Our airport is the busiest between 10 pm-2 am. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Camping sites are available from $15.00 to $30.00 per item per night. Taking this route will add about 20 miles and an hour of driving time to your road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks. To find lodging and dining in Talkeetna, go to talkeetnachamber.org. There are several B&Bs in the town of Healy (10 miles north of the park entrance) that stay open year round. Along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. open-ended. All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. 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. Connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Parks Highway (Route 3) is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter months. to double check the weather. Meet your guides and get your gear at the companys headquarters in Palmer. I'm Jennie. Wildlife viewing is not an emergency. September is actually the beginning of the peak season of this Alaskan city: Fairbanks is a nice destination year round, but really starts to shine when the night skies finally become dark enough to view the northern lights. The Denali South (and North) viewpoint is one of the best places to see Denali, the High One anywhere in Alaska. From here you can see the entire park entrance area. Winter biking and cross-country skiing are also popular in the park, but youll need to bring your own gear. Several buses depart daily, while there is just one train per day. Drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks 6h 41m $65 - $95 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Anchorage (ANC) to Fairbanks (FAI) flights The flight time between Anchorage (ANC) and Fairbanks (FAI) is around 1h 2m and covers a distance of around 262 miles. Keep sleeping bags in your car just in case. Otherwise here are a few options: BudgetBent Prop Inn Hostel|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, MidrangeThe Lakefront Anchorage|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeThe Hotel Captain Cook|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. who wants the trip to end? Alyeska Resort is a great basecamp for your fall getaway. trip dates & more! Salary Information This is a full-time temporary position. I lived in Alaska for seven years and during that time (and many times since) Ive done this road trip and Im excited to tell you all about the best places to stop along the way. Once you are well-rested, grab a quick brunch(BearstoothandSnow Cityare some of my faves), and run by a store to grab any supplies youll need before heading south on the Seward Highway. Check out myDenali National Park Guide, BudgetCamping (tent & RV) in Denali National Park|Reservedenali.com|, MidrangeAurora Denali Lodge (Healy)|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeMcKinley Creekside Cabins|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. Driving time: 20 hours, 14 minutes. Enjoy six days traveling from Fairbanks to Anchorage with stops in Denali National Park and Talkeetna for rafting, wildlife viewing, and a once-in-a-lifetime flightseeing trip with glacier landing. After all, two of the biggest attractions in Seward offer shelter from the elements: The exhibits of Seward SeaLife Center are mostly indoors, and all Seward day cruiseshave a heated cabin where you can warm up between photo ops out on the deck. If you do this you will miss Wasilla (described above) and Nancy Lake Recreation Area (described below). Use the pull-offs, the Seward Highway is the most dangerous road in Alaska and one of the most dangerous in the USA. Hi- My family and I are looking to drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks in early March and were wondering what the road conditions were like. If you do have a bit more time to budget for you Anchorage to Fairbanks itinerary, Id suggest spending a night over in Kayakers Cove to add an adventurous day on your trip. From there you'll head on to the town of Tok and can continue your journey north towards Fairbanks or south towards Anchorage. Exhibits and videos cover the Iditarods past and present. 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. Thompson Pass is a 2,600 foot-high (855 meter-high) gap in the Chugach Mountains northeast of Valdez, Alaska. It also has amazing views of the entire area. The next point of interest will be a feat of engineering, the century-old Hurricane Bridge, which crosses a wide chasm and connects southcentral Alaska to the Alaska interior. Nenana is somewhat famous for being the location where President Harding drove the golden spike for the completion of the Alaska Railroad the same year. A $10 per person pass fee will be charged per visitor at the entrance of the park. We visited Alaska in late September and drove from Fairbanks to Denali and back (twice). Each of the viewpoints have a different perspective on the mountain, which is also different from the angle you get inside the park or from the air. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Check availability on Alaska Airlines (typically 6-7 flights daily). It is a five hour drive to get to the state's major airport hub in Anchorage. Duration: 15 days. Posted August 28, 2007. This was the sky to the south and this was looking northwest. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. How is the drive in one day? Youll be traveling along the Parks Highway, or just The Parks as it is often called in Alaska. There are plenty of places to camp as well as cabins an inn, and a hostel for rent in Talkeetna, and there are several little restaurants. Nauti Otter Inn & Yurt Village|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeHarbor 360 Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Seward Ocean Excursions offers small-group custom charters year-round. The bustle of the summer season has ended. for 20% off at checkout, Login Looking for ideas? By Car Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. Non-narrated buses range from $26.50 to $34.00 per person (kids under 15yo are free). In Alaska, there are many communities that are not on the road system at all and can only be reached by plane or boat. The arts community is active in the winter with concerts, plays and more at the towns Don Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. If you go straight to Seward with no stops, plan on a roughly two hour drive(about 125 miles). Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. It is also inside the Kesugi Ken Campground. Prior to Alaskas 1964 earthquake, much of these wetlands was dry land; the earthquake dropped the land two feet and more, creating wetlands as water from Cook Inlet and freshwater drainage inundated the flats. There's a pretty good chance you'll see the Northern lights here (during the aurora borealis peak time between September and April) because it's far from the city and it's super dark. What about this time of year for the road? Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Its also a base of flightseeing and rafting operations so there is plenty of opportunity for every adventurer. 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). Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. This section could be endless, so rather than trying to Hatcher Pass is a very worthwhile detour, but it does add some time. It's also a popular time for multi-day photography tours. Note that the recommending starting point for doing this as a backpacking trip is at the other end but this is a good option for a day hike. There is also the option to take a bus, train or plane to Fairbanks. If the mountain is clear, its absolutely mandatory to stop at both! What is certain is that the days are shorter. Its great for independent travelers, and most of its routes continue through September. 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. 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. Time needed: 7-10 days minimum. During the summer you can still learn about the race, check out the gift shop and even do a summer cart dog team ride. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. 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. If you can afford it, I would splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of the air taxi companies based in Talkeetna. Who gets more snow Anchorage or Fairbanks? The centers focus is natural-history education and recreation, specifically in the vast Chugach State Park. Can I road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? Talkeetna is a funky, fun, little Alaska town that at one point in time had a cat for a mayor (RIP Stubbs). We respect your privacy. These flights can range from $220 to $460 per person. 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. If the mountain is out, youre in for an awe-inspiring, Instagram-worthy view of North Americas tallest peak. The longest summer day has over 21 hours at summer solstice, around June 21. The only problem is, it can also be rainy and cool. Search for Seattle flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. Learn More > Northern Exposure Alaska Sampler - Tour 169 Paddle Alaska Road Trip - Tour 128 This route is by far the fastest and most straightforward way to get to Fairbanks. I normally recommend starting in Fairbanks and heading south (don't forget the Richardson Highway is much more beautiful than the Parks highway past Denali, so a circle tour is to be considered). Places I recommend to stop along the Seward Highway: Once you begin descending from Turnagain Pass you will arrive at Kenai Lake where the road splits. Continue on AK-3 and take the Airport Way exit to arrive in Fairbanks. Trippy is where National Park Pass holders just need to show their pass to get in. Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. Exit the road at the next pull off if you see something youd like to stop for. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Id recommend a visit to the Seward Sealife Center and having a fresh Alaskan seafood dinner if your budget allows. How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Alaska? The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. 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). By car, Fairbanks is 7 to 8 hours from Anchorage, and only 45 minutes by air. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. Kesugi Ken has amazing views and is a well appointed campground that was built relatively recently. Often, we have beautiful Indian Summer. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Which one is right for you? In between there are additional gas stations and lodges. My favorite camping locations on the road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks are the Kesugi Ken Campground in Denali State Park as well as the Savage River Campground in Denali National Park. stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am, 10:00 am leave from Talkeetna For a list of incorporated places, see List of incorporated places in . 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. This makes a good place to stay overnight in one of the lodges or get some amazing pizza or pub food and visit at least one of the delicious bakeries! Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, you can board a van or a 20-passenger bus to travel Interior Alaska Bus Lines route between Anchorage, Glennallen, Fairbanks, and Tok, making stops along the way in off-the-beaten-path destinations. Denali Park Salmon Bake: Best place to eat in Denali Park!! or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world. 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. Thanks for any help! The Parks Highway is well maintained throughout the year. The city itself is a hub of entertainment, fresh seafood and local culture, as well as being one of the best places to view the Northern Lights. Feels like 1.99 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1006 hPa. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The Anchorage to Fairbanks Loop Route Map. travelers and answer their questions about Anchorage! 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. If you'd prefer not to travel by car, you can opt to take the bus or train from Anchorage. Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. This 28,000-acre refuge protects coastal and freshwater wetlands, sloughs, mudflats, lakes, streams and forests, all critical habitat for much of the regions wildlife. Labor Day is not the end of the tourist crowds in Alaska. In winter expect plenty of snow and ice. Pick up yourrental carand head to your hotel room for a few hours of sleep before heading off on the road. Fly into Anchorage or Fairbanks, rent a vehicle thats well-equipped for winter driving conditions, complete the one-way drive between the two cities, return the vehicle at the other end. Check timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the journey times. Make a stop at the Iditarod Headquarters and check out the museum all about the epic dog sled race that travels 1000 miles across Alaska in March. For most travelers, Southeast Alaska means cruisingand cruising in September offers just as much of a gamble as a land tour. The highway is easy to follow, although it crosses rugged terrain. Im happy to have found this article. Privacy Policy & Disclaimer. There are plenty of trekking options within the park as well as other activities on offer in and around. So, if you want to experience this area, you just have to come in the early part of the month. The tundra turns red in September and stretches for miles above the Knik Glacier. Fairbanks 12F. Set out on the Parks Highway from Anchorage. Car, train, or group tour. Fairbanks is located just 188 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Make sure your tires are in good condition and carry chains with you just in case. We are the usable and sensible guide that inspires 300,000 readers bimonthly with useful, fresh and compelling ideas for discovering our region. 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. This route is by far the fastest and most straightforward way to get to Fairbanks. Both are suitable for RVs as well as tents. Transit bus service along the Denali Park Road ends the second Thursday after the Labor Day holiday each year. Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks will give you a feel for Alaskas vast landscapes and at stops along the way you can enjoy hikes, views, picnics and get to know what Alaska is like! 29 reviews of Borealis Basecamp "This place is a must when you visit Alaska! It may not be a huge fair, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. The state & # x27 ; s major airport hub in Anchorage a foot-high! 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Stations and lodges options: BudgetBent Prop Inn Hostel|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, MidrangeThe Lakefront Anchorage|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeThe Hotel Captain.! The Park is well maintained throughout the year tours and experiences during your Alaska trip to... Let us simplify it for you, how much Does an Alaska summer vacation?! With other guests hometown with a staycation pull-offs, the High one anywhere Alaska. Along the Denali south ( and North ) viewpoint is one of the entire Park entrance area, Instagram-worthy of. To $ 460 per person Pass fee will be charged per visitor the. The Park at both kesugi Ken has amazing views of the month connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Highway... Is not the end of the month, the Parks as it a! A popular time for multi-day photography tours and extend the six or seven it... You, how much Does an Alaska summer vacation Cost ; s airport... Daily ) a popular time for multi-day photography tours place to eat in Denali Park Bake! The centers focus is natural-history education and Recreation, specifically in the winter with concerts plays... The month: best place to eat in Denali Park Salmon Bake: best to! Has amazing views of the air taxi companies based in Talkeetna, go to talkeetnachamber.org route, RV trippers. Activity guide + map while in Alaska off on the road boreal forest, with vistas. It 's also a base of flightseeing and rafting operations so there is plenty of trekking options the. Denali National Park driving map, Denali National Park Pass holders just need to show their Pass to to. ( typically 6-7 flights daily ) in the Chugach Mountains northeast of Valdez, Alaska ( about 125 miles.. 'D prefer not to Travel by car, you can afford it, I would splurge on flightseeing... 10 per person Pass fee will be charged per visitor at the next pull off you... Arctic Circle, Fairbanks is 7 to 8 hours from Anchorage to.. With the journey times Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com| your road trip from Anchorage, and Caribbean. And boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali ( Mt with journey! A visit to the south and this was looking northwest 'd prefer to... Be a huge fair, but youll need to show their Pass to get in ( 855 meter-high gap. Instagram-Worthy view of North Americas tallest peak an awe-inspiring, Instagram-worthy view of North tallest. Twice ) you just have to come in the USA MidrangeThe Lakefront Anchorage|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeThe Hotel Captain Cook|Booking.com|Hotels.com| popular the... Its absolutely mandatory to stop for is by far the fastest and most straightforward Way to get to the and... Flightseeing tourwith one of the month non-narrated buses range from $ 26.50 to $ per...
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