Getting Around Anchorage

Alaska is big! Don't underestimate travel times. Anchorage is the hub of most itineraries. You can reach most places you'll want to visit by road, rail, or motorcoach. Most towns are 2-4 hours apart, but the scenery is part of the journey. You can also fly by jet to outlying villages and parks or by air taxi to wilderness lodges. Most of these flights are 1-2 hours.

Alaska Railroad
Riding the Alaskan rails is an experience that’s impossible to duplicate. Glaciers, mountains, and wildlife fill the ever-changing panorama of your window, making for the easiest and most luxurious way to drink in the scenery. Chug along as you experience the 360-degree view from a dome car: you may pass by huge hanging glaciers, spectacular Mt. McKinley, or a Beluga whale swimming off-shore.

The 470 miles of train track run from Seward on the Kenai Peninsula up through Anchorage, to Denali National Park and on into Fairbanks. There are 3 different routes to choose from, with 3 different companies operating cars on the northern route, all attached to the same train. All of these stretches of track are unforgettable, and many miles run past places inaccessible by car. All seats on the Alaska Railroad are comfortable and spacious with large picture windows.

Alaska Trips in A Motorhome
Dreaming of piloting an RV around the great state of Alaska? Many of the motorhomes you'll see out on the roads during the summer are rentals driven by travelers up for a visit. Alaska is a pretty RV-friendly state, with public and private campgrounds in or around state and national parks, plus space available on public lasnds along many rural routes.

Alaska Bus Lines
Yes, it's the bus, but if you don't want to rent a car and if you're looking to avoid the high cost of the train, this is the way to go. You won't find Greyhound up here, rather a series of small bus companies that can get you to most of the highlights with not too much discomfort.
Actually, some of the buses are really luxurious greyhound-sized ones. But there are also smaller coach and van links between many of the towns. With the exception of Seward to Anchorage and Anchorage to Denali (which is served by both types), usually the vans make the runs to the smaller towns. The buses tend to be more luxurious. The vans are more intimate.

Flying to Alaska
Anchorage is the main gateway in and out of Alaska. The city’s airport is served by numerous large carriers that offer flights throughout the United States. Anchorage is the hub for flying throughout the state; many smaller airlines serve the various regions of this last frontier.

Most travelers choose to fly into Anchorage because it has lots to offer in the way of recreation and lodging; it’s also easy to jump to other parts of the state from here. If you’re planning to fly into Fairbanks or Juneau, keep in mind that Alaska Airlines does fly non-stop to those cities from Seattle.