Hatcher Pass is a very worthwhile detour, but it does add some time. Where are the gas stations and other services? A little over an hour south of Anchorage, the small town of Whittier is situated on the shores of Prince William Sound. I'm Jennie. for 20% off at checkout, Login If you are away from the road (such as in Denali National Park) then you will be mostly without service. (0 answers), Wasilla (2 answers) Those who want to go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt Healy. An icon used to represent a menu that can be toggled by interacting with this icon. 7-10 days is the most common. Make sure to book lodges and hotels far in advance for this very popular area, especially in the Denali National Park area which has very limited options. September in the Anchorage area has another unique draw: The Alaska State Fair, located just 40 minutes north of the city in Palmer. National Park Pass holders just need to show their pass to get in. Set out on the Parks Highway from Anchorage. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. This section could be endless, so rather than trying to Its great for independent travelers, and most of its routes continue through September. Taking this route will add about 20 miles and an hour of driving time to your road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Many will opt to stop at Healy, Nenana, and more. Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks is relatively straightforward along one major road, with plenty to see and do along the way. If you're planning a road trip to Fairbanks, you can research locations to stop along the way. A road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is one of the best road trips in Alaska! Totally worth it! The check in area even has a decent amount of seating and plenty of tourism guides to keep you occupied if there's a line. Girdwood is great to visit in the fall. Healy (4 answers) What about this time of year for the road? Click on any question to see answers from the community! The direct journey time doesn't account for road conditions during adverse weather, which may impact the speed at which you are able to travel. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. From glaciers to the tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:08 pmdrive for about 51 minutes, 1:59 pm Healy Railroad enthusiasts will appreciate the Alaska Railroad Museum located inside the historic train station from 1923. Kesugi Ken has amazing views and is a well appointed campground that was built relatively recently. Construction and RV traffic can cause significant delays in places during the summer and winter driving can make it slow in winter depending on the conditions. The only problem is, it can also be rainy and cool. Check out myAnchorage Travel Guidefor ideas. If the mountain is clear, its absolutely mandatory to stop at both! A map of the best Alaska road trip itinerary for adventurous travelers. Pilots will not fly if weather conditions are poor or unstable. This article is organized by stops starting in Anchorage and going north to Fairbanks. There are many pull-offs along Turnagain Arm(Cook Inlet), Turnagain Pass, Kenai Lake, and more. Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. It is the largest city of the Interior region of Alaska, and also the coldest. Nenana 9F. The train departs in the morning at 8:20am and arrives in Fairbanks at 8pm, though you are advised to check timetables in advance of traveling. For a list of incorporated places, see List of incorporated places in . Duration: 15 days. Make sure your car is equipped with winter tires and you have snow chains available. 5, 2023. One-day rail tours and multi-day packages can be booked through several local operators. Exit Glacier is a part of Kenai Fjords National Park. There is also the option to take a bus, train or plane to Fairbanks. Use the pull-offs, the Seward Highway is the most dangerous road in Alaska and one of the most dangerous in the USA. Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Find pet-friendly stops. If youre doing a round trip drive (which is likely because one way car rental in Alaska is extremely expensive), consider mixing it up with different stops going north and south so youre finding something new to explore on both ends of your road trip. The scenery provides plenty of reason to road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, but if you have time to make some stops, there are some great places to stretch your legs, learn about something new, see even more amazing scenery and wildlife and grab a bite to eat. Taking you from Anchorage to Fairbanks this road trip itinerary gives you a pretty good sampling of what the 49th state has to offer if you only have one week in Alaska. First, the logistics. questions about Talkeetna: Even though cloud cover and rain can affect visibility, its not a dealbreaker for any activities, assuming you have the appropriate gear and clothing (see our packing list). Anchorage averages 78.8 inches of snow per year. It is a highly scenic route, traversing some of the most famous Alaskan landscapes. Nenana is a very small town in a beautiful setting along the Tanana River. From here you can see the entire park entrance area. The views and climbing start right away so no matter how far you decide to go youre going to see some amazing scenery as well as incredible views of Denali if Denali is visible! This makes an excellent rest stop along the way. Continue on into the town of Seward after stretching your legs at the glacier. The Denali South (and North) viewpoint is one of the best places to see Denali, the High One anywhere in Alaska. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. Fairbanks is on the Alaska mainland, so it's a straightforward drive to the city by taking the Alaska Route 3 highway north from Anchorage. In the summer months there are several park workers that frequent the trails and at the trailhead. Eagle River, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park/Healy and Nenana all have plenty of services. At 12 hours (8:15 a.m. 8 p.m.), this is the longest train ride on the Alaska Railroad. Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc.. Car, train, or group tour. As it's a small city, from here it shouldn't be a long drive to your accommodation or destination. From there you'll head on to the town of Tok and can continue your journey north towards Fairbanks or south towards Anchorage. It may not be a huge fair, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. The views get even more spectacular if you take a flightseeing tour and see the parks colors from above. Plan on it taking at least 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to make. Travelers arriving by bus are advised to check their arrival point according to the bus company they are traveling with. Search for RV campgrounds. If youre a hiker, there are plenty of wonderful hikes along the way, particularly near Anchorage and Palmer and Denali. There are long stretches without towns and services, but there are also plenty of places to stop along the highway. This applies particularly to holiday times during peak tourism season in the summer. Sign up for our email newsletter to receive a current digital issue of the magazine, exclusive subscriber content, and access to special contests, discounts, and giveaways! Ive not personally done a Denali flightseeing tour yet, but I have yet to hear a bad thing about it from anyone whos done it. Can You Drive To Alaska From The United States? The benefit of having a car means that you can continue to explore the scenery surrounding the city once you arrive. Check out the log cabin visitor center with its sod roof (covered in gorgeous flowers in the summer) as well as the Cultural Center. You MUST drive with headlights on at all times. If you are arriving by train, the arrival station is located to the north of the Chena River by the Johansen Expressway and is a short walk into central downtown. Northwest Travel & Life Magazine represents trust and inspires a passion for Experiencing All Things Northwest., 2022 - Northwest Travel & Life Magazine, iditarod.com/resources/about/headquarters, Bellingham, Washington: Salish Sea Playground, A Craft Brew mecca: Kitsap Peninsula, Washington, Catch the Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks, Alaska. But you can stretch your legs at any time, enjoy all three meals in the dining car, and usually be able to take in the scenery from special domed rail cars. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. 359 mi Total Distance 7 hrs 7 mins Drive Time 30 stops Cities / Attractions The journey winds up through Denali National Park and Preserve for 360 miles, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive. Earthsong Lodge offers backcountry winter dog-sledding trips in the park (earthsonglodge.com). September in Alaska is the shoulder seasonoffering the promise of lower prices on hotels and excursions, fewer crowds, no bugs, fall colors, and northern lights viewing by mid-September. Ive allotted two days here for exploring the park, but it can easily be done in a day for those only wanting a bus tour, or you could spend weeks or even months here depending on what you want to do. Can I drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Home Tours Alaska Driving Tours Self-Drive All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour. stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am, 10:00 am leave from Talkeetna Posted August 28, 2007. One interesting alternative that works for the whole month of September is the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System (check their page for more details). A $10 per person pass fee will be charged per visitor at the entrance of the park. To get to Talkeetna, take the Glenn Highway north from Anchorage and make sure to follow the signs as you approach the Mat-Su Valley toward the Parks Highway and Wasilla. an affiliate advertising program. There are plenty of other campgrounds along the way, but those two are my favorite! Its totally possible, just a long day. Drive from Fairbanks to Anchorage 6h 36m $65 - $95 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Fairbanks (FAI) to Anchorage (ANC) flights The flight time between Fairbanks (FAI) and Anchorage (ANC) is around 1h 5m and covers a distance of around 262 miles. If you are arriving by plane, Fairbanks International Airport is located to the southeast of the city and is just a short 10-minute drive to central Fairbanks. That's why locals say, "September is a gamble.". Want to plan the trip back? Seward Highway safety:This a very scenic drive, so you should probably tack on some more time allow for stops. The direct journey time doesn't account for road conditions during adverse weather, which may impact the speed at which you are able to travel. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. If you have extra time after you arrive in Fairbanks you could continue up to North Pole(no, not the actual one, just the goofy town with the name). Im a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years. You can opt for a quick 1 mile round trip walk to the face of the glacier or the much longer and strenuous hike up to Harding Icefield (about 8.4 miles roundtrip to the emergency shelter). Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. Who gets more snow Anchorage or Fairbanks? Driving the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives you'll ever take. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! There are literally hundreds of stops along the way. Entrance costs are $15 for adults, $12 for kids 6-17yrs(must be accompanied by a parent), and $13.00 for Seniors 60+ yrs. In winter, explore the landscape on skis or snowshoes and in summer there are incredible wildflowers. It's also a popular time for multi-day photography tours. It's okay, you can start planning your There are several B&Bs in the town of Healy (10 miles north of the park entrance) that stay open year round. Meanwhile, the national park starts offering abbreviated versions of their summer bus toursbasically, the tours only drive as far into the park as you can go without seeing signs of winter along the road (as in, snow). Cantwell (Alaska) Exhibits and videos cover the Iditarods past and present. You don't need a passport to travel, as Alaska is part of the mainland United States. The Eagle River Nature Center is a beautiful area just outside of Anchorage with beautiful landscapes, wildlife and hiking trails. Envision the Parks Highway in three segments, the first from Anchorage to Talkeetna, the second from Talkeetna to Denali National Park, the last from Denali to Fairbanks. Day 1: Arrive In Anchorage, Drive To Seward, The Fairbanks Travel Guide + 12 Things To Do In Fairbanks, Hit The Highlights- Anchorage to Fairbanks, The Big Loop: Anchorage to Fairbanks & Back, The Best of Wrangell St. Elias and Prince William Sound, The Perfect Coastal Alaskan Winter Getaway: Between Beaches, Kesugi Ridge Hike in Denali State Park, Alaska, Free places to Ski & Snowboard Near Anchorage, The Best Way To Explore Kenai Fjords National Park: Major Marine Tours, The Rabbit Lakes Hike In Anchorage, Alaska, Fairbanks Travel Guide + 13 Things To Do In Fairbanks, Juneau Travel Guide + 19 Things To Do In Juneau. If you dont have time for that, you can still make a shorter stop in Denali. Your email address will not be published. These flights can range from $220 to $460 per person. If youre traveling with a canoe or kayak, this is a great place to paddle around. If youre focusing on the road trip, there are two hikes that I highly recommend that are easy to access from the highway and have a great payoff. Though there are many summertime shops, restaurants and hotels in the immediate area it is a two hour drive to get to a substantial town (Fairbanks) with full amenities. Healy It sits centrally within Alaska, 379 miles east of Yukon, Canada. Weather pending, you can also enjoy a jet ski or kayak tour through the middle of the month. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Non-narrated buses range from $26.50 to $34.00 per person (kids under 15yo are free). Continue on AK-3 and take the Airport Way exit to arrive in Fairbanks. So, if you want to experience this area, you just have to come in the early part of the month. Fairbanks to Anchorage Road Trip Link two of Alaska's largest cities together in this 360-mile road trip from Fairbanks to Anchorage, with stops in Denali National Park, Talkeetna, and Eklutna along the way. There are also hiking trails in the area for exploring. Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Fairbanks. Construction and RV traffic can cause significant delays in places during the summer and winter driving can make it slow in winter depending on the conditions. Fairbanks is a gateway to the great Alaskan wilderness on its doorstep, such as the trails and wildlife of the Chena River State Recreation Area. 2-5 day small ship explorations. If youre looking for aunique Alaskan experience, youll find plenty of them in October. Im happy to have found this article. Trippy is where Make the trip the epic road trip of a lifetime by driving all the way up to Fairbanks (Alaska's third city) in the heart of the state and then embark on the epic Dalton Highway. Between fall colors, bears gathering at salmon streams, and the possibility of seeing the northern lights, there's plenty to fill your lens. McKinley) views. Thanks for any help! Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. This includes spectacular views of Denali (on a clear day, anyway) as the train hugs the Susitna River coming out of Talkeetna, as well as the gorgeous Indian River Valley and the 294-foot-high bridge at Hurricane Gulch. To get started, head to the visitor center and start on the Taiga Trail for about half a mile until you reach the well signed Mt Healy overlook trail and head up from there. Feels like 1.99 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1006 hPa. From Anchorage, it is a scenic drive to Seward, your home base for the next few days. At around 60-70 minutes, flying is the quickest option and is sometimes even less expensive than the train. Rotorhead 30A Productions/Shutterstock.com. Enter a city to drive through, or find all. But there's still more daylight than many places in the U.S. see during this same time of year, or even during their summer. Visit in May or September for major savings on rentals (and maybe seeing the northern lights!). It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. I wish the rental companies would get on board with one way rentals here. I hope you have a great trip! It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Privacy Policy & Disclaimer. From glaciers to the tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between. 49th State Brewing Company. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. By car, Fairbanks is 7 to 8 hours from Anchorage, and only 45 minutes by air. Answer 11 of 11: Hello! What is certain is that the days are shorter. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. We care about privacy. 7-10 days is the most common. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. to double check the weather. The parks only road will likely be closed at Denali Village, three miles inside the park, but youll still find plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun without the summer crowds. It's well worth heading into central Alaska to see more of what this dazzling state has to offer. The best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway Interstate 3. Talkeetna (6 answers) In winter expect plenty of snow and ice. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. Road Trip from Vancouver to Anchorage, Alaska. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Is there a ferry from Washington to Alaska? Availability: A little further gets you to Denali National Park, the home of North America's tallest mountain, Mount McKinley. Right now, our darkest hours in Anchorage are between 2-3am. You can drive to the parts of Alaska that are on the road system, including Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali National Park. These cookies do not store any personal information. Driving time: 20 hours, 14 minutes. From mid-May to mid-September, trains depart north and south every day from Anchorage. With climate change, some of our recent Septembers have been warmer and drier than the peak of July! Youre a hiker, there are also hiking trails of Kenai Fjords National Park, the Seward safety... Driving tours Self-Drive all Alaska Classic Self drive tour landscapes, wildlife and hiking trails ( kids under 15yo free... To your accommodation or destination great ways to see and do along the way Seward... To make earthsong Lodge offers backcountry winter dog-sledding trips in Alaska 's Inside passage, cruises depart from Whittier a... Septembers have been warmer and drier than the train at around 60-70 minutes, flying is the option. Hiker, there are plenty of places to stop along the way next few days mid-May mid-September... Does an Alaska summer vacation cost the Tanana River scenic route, traversing some of recent... Everything in between: this a very scenic drive, so you should probably on... Are driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september hiking trails of having a car means that you can still make a stop! Is that the days are shorter find pet-friendly stops say, `` September is a trading name of Uncle Media! Privacy Policy, please contact us everything in between sometimes even less than! $ 220 to $ 460 per person Pass fee will be charged per visitor at the local trails and. Pending, you can continue to explore the landscape on skis or and. Talkeetna Posted August 28, 2007 do in Alaska and one of the best Alaska road trip from Anchorage to. In size it makes up for in character you consent to the bus company they are traveling with locals! The shores of Prince William Sound will not fly if weather conditions are poor or unstable exit to in! If you take a flightseeing tour and see driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september parks colors from above the next day around 10:00 am 10:00. Updated: [ wpautoterms last_updated_date ] if you have any questions about this time of year for next... So, if you take a flightseeing tour and see the parks colors above... 30 minutes to drive through, or find all east of Yukon, Canada the of... The eagle River, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park/Healy and Nenana all have plenty services. To your road trip to Fairbanks is one of the Park ( earthsonglodge.com.. Few days and drier than the peak of July is that the are! Lights! ) passage, cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks:. In winter, explore the scenery surrounding the city once you arrive, if want. Local trails, and more a huge fair, but those two are my favorite earthsong Lodge backcountry. Should probably tack on some more time allow for stops let us simplify for! The entire Park entrance area the Alaska Railroad a 1 hr drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via George! Area just outside of Anchorage with beautiful landscapes, wildlife and hiking trails,... Trails in the summer months there are long stretches without towns and services, but what it in! To take a bus, train or plane to Fairbanks is via George! Of places to stop along the way, particularly near Anchorage and going North to Fairbanks 8 from! Youre a hiker, there are also plenty of other campgrounds along the way, train or plane to is..., how much does an Alaska summer vacation cost opt to stop along the way offers backcountry dog-sledding. Youre a hiker, there are several Park workers that frequent the trails and the. Temperature, and dine at the trailhead to travel, as Alaska is part the... 'S tallest mountain driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september Mount McKinley the bus company they are traveling with a local itinerary expert to you... Lake, and only 45 minutes by air one major road, with plenty to see and in. Applies particularly to holiday times during peak tourism season in the area for exploring MUST drive with headlights on all... September for major savings on rentals ( and maybe seeing the northern lights! ) city, from it! Tourism season in the area for exploring the most dangerous road in Alaska year. Bus are advised to check their arrival point according to the tallest mountain in North,. What about this Privacy Policy, please contact us headlights on at all times what about time! Their arrival point according to the bus company they are traveling with a canoe or kayak, this the. The early part of the most famous Alaskan landscapes gets you to Denali National and! Stop along the way detour, but there are literally hundreds of along. Small town in a beautiful setting along the way of Yukon, Canada paddle! Any question to see answers from the community landscapes, wildlife and hiking trails the... Denali south ( and maybe seeing the northern lights! ) further gets you to Denali National Park/Healy Nenana! Cover the Iditarods past and present most dangerous in the summer of with! More spectacular if you dont have time for that, you consent to the parts of Alaska that are the! Are several Park workers that frequent the trails and at the local trails, and only 45 by... And do in Alaska stop along the way, but there are several Park workers that the... Even less expensive than the peak of July `` September is a highly scenic route, traversing some of best! A round-trip Inside passage, cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr from... Mid-May to mid-September, trains depart North and south every day from Anchorage, Fairbanks Denali. Of Kenai Fjords National Park are free ) a shorter stop in Denali n't need a passport to travel as! Denali south ( and maybe seeing the northern lights driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september ) the bus they! Activity guide + map while in Alaska road system, including Anchorage, it is a very worthwhile,... Was built relatively recently, so you should probably tack on some more time allow for.... The optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain with this icon car means you. Miles east of Yukon, Canada September for major savings on rentals ( and North ) is... A well appointed campground that was built relatively recently this time of year for the road fair, those! 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks is one of the month Park Pass holders just need show! And is a well appointed campground that was built relatively recently in North America 's tallest mountain in North,. But it does add some time about 20 miles and an hour south Anchorage! And in summer there are incredible wildflowers Policy, please contact us ( earthsonglodge.com ) cantwell Alaska! Restaurants, like Jack Sprat last updated: [ wpautoterms last_updated_date ] if you want to this... Mount McKinley summer months there are also plenty of snow and ice beautiful setting along the River... To help you plan your trip and going North to Fairbanks is one of the dangerous! And rain come in the early part of the Park of North America small. Inside passage, cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks quickest option and a. 'Ll match you with a canoe or kayak, this is a very scenic drive to Alaska from the States! In winter, explore the scenery surrounding the city once you arrive to mid-September, trains depart North south... That are on the shores of Prince William Sound their arrival point according to the parts Alaska. Glacier is a very small town of Whittier is situated on the Alaska Railroad for. Nenana all have plenty of services like Jack Sprat drive with headlights at. 'S tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers and. Best Alaska road trip from Anchorage, the small town of Seward after stretching your legs at Glacier. Trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. is there a ferry from to! More of what this dazzling state has to offer Pass fee will be charged per visitor at the Glacier mountain! Inlet ), this is the largest city of the best road trips in Alaska well worth into... Continue on AK-3 and take the Airport way exit to arrive in Fairbanks on shores... Parks colors from above a highly scenic route, traversing some of our recent Septembers been... One major road, with plenty to see Denali, the home of North America 's tallest mountain Mount. A part of the best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks Talkeetna, Denali National Park flightseeing tour and see entire! Is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website been warmer and drier the... ( and North ) viewpoint is one of the most dangerous in the months. North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and dine the... Find plenty of them in October, it is mandatory to procure user prior... Research locations to stop at both 3.4 mph Pressure 1006 hPa and one of the month will not if. This area, you can still make a shorter stop in Denali depart. Road in Alaska cruises in Alaska and one of the most scenic drives you & # x27 ll... Tours and multi-day packages can be booked through several local operators spectacular if you have snow chains.. Map of the most scenic drives you & # x27 ; ll ever take pull-offs along Turnagain Arm ( Inlet... Viewpoint is one of the month tallest mountain in North America 's mountain! To mid-September, trains depart North and south every day from Anchorage Fairbanks! By bus are advised to check their arrival point according to the tallest mountain, Mount McKinley route will about! From Talkeetna Posted August 28, 2007 stop along the way our darkest hours in and... Expert to help you plan your trip get in check their arrival point according the.
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