Can You Drive To Alaska?
Alaska is the northernmost point of the United States, looking out over the Bering Sea, the Arctic Ocean and the northern tip of the Pacific. It's separated from the rest of the United States mainland by the Canadian province of British Columbia, and its only land border is with Canada, so you might wonder whether it's possible to drive all the way from the United States to Alaska.
You can drive the 2,120 miles from the US border to Alaska in 39 hours. Traveling from the Pacific Coast, take the Dease Lake Highway which connects with Alaska Highway in Yukon; or you can head to Dawson Creek, BC then join the Alaska Highway.
Wherever you're starting from it's a long drive to Alaska, so keep reading to find out the routes you can take, the best time of year to travel, and what you need to know about some of the challenges of taking this epic but remote road trip.
Can you drive all the way to Alaska from the United States?
The drive to Alaska will take several days, but as long as you don't mind a long journey then you can drive there from the United States.
Your route will take you across the border into Canada for a long part of the trip. If you want to avoid this you could take the ferry instead, which departs from Bellingham, WA, and takes 2 days to reach its southernmost stop in Alaska.
If you do decide to drive then your main route into the state will be the Alaska Highway, so one of the biggest considerations when planning your route will be how to link up with it from your departure point. Most trips will take you along one of 4 routes depending on where you'll cross the US-Canada border.
If you're starting on the West Coast, head towards Vancouver and cross the border at Sumas. Most other travelers will enter Canada at North Dakota's Portal or Fortuna border crossings.
Alternatively, if you're coming all the way from Maine, you can take the short hop across the border into Quebec then join the Trans-Canada Highway at Montreal to continue on the mammoth 75-hour drive.
You can drive to Alaska from Washington State
From your starting point in California, Oregon or Washington State, make your way north to Sumas, WA. From here onwards, an impressive distance of 2,120 miles awaits you from the US border to the Alaskan border through Canada. This will take 39 hours to cover.
After crossing the border it's just a couple of miles to Abbotsford where you'll join Trans-Canada Highway 1 and follow it north through Hells Gate and Spences Bridge as far as Cache Creek.
From here, join the Cariboo Highway (BC-97) and continue north as far as Prince George, where you'll switch onto the Yellowhead Highway (BC-16) towards Kitwaga. Here, turn right to cross the Skeena River to join the Steward-Cassiar Highway (BC-37), which is also part of the Dease Highway.
A long stretch on the Dease Highway follows, which takes you past Dease Lake and through some scenic mountain landscapes before you cross into Yukon and turn left onto the Alaska Highway.
As its name suggests, this will take you across Alaska. If you're headed to Anchorage turn onto AK-1 at Tok to complete your long journey.
This route takes you through stretches of stunning scenery in the southern half of British Columbia, winding its way through mountains and forests, so it can feel like a road trip in itself. If you're not in a rush you might like to factor in some time to stop and explore along this part of the drive.
You can drive to Alaska from Montana
If you're starting in western states including Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona and Utah, first head to Montana and pick up I-15 heading to the north of the state through Great Falls and Shelby. This will take you to the Canadian border at Coutts, where you'll start the long drive through Alberta.
AB-4 will take you to Lethbridge where you cross the Old Man River and join AB-3 which connects you to AB-2 to Calgary. From Calgary, continue north to Edmonton then head east out of the city to join AB-43 which takes you across the Alberta prairies and on to Valleyview, Clairmont and Hythe.
Shortly after crossing into British Columbia, you'll reach Dawson Creek, where the Alaska Highway begins. From here you simply have to follow the same road for an epic 1,180 miles (1,890 km), enjoying views of the Muskwa River, the Northern Rocky Mountains and Teslin Lake before you reach the border just after Beaver Creek.
From the border, most journeys will take you further along the Alaska Highway to get closer to your final destination inside the state.
For travelers starting their trip further east, it makes more sense to cross the Canadian border in North Dakota. Make your way north - US-52 will be a convenient route from the interstate for many travelers - heading through Minot and Kenmare to reach the border crossing near Portal.
It's also an option to cross the border at Fortuna, from where you can simply head due north to connect with the road from Portal.
Once you've arrived in Canada, follow AB-39 northwest before turning off towards Regina. Moving on, the Louis Reil Trail (AB-11) continues north to Saskatoon, where you should hop onto the Trans-Canada Highway in the direction of Edmonton. From here the route is the same as the trip from Montana, taking AB-43 to connect with the Alaska Highway at Dawson Creek.
How to drive to Alaska from East Coast states through Canada
You'll have a long journey ahead if you're starting in the East Coast states such as New York, Vermont or Maine. First, follow the interstate to Buffalo then continue west all the way along the southern shore of Lake Erie then continue along the interstate through Chicago, Minneapolis and Fargo.
When you reach Jamestown, you'll finally leave the interstate, making your way across North Dakota via Carrington and Minot until you reach the border crossing at Portal.
You can take the ferry to Alaska without driving through Canada
If you'd rather sit back and relax rather than driving the whole way to Alaska, you can take the ferry from Bellingham in Washington State. This trip takes at least 2 days and depending on your final destination in Alaska you're likely to have a significant drive once you disembark. Luckily, you can take your car on the ferry with you which makes it easier to complete the journey.
Depending on the season, there can be different number of sailings to Wrangell, Petersburg and Juneau in Alaska. The state capital Juneau can't be reached by road even if you do make the long drive to Alaska through Canada, so seeing as you'd need to take a ferry whichever way you travel, it might be simpler just to sail all the way there.
If you're traveling to other parts of Alaska, you should leave the ferry in Haines. From here the Haines Highway connects with the Alaska Highway to reach Anchorage, Denali National Park or Fairbanks. This is another long drive, taking up to 14 hours, and you will enter Canada before returning to Alaska so a passport is required.
Is it safe or dangerous to drive to Alaska?
The Alaska Highway used to be a challenging drive but seeing as the whole 1,390-mile (2,230 km) length of the road is now fully paved, it's a more straightforward trip than it used to be.
You can take this trip in your regular vehicle as long as it's in good condition and has enough space for all the baggage you'll need for a trip of at least 2 weeks.
You won't need specialist equipment to make this trip unless you're traveling in winter - keep reading to find out more about what to take in the colder months. However, it's wise to take paper maps or download maps before setting off as cell phone coverage is extremely limited on parts of the route.
The road to Alaska takes you through some extremely remote areas so you need to be prepared to drive through wilderness areas. You should also be confident in covering such a long distance as driving for so many hours can be physically demanding if you're not used to it.
The elements play a strong role in shaping the landscape this far north, and flooding or other environmental challenges can sometimes affect the road. However, diversions should be quickly put in place if this happens.
Plan your route carefully to avoid difficult road conditions when driving to Alaska
If you are traveling to Alaska from the West Coast of the US, your journey will most likely start on or take you on I-5, which is a regularly maintained road. However, you will encounter traffic, especially as you make your way through major cities such as Los Angeles, Sacramento, Porland and Seattle among others.
If you are traveling through Montana, North Dakota and Calgary, you should keep the winter road conditions in mind as well if you are traveling between October and April. You will mostly travel on main highways as you head north, but some roads you follow will wind through mountainous terrain, such as Stone Mountain Provincial Park.
Driving to Alaska from the East Coast states in the US might be challenging as you will be traveling all the way from the Atlantic shores to the Gulf of Alaska in the Pacific Ocean. This is a lengthy drive to undertake and is best left to be done during the warmer months.
Similar to driving through Calgary, you can expect climbing some elevation on this route, especially as you travel through British Columbia. Keep an eye out for the road conditions of the Northern Rocky Mountains and as you approach Kluane National Park and Reserve.
As you head west and enter Canada, especially if you are traveling during the colder months, you might encounter adverse weather and, consequently, road closures. You will travel on the main highways, and these are regularly maintained during winter, but check online before setting off for up-to-date road conditions.
When is the best time of year to drive to Alaska?
Although the drive to Alaska can be taken year-round, the state experiences harsh winter conditions. With all this in mind, it's much simpler to drive to Alaska in the summer. The milder weather means that driving conditions are more straightforward and you'll have more hours of daylight.
It can be difficult to drive to Alaska in the winter
As you might expect from a drive that takes you so far north, the route from the contiguous United States to Alaska is a difficult one in winter. If you have to travel at this time of year we'd suggest using another mode of transport to get to Alaska. Or, if you really want to make the long trip by road, summer is a much better time to travel.
Although the roads are usually passable, snow and freezing conditions are likely all through the winter which will slow you down on this already long route. It can take up to double the normal driving time - meaning that even if you drive 10 hours a day you should allow 8 to 10 days just for the drive.
You'll also need to be flexible if you make this trip in winter. Snowstorms are common and unpredictable but often make driving impossible, and often your only option will be to wait them out before carrying on your journey.
Travel fully equipped for the conditions. Winter tires are a given but you should also carry snow chains, shovels and planks (in case your vehicle gets stuck) and take warm layers and blankets in case you're unable to leave your vehicle.
With the road taking you through remote areas, you won't be able to access help easily if you run into difficulties. It's advisable to carry spare gas as distances between gas stations can be significant.
Finally, if you get that far, remember that when you travel so far north the days are extremely short. Parts of this route through Yukon won't see daylight in the middle of winter, so you'll miss out on those unforgettable views.
It is easiest to drive to Alaska in the summer
The main challenges are more related to the length of the drive than any particularly challenging driving conditions. After a long stretch behind the wheel you might start to lose focus, so it's important to plan in some rest stops even if you're trying to reach Alaska in the shortest possible time.
Don't expect many facilities as you travel through this remote part of the world as you won't have the same regular access to stores and pharmacies. Keep well stocked up with anything you'll need for the trip.
As you head north it's also particularly important to keep a careful eye out for wildlife on the highway.
You might sometimes get caught up behind a slower vehicle if you travel over busy periods, but remember that on such a long trip this is relative. You're not going to encounter anything resembling a rush hour on the Alaska Highway. The biggest challenge will be hitting a line of RVs or slower trucks and having to wait a while to pass them, but if this happens just think of it as a little extra time to enjoy the views.
How long does it take to reach Alaska?
| Route | Distance | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bellingham (ferry to Juneau) | 810 miles | 55 hours |
| Seattle | 2,990 miles | 35 hours |
| San Francisco | 4,280 miles | 47 hours |
| Denver | 4,470 miles | 46 hours |
| Los Angeles | 4,810 miles | 52 hours |
| Las Vegas | 4,820 miles | 49 hours |
| Chicago | 5,090 miles | 52 hours |
| New York | 6,370 miles | 64 hours |
| Orlando | 6,960 miles | 68 hours |
However you look at it, the drive to Alaska by car will be a long one. Even if you're starting out right by the Canadian border, the shortest route to drive from the United States to Alaska will take around 39 hours.
Don't forget to add on the time it will take you to get to this point from wherever you're starting out, and then probably a few more hours to complete the drive to your final destination in Alaska. If you're beginning your trip in Texas, for example, you can expect the whole trip to take at least 63 hours to drive.
If you're traveling from New York State or Maine the drive will take you upwards of 70 hours to drive, plus a significant amount of time for stops. With a journey of this length through often remote areas, most people would probably choose to fly this route instead of driving from one side of the continent to the other.
Important things to know about driving to Alaska
If you have the time and a suitable vehicle, most people can make the trip to Alaska. If you're traveling in the summer months the main limitation is the length of the drive, and whether you're interested in spending such a long time on the road.
Here are our top tips to help you plan a safe and enjoyable trip:
- If you're making a round trip don't forget to allow time to get back again - that's around 2 weeks on the road.
- Make sure your vehicle is ready for such a long drive and that your tires are in good condition before you set out. Take spare bulbs, fuses and a tire - and have the tools and knowledge to change them.
- Always have spare food and water in your vehicle, in case you get held up or break down in a remote area.
- Carry warm clothes whatever time of year you travel, as temperatures can drop along much of this route even in the height of summer. It's also wise to have blankets with you in the car in case you need to spend a night by the roadside.
- Be aware that as you travel further north, the highways won't resemble the 4-lane divided roads you'll probably be familiar with, especially if you're traveling via the Dease Highway from the West Coast of the United States. These roads are narrow and winding in places, with few places to overtake.
- Respect the wildlife that you're almost certain to see on this drive - don't get too close, and stay alert on the road in case you meet large animals on the highway. That's another good reason to take regular breaks.
- There are some restrictions on what you can take with you into Canada. One major difference is around weapons, as restrictions are tighter in Canada than the United States. This also applies to things like bear spray, so check that any products you might normally keep in the car are acceptable on both sides of the border.
- Whichever route you take you'll be crossing the border into Canada so make sure you have the travel documents and permissions required to enter the country. These vary depending on your nationality. If you're not a US citizen and you're returning to the United States at the end of your trip to Alaska, make sure your travel documents permit multiple entries to the country.
Things to see on a drive to Alaska
With over 2,000 miles to drive, you'll need to make a number of stops along the way. Luckily there are many fabulous places that you can explore on your drive from the United States to Alaska.
Things to see on the way to Alaska
- North Cascades National Park - A great place to stop, especially if you are traveling to Alaska from the West Coast of the US, North Cascades National Park is an amazing place to hike, camp and admire wildlife (from a safe distance!) with a backdrop of stunning mountains.
- Banff National Park - If you are traveling to Alaska through Montana, Idaho or Washington states, you can make an epic detour to visit one of the most picturesque national parks of Canada. Canada's first national park, Banff is home to incredible landscapes of rugged Canadian Rockies, turquoise lakes and a plethora of recreational activities to enjoy.
- Jasper National Park - Located a short distance from Banff National Park, Jasper National Park also boasts beautiful views of the mountains. You can even spot the Northern lights here, if you are lucky and visit between September and mid-May.
Things to see in Alaska
- Denali National Park - This national park is one of the reasons why travelers choose to drive to Alaska. Perfect for camping, hiking, cycling and wildlife watching, Denali is a must-visit for all nature lovers.
- Mendenhall Glacier - Take a guided hiking tour or embark on a dog-sledding adventure on this glacier, known for its otherworldly caves.
- Glacier Bay National Park - If you haven't had your fill of unforgettable landscapes of the glaciers, visit this national park to spot some adorable sea lions or to admire the majesty of the rugged terrain by taking a boat tour.
