You can definitely drive to Alaska! The Alaska Highway stretches 1,387 miles (2,232 kilometers) from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska. This amazing route stands as one of the biggest construction challenges since the Panama Canal. Drivers get to explore some of North America’s most beautiful wilderness areas.
The trip needs careful planning when you’re driving from the United States. People usually take 5 to 7 days to drive through Canada. Your pace depends on how much time you want to spend exploring the sights. The drive becomes less fun if you rush to reach your destination. The drive from Seattle to Anchorage takes about 43 hours, so you’ll need to plan your stops carefully.
This exceptional road trip comes with its share of challenges. Some roads get rough and you’ll find long stretches without any services or phone signal. Gas costs more in Canada than in the US, and prices go up even more in remote areas. The Alaska Highway still gives you an amazing adventure if you come prepared and ready to explore.
Can you drive to Alaska from the United States?
You can absolutely drive to Alaska from the United States. This trip ranks among North America’s most epic road adventures. The route takes you through Canada since there’s no direct land connection within U.S. territory.
Driving through Canada: What to expect
Your trip to Alaska takes you through British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. Most drivers enter Alaska at the Alcan border point in Beaver Creek, Yukon. The route offers two main choices:
- Alaska Highway (Alcan): This 1,387-mile stretch from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska stands as the most popular choice. It offers better services and numerous attractions. The highway is modern and well-laid-out. You’ll find gas, food, and motels throughout the route, especially when you have summer travel plans.
- Cassiar Highway: This 450-mile route from Kitwanga Junction to the Alaska Highway near Watson Lake gives you better chances to spot wildlife with fewer cars on the road.
A passport makes crossing the U.S./Canadian border straightforward. Your pets need proof of current rabies vaccination. People with criminal records (including DUIs) might not be allowed into Canada.
Why flying isn’t your only option
Air and sea transport bring 95% of visitors to Alaska. The other 5% who take the Alaska-Canada Highway get a unique experience through stunning landscapes. Driving lets you control your schedule and discover hidden spots along the way.
There are other ways to reach Alaska too. You could fly to Whitehorse in the Yukon and drive the rest of the way in 1-2 days. Another option takes you from Bellingham, Washington by ferry to coastal Alaskan spots like Ketchikan, Juneau, or Glacier Bay.
The round trip from central U.S. to Alaska covers about 8,000 miles. All the same, many travelers say the ground experiences make up for the distance.
How long the drive really takes
Seattle to the Yukon/Alaska border is roughly 1,800-1,900 miles, depending on your path. Vancouver to the border spans 1,775 miles (about 32 hours of driving). Calgary offers a shorter route at 1,682 miles (around 29 hours).
Most people spend 5-7 days driving through Canada. Taking 7-10 days gives you a better chance to enjoy the trip. Some determined travelers finish in 3-4 days, but this quick pace limits your chances to enjoy the views.
Your travel time depends on several things:
- Road conditions and construction zones
- Border crossing wait times
- Weather (this matters most during shoulder seasons)
- Your chosen stops for sightseeing and rest
After reaching Alaska’s border, you still have 430 miles (about 8 hours) to Anchorage. The road between Destruction Bay, Yukon and Northway, Alaska can substantially slow you down due to frost heaves.
This legendary road trip needs careful planning, but it rewards you with incredible landscapes, wildlife sightings, and a real sense of achievement.
Best routes to drive to Alaska
People planning their trip to Alaska have several great ways to reach their destination. Each path shows different landscapes, service levels, and driving conditions for anyone wondering can you drive to Alaska from the continental United States.
Alaska Highway (Alcan Route)
The Alaska Highway stands as the most popular way to reach the Last Frontier. This historic road covers 1,387 miles (2,232 kilometers) from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska. The Alcan started as a military engineering marvel that rivaled the Panama Canal in size. Today, you’ll find it fully paved from start to finish.
This route gives travelers many advantages with its frequent services and attractions. You can take perfect breaks at spots like Liard River Hot Springs and Muncho Lake. The two-lane paved road runs smoothly, though you might hit temporary gravel patches in construction zones.
Drivers from Washington State can easily access this route through 13 border crossing points. The highway becomes BC Highway 97 North for the first 613 miles in Canada. It then changes to Yukon Highway 1 for 577 miles until you reach Alaska.
Cassiar Highway
The Cassiar Highway (Highway 37) works great for people who want fewer crowds and better wildlife viewing. This 450-mile (724-kilometer) road stretches from Kitwanga Junction on the Yellowhead Highway to the Alaska Highway near Watson Lake.
The Cassiar gives you a more remote experience than the busy Alcan. You’ll drive through stunning mountain-river-lake-glacier country. Bear Glacier stands out as a must-see via a side trip to Stewart, BC and Hyder, AK. Jade City and Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park also make memorable stops.
This scenic route has fewer services than the Alaska Highway. Smart travelers fill their gas tanks at every chance and pack extra supplies because stations sit far apart.
Canadian Rockies Route
The Canadian Rockies Route might suit travelers from the eastern United States or Canada better. This path follows the North American Cordillera, showing off dramatic mountain views throughout your trip.
The route runs about 560 miles (900 kilometers) from Calgary, Alberta to Dawson Creek, BC. You’ll see amazing sights like Banff and Jasper National Parks with their sharp peaks and bright turquoise lakes. Travelers from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho can connect through BC Highways 3/95 and 93 to reach the beautiful Icefields Parkway—rated among the world’s most scenic drives.
Ferry and hybrid options
The Alaska Marine Highway ferry system gives you a break from driving the whole way. Ferries leave from Bellingham, Washington and stop at over 35 ports across Alaska. You’ll spend about 38 hours getting to Ketchikan, plus another 20 hours to reach Juneau.
Many people mix driving with ferry travel by taking the boat to Haines or Skagway, then driving to the Alaska Highway. This cuts down driving time but lets you experience the famous highway. The ferry takes cars, RVs, and motorcycles, but you need to book early, especially in summer.
What you need to cross the border into Canada
Getting across the Canadian border is a significant step if you want to drive from the United States to Alaska. Canada provides the only land route to America’s northernmost state, so understanding border requirements will make your experience smoother.
Passport and ID requirements
US citizens need a valid passport as the simplest form of ID to cross into Canada. They can also use enhanced driver’s licenses, NEXUS cards, or other WHTI-compliant documents. Note that all travelers must show proper identification to prove their identity and citizenship. The process becomes simpler for families since children under 16 only need a birth certificate.
You’ll need these same documents to return to the US. Border agents might ask more questions than during your original crossing, so keep your documentation available.
Rules for pets and children
Dogs over three months old must have proof of current rabies vaccination to enter Canada. Your cats should have vaccination certificates too, though they’re not strictly required. You must declare all pets – border agents might confiscate any undeclared animals.
Kids under 18 traveling without both parents need specific paperwork. They should carry a letter from absent parents/guardians with contact details. Parents who share custody after divorce or separation should bring copies of legal custody documents. These rules help protect minors at international borders.
Items you can’t bring across
Canada bans many items that might surprise travelers. You can’t bring:
- Obscene material and hate propaganda
- Firewood (due to pest concerns)
- Certain weapons including tasers, brass knuckles, and pepper spray
- Radar detectors
- Soil on recreational equipment
Fresh fruits and animal products often face restrictions. You must also declare everything you got outside Canada, including gifts, prizes, and duty-free purchases.
Driving with a DUI or criminal record
A DUI makes entering Canada complicated because Canada sees DUIs as serious crimes. Even one past DUI could stop you at the border. This rule applies even if you’re just passing through Canada to reach Alaska.
People with criminal records have two main options. They can get a Temporary Resident Permit (costs CAD$200) or apply for Criminal Rehabilitation. The permit processes faster but expires, while Rehabilitation takes longer but lasts forever.
When is the best time to drive to Alaska?
The right timing can transform your Alaska road trip from a challenging ordeal into an amazing adventure for anyone asking can you drive to Alaska. Smart planning around seasons will give a chance to experience the best this northern trip has to offer.
Summer vs. shoulder seasons
Summer stands out as the best time to drive to Alaska, particularly from late May through mid-September. Travelers enjoy mild weather, longer days, and great road conditions during this time. The peak season runs from June through August when you’ll find all attractions running full steam.
Budget-smart travelers might want to look at the shoulder seasons (May and September). You can save 10-25% on rooms, tours, and other services at these times. May happens to be Alaska’s driest month with rain chances at only 25% each day. September brings beautiful fall colors and you might catch the aurora by mid-month. These months let you capture amazing photos without fighting peak-season crowds.
Weather and daylight considerations
Summer brings comfortable temperatures across Alaska:
- Southcentral (Anchorage): Summer highs reach 61-65°F
- Interior (Fairbanks/Denali): July averages warm up to 70-72°F
- Southeast (Juneau): Summer stays mild at 60-64°F
Daylight plays a huge role in your trip’s success. The summer solstice hits on June 21st with amazing daylight hours—19 in Anchorage, 21 in Fairbanks, and 18 in Southeast Alaska. These long days let you pack more activities into your schedule and drive safely even during evening hours.
Construction and road closures
Road work happens mostly in warmer months and can cause delays. The Alaska Highway’s 2024 construction between kilometers 390-451 runs from June through October. This needs some careful planning. Winter brings its own set of challenges with ice and possible closures, which makes summer and shoulder seasons a better choice for most travelers.
Anyone asking can you drive to Alaska from the United States without road closure worries should aim for May through September. These months offer the most reliable conditions. Other times of year might mean closed campgrounds, limited services, and tough driving conditions.
How to prepare your vehicle and plan your stops
Getting ready is the life-blood of a soaring win for anyone who wants to drive to Alaska. Your vehicle must be ready and stops must be planned well. These factors will affect both safety and enjoyment during this epic northern trip.
Vehicle inspection and spare parts
Your vehicle needs to be mechanically sound before you leave. This is vital to handle Alaska’s demanding terrain. You need a detailed inspection of your engine, brakes, tires, and cooling system. Simple maintenance is not enough. You should carry essential spare parts to save your trip if problems come up. You might need serpentine belts, water pump, extra air filter, fuel-water separator, and fuses. RV travelers should also pack spare umbilical parts and a plastic welding kit. A small toolkit with simple wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers are a great way to get out of trouble.
Fuel planning and gas station gaps
You’ll find fuel stations about every 75 miles on the Alaska Highway. One vital rule stands out – keep your tank at least half full. Some remote areas have no services for 100-150 miles. Most stations take major credit cards, but smaller places might not accept American Express. Note that Canadian fuel sells by the liter, not gallon. Here’s a simple conversion: liters ÷ 3.78 = gallons.
Camping vs. hotels vs. roadhouses
You’ll find many places to stay during your trip. Hotels and motels cost more than $100 each night. Managed campgrounds give you cheaper options at $15-25 per night. These sites have simple amenities like parking pads, picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and water sources. Yes, it is smart to book ahead, especially on summer weekends when popular spots fill up fast.
Emergency supplies and safety gear
Your emergency kit should have:
- Flashlight with batteries, non-perishable food, water, and cell phone charger
- Warm clothes, ice scraper, flares, jumper cables, and first aid kit
- Shovel, blankets, and tire changing equipment
- Toilet paper for roadside “emergencies” since many rest stops close in winter
Using The Milepost and offline maps
The Milepost is known as “the bible of North Country travel”. This detailed guide has mile-by-mile descriptions, maps, and details about services on every major route to Alaska. The current edition helps you locate fuel stops, places to stay, and attractions. Offline maps are vital too, as cell coverage is limited across big stretches of your trip.
Summing all up
A road trip to Alaska is one of North America’s most remarkable adventures. Flying can’t match the experiences that await adventurous travelers on the road. The trip through Canada’s wilderness lets you spot wildlife, see breathtaking landscapes, and meet people in small northern communities. While this trip needs careful planning, the rewards are worth every challenge.
The timing of your expedition makes a big difference. Summer brings the best driving conditions and longer daylight hours. You’ll find better deals and fewer crowds during shoulder seasons. Your success depends on having a well-maintained vehicle, emergency supplies, and the right documents for border crossings.
The Alaska Highway offers frequent services, while the Cassiar route gives you better chances to see wildlife. You could also mix it up with some ferry travel. Most people take 5-10 days to complete the trip. Taking extra time helps you appreciate this extraordinary region even more.
The Alaska Highway looks nothing like it did during its wartime construction. Regular cars can now drive these once-treacherous roads most of the year. You’ll find gas stations, places to stay, and restaurants at reasonable distances. Still, it’s smart to plan ahead.
This epic northern adventure belongs on every explorer’s bucket list. People come back with more than just photos – they bring stories of surprise encounters, magnificent wilderness, and the pride of finishing one of America’s greatest road trips. The drive to Alaska is more than just travel. It’s an achievement, an adventure, and without doubt, an experience you’ll never forget.
Here are some FAQs about if can you drive to Alaska:
Can I go to Alaska with a car?
Yes, you can drive to Alaska from the United States via the Alaska Highway through Canada, which is the most common route. While you cannot drive to Juneau Alaska directly since it’s inaccessible by road, you can take your car on a ferry to reach the capital. The journey to drive to Alaska offers spectacular scenery but requires proper planning for border crossings and remote stretches.
Is driving to Alaska a good idea?
Driving to Alaska can be an incredible adventure for those prepared for long distances and wilderness conditions. However, you cannot drive to Alaska without going through Canada, so ensure you have proper documentation for international travel. The remote terrain means you should have emergency supplies and a reliable vehicle for the challenging conditions.
How long does it take to get to Alaska by car?
The drive to Alaska from Seattle typically takes 5-7 days, covering approximately 2,200 miles via the Alaska Highway. While you can drive from Alaska to Russia is theoretically impossible due to the Bering Strait, the land route through Canada and Alaska is lengthy but manageable. Plan for extra time as weather, road conditions, and sightseeing can extend your trip.
Is it possible to drive from the US to Alaska?
Yes, you can drive to Alaska from the United States by taking the Alaska Highway through British Columbia and Yukon. Although you cannot drive to Juneau Alaska directly, most other Alaskan cities are accessible via this route. Be aware that there are no roads connecting Alaska to Russia, despite their proximity.
Why is car rental so expensive in Alaska?
Car rentals in Alaska are costly due to limited supply, high demand during tourist season, and the logistics of transporting vehicles to remote locations. While you can drive to Alaska from the United States, many visitors prefer renting locally, driving up prices. Additionally, rugged terrain and long distances contribute to higher wear-and-tear costs for rental companies.
Is there a car ferry to Alaska?
Yes, the Alaska Marine Highway System operates ferries that transport vehicles, offering an alternative to drive to Alaska entirely by road. This is especially useful if you want to reach destinations like Juneau, since you cannot drive to Juneau Alaska directly. The ferry system connects various coastal towns, making it a scenic and practical option for travelers with cars.