and Icelandair. Direct flights are available from Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Chicago, and Minneapolis.

MORE DETAILS

How do I get to Alaska? There are several ways to get to Alaska, including flying, taking the ferry, or driving. Of these, by far the quickest and most popular is flying into Anchorage.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Under Alaska State Statutes: You are not required to obtain an Alaska driver's license or learners' permit if you have a driver's license from another U.S. state, country or an international driver's license, since you are deemed to be here on a temporary or non-permanent basis.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

The car deck is closed off when the ferry is underway, thus you cannot sleep in your vehicle. For more information on sleeping on the ferry see our FAQ's and General Sailing Information.

MORE DETAILS

For passengers who opt to travel without a cabin, the recliner lounges also serve as sleeping areas with space to roll out a sleeping bag. Covered solariums located on the upper decks of each vessel are also popular sleeping areas and for those traveling with small tents, they are allowed on the upper decks.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

More Information on Driving to Alaska Driving 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.

MORE DETAILS

TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS The 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 DETAILS

You may think we're nuts to suggest a 3-day Alaska vacation, but it's possible to do! Many cities across the U.S. offer direct flights now, making Alaska a lot easier to reach than you might think. And if 3 days is all you have to visit this amazing state, go for it!

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS