Southeast Alaska: Getting Here

Those who have never visited the 49th state may be surprised at the ease of access.

The quickest way to get to Alaska is simply flying. Daily commercial jets connect Southeast Alaska to transportation hubs in Anchorage and Seattle. Juneau is only two hours by jet from Seattle and an hour and a half from Anchorage. Jets also provide daily service to Ketchikan, Sitka, Wrangell, Petersburg and other SE communities.

The more leisurely and unique arrival method takes place on board the state-owned and operated ferry system that connects the major Southeast Alaska communities with Bellingham, Washington and Prince Rupert in British Columbia, Canada. The Alaska Marine Highway System carries cars, trucks, freight and walk-on passengers.

The waters of the Inside Passage, island locations, ice fields and mountains prevent driving directly to most Southeast Alaska towns. But, you can drive indirectly by combining several different means of transportation. For example; drive to Seattle, put your vehicle on a barge, and then fly to Juneau. Or, take the Alaska-Canada Highway to one of the Alaska Marine Highway System ports, then drive on board and sail for the last part of the trip. Road access to ferry terminal ports are in Bellingham, Washington, Prince Rupert, British Columbia, and three Alaska towns. Driving to Hyder, Skagway, or Haines, Alaska gives you access to and the opportunity to travel on the famous Alaska Marine Highway.

The sailing time from Bellingham to Ketchikan is about 36 hours. From Ketchikan to Juneau is an additional 16 hours. From Juneau to Sitka is about 8 hours. Those driving the Alaska Highway to Skagway before boarding the ferry will be only four hours from Juneau via the ferry.

Travel through the pristine Inside Passage, observing the majestic natural grandeur and abundant wildlife can be both relaxing and exhilarating! It can be the trip of a lifetime!