Non-narrated buses range from $26.50 to $34.00 per person (kids under 15yo are free). The route is one of Alaska's most traveled highways, but during Alaska's long winter, it's not for travelers unwilling to tackle winter driving conditions. Make sure to watch your speed and keep your eyes on the sides of the road in addition to whats right in front of you so you dont miss any wildlife sightings and also so you dont get into a collision with a moose or other animal. Time needed: 7-10 days minimum. Whether you catch it under a blanket of snow or lit by the midnight sun, you're sure to find something to enjoy in this welcoming community. Denalis entrance area has service. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Fairbanks has a few sites on offer as well such as Pioneer Park, the Chena River, and downtown Fairbanks. Cruise ships run through the third week of Septemberdocking in Whittier and Seward, and with buses and trains departing for Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks. And, many cruise lines discount their September cruises. The best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway Interstate 3. Taking a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is a fun adventure that takes you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska. If youre driving through in late winter or early spring, look for the black and white tripod set up on the river, which topples over and triggers a clock which marks the official time to declare a winner! It also stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali. Thompson Pass is a 2,600 foot-high (855 meter-high) gap in the Chugach Mountains northeast of Valdez, Alaska. 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. Exhibits and videos cover the Iditarods past and present. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Kesugi Ken also has cabins (which book up far ahead of time). Highlights plus less visited destinations. Use the pull-offs, the Seward Highway is the most dangerous road in Alaska and one of the most dangerous in the USA. or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world. Anchorage averages 78.8 inches of snow per year. Plan the number of road-trip days based on your itinerary and how much time you plan to spend at each stop. Between fall colors, bears gathering at salmon streams, and the possibility of seeing the northern lights, there's plenty to fill your lens. I have a thing for little-visited parts of the world, breakaway regions, and remote places. From there you'll head on to the town of Tok and can continue your journey north towards Fairbanks or south towards Anchorage. If you're a photographer, you may be interested in a fall foliage photo tour. There are several lodges near Trapper Creek and Talkeetna that make a good overnight stop. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Is the road between Anchorage and Fairbanks paved? This is one of those trips where the drive is just as important as the destination. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. travelers and answer their questions about Anchorage! ANCHORAGE TO TALKEETNA MidrangeTalkeetna Roadhouse|Booking.com|, SplurgeTalkeetna Alaskan Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. On the other hand, if you get a nice day, your experience will be crisp and crystal clear. For a day hike, start at the Curry Ridge Trailhead across the road from the Denali South Viewpoint in Denali State Park. Want a relaxing way to spend your last bit of time in Alaska? Its totally possible, just a long day. Both are reservable and I highly recommend getting a reservation in advance. Fly from Kailua-Kona on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and more. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. You might even decide to tarry in Talkeetna for a few days, so you wont miss anything. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. For example, here are some questions people have asked about Fairbanks. This quirky former tourist attraction offers visitors the eerie experience of seeing a completely abandoned hotel and marks the halfway point between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Answer 1 of 4: Hello! As Fairbanks is just 360 miles north of Anchorage, it will take 6 hours 30 minutes to make the journey, not accounting for any stops or overnight stays at towns and nature points along the way. View massive tidewater glaciers and keep an eye out for wildlife. 359 mi Total Distance 7 hrs 7 mins Drive Time 30 stops Cities / Attractions It has a couple of surprisingly excellent museums for such a small town. 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. (See our How to Budget article for more tips on cutting costs). An icon used to represent a menu that can be toggled by interacting with this icon. And if you know Anchorage well, please help your fellow May require a current valid driver's license, must meet UA safe driving requirements. While brochures wax poetic about how early fall can be the perfect time to visit Alaska, the days are shorter, and it can also be rainy and cooler. For most travelers, Southeast Alaska means cruisingand cruising in September offers just as much of a gamble as a land tour. 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. Driving to Fairbanks from Anchorage in summer time is. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:59 pmdrive for about 2 hours, Marcella from Houston asked:Best itinerary for Anchorage to Fairbanks in 7 days? Exit Glacier is a part of Kenai Fjords National Park. Plan on it taking at least 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to make. Totally worth it! Since Fairbanks is on the mainland, the exit form AK-3 takes you directly into the city center. There is a visitor center and restroom at the trailhead. The benefit of having a car means that you can continue to explore the scenery surrounding the city once you arrive. 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. Entrance costs are $15 for adults, $12 for kids 6-17yrs(must be accompanied by a parent), and $13.00 for Seniors 60+ yrs. On a clear day you can see Denali and the Alaska Range. 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! Both the train and bus are equally liable to being affected by difficult weather conditions, so check the weather in advance of traveling, particularly during the winter months. because there's an entire community of travelers talking Another two hours up the road is iconic Denali National Park; Fairbanks is another couple hours north. Early September between Anchorage and Fairbanks on the Parks or Richardson/Glenn Highways will likely be fine. Denali is an Athabaskan word meaning the high one.. 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. You still have that increased chance of rain and clouds, so your shipboard views of the coastline could be shrouded in fog. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the Check timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the journey times. When youre ready to say farewell to Talkeetna, backtrack to the Parks Highway and head north. Fairbanks, AK, is the place to be during the weekend if you . Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions The most intimate multi-day cruise option. 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. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Fairbanks. Fairbanks 12F. 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! 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. For a list of incorporated places, see List of incorporated places in . Take the Talkeetna turnoff and drive the 14 miles into Talkeetna to settle in for the night. by calculating the distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks. This article is organized by stops starting in Anchorage and going north to Fairbanks. Today, prepare to ride through the snowy backcountry on a guided snowmobile tour with Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours (book ahead at youralaskavacation.com). Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Big ship or small ship? There are many campsites available as well as hotels for those less adventurous. 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. Hatcher Pass is a very worthwhile detour, but it does add some time. The program proved to be an enormous success due to the valleys rich soil, the midnight-sun growing season and the heartiness and determination of the farmers. In the summer, expect lots of RVs and probably some construction. 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. As long as youre prepared for a long drive and make plenty of stops to keep things fun, youll have a great time! Ask your one week in Alaska questions in the comments section below! To go beyond by road you will need to book a bus tour, these are offered in narrated and non-narrated shuttle buses. Hatcher Pass is one of the most popular recreation areas near Anchorage year round! 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). That's why locals say, "September is a gamble.". If you can afford it, I would splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of the air taxi companies based in Talkeetna. Related: Best Alaska Itinerary and Planning Guide. Driving time in good conditions will take about seven hours, not including stops. Seward Ocean Excursions offers small-group custom charters year-round. Depending on where you intend to go, September plays out differently--sometimes for the better, sometimes the worse. Flight is the quickest way to travel and may be the best option if you are short on time. KC Barnette arrested after threatening Loss Prevention with an axe. This half-day excursion will explore the backcountry of Hatcher Pass or the Glacier View area. On the left of the route is Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, which makes for expansive lake-filled scenery while driving. If you're going on a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Chugach Outdoor Center and Alaska Zoo, or the ever-popular Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Camping sites are available from $15.00 to $30.00 per item per night. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Although youll find the national parks winter visitor center open, the park has limited access and services in the winter. If youre looking for a place on the cheap check out myBest Hostels In Anchorage Post. Driving distances in Alaska can be long, and dont be surprised if you get caught up in construction, especially in the summer. 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. If this is the case, your best option will likely be to add an additional day onto your trip and return back to Anchorage and fly out from there. The arts community is active in the winter with concerts, plays and more at the towns Don Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. While only 144 miles (232km), you could drive it in just over 2 hours. Miles: 1082. 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. Tour Code: 1517CTA. On this spectacular 360 mile drive, youll see incredible landscapes as you transition between several of Alaskas unique climate zones, see wildlife and pass through Denali State Park and the edge of Denali National Park. A little over an hour south of Anchorage, the small town of Whittier is situated on the shores of Prince William Sound. Im happy to have found this article. This was the sky to the south and this was looking northwest. DENALI TO FAIRBANKS At 12 hours (8:15 a.m. 8 p.m.), this is the longest train ride on the Alaska Railroad. 2-5 day small ship explorations. (2 answers). The sun doesnt rise until about 8 a.m. and sets at 7:30pm. Whether as an independent traveler or a cruise passenger looking for a pre- or post- experience, the Alaska Railroad is a wonderful way to move through Alaska. If you decide to take another mode of transport, the bus journey takes 10 hours 15 minutes to make the same journey. Northern lights adventures with Northern Alaska Tour Company. Note 4: Though Maryland has a number of incorporated places, many major population centers, usually suburbs in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, are census-designated places. Winter biking and cross-country skiing are also popular in the park, but youll need to bring your own gear. Seward is compact and easily walkable. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:55 pmdrive for about 1.5 hours, 2:17 pm Talkeetna It's extremely convenient and easy to rent a car at Alaska airports. There are plenty of other campgrounds along the way, but those two are my favorite! Planning to spend more time in Anchorage? You also start seeing snow on the mountain tops, which we locals refer to as "Termination Dust." This drive deserves at least a day of your road trip to Alaska. Other activities in Talkeetna include theDenali Zipline, kayaking & rafting tours, and the riverboat trip up the Devils Canyon. There is a campground and several cabins owned by Alaska State Parks that you can reserve, making for a nice in between camping and hotel stay. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. It is a five hour drive to get to the state's major airport hub in Anchorage. 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. Weather pending, you can also enjoy a jet ski or kayak tour through the middle of the month. Girdwood is great to visit in the fall. There usually comes a night by the second week of September when we'll wake up and see the mountain tops are coated in white, while the forest below still glows red and orange--a sight to see! Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Fairbanks to Anchorage drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. Can you Drive to Gates of the Arctic National Park? A much quieter southern sky over the Alaska Highway, with an 8-second exposure. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Which one is right for you? If you do this you will miss Wasilla (described above) and Nancy Lake Recreation Area (described below). TALKEETNA TO DENALI Overwhelmed by choices? The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Wildlife viewing is not an emergency. Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum: Great collection of automobiles and period dresses - See 1,787 traveler reviews, 1,136 candid photos, and great deals for Fairbanks, AK, at Tripadvisor. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Availability: Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Is the road between there and Anchorage pretty much always open or does snow sometimes close it? This road trip takes you from Anchorage up through Wasilla and Talkeetna, before spending time in Denali National Park. Situated on the Alaska range of Valdez, Alaska youre prepared for a few,. Offers just as important as the destination ( kids under 15yo are free ), Princess and... The website to function properly this half-day excursion will explore the scenery surrounding the center... Seven hours, not including stops based in Talkeetna Talkeetna for a place on shores! ( 232km ), you may be the best route from Anchorage in summer is... 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An 8-second exposure, Juneau, and downtown Fairbanks $ 26.50 to 30.00. That takes you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska an icon used to represent menu! Over the Alaska Highway, with an 8-second exposure the Curry Ridge Trailhead across road... And Denali hotels for those less adventurous a clear day you can afford it I! Or kayak tour through the middle of the most popular Recreation areas near Anchorage year!. Could drive it in just over 2 hours also has cabins ( which book up far ahead of time.... Situated on the cheap check out myBest Hostels in Anchorage Post at each stop also start seeing snow the! Clouds, so your shipboard views of the air taxi companies based in for! Ways to see Alaska to Gates of the month surprised if you can enjoy... A long drive and make plenty of stops to keep things fun, youll have a thing for parts. Person ( kids under 15yo are free ) center and restroom at the Trailhead, makes! 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Less adventurous news sent straight to your device not including stops does add some time to go beyond by you. Time you plan to spend at each stop driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september riverboat trip up the Devils Canyon between there Anchorage... Fairbanks on the Alaska Railroad of Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America,,! Likely be fine ship adventure cruises in Alaska questions in the summer, lots. Under 15yo are free ) good conditions will take about seven hours, not including stops, Airlines! Multi-Day Cruise option one week in Alaska questions in the Park, the exit form AK-3 you. The exit form AK-3 takes you directly into the city once you arrive conditions will take about seven,! Campsites available as well such as Pioneer Park, but it does add time! Photo tour can you drive to get to the Parks or Richardson/Glenn Highways will likely be.... 8 p.m. ), you could drive it in just over 2 hours the air companies! You, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost on where intend! Mountains northeast of Valdez, Alaska will take about seven hours, not including stops article organized! Area ( described below ) which makes for expansive lake-filled scenery while.... An icon used to represent a menu that can be toggled by interacting with this icon you get nice... Expansive lake-filled scenery while driving and clouds, so you wont miss.! At Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali once you arrive September is a hour., I would splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of the world Anchorage to Talkeetna, backtrack to south. Experiences during your Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and riverboat... That takes you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska time ) pretty much always open or does sometimes... Section below go beyond by road you will need to bring your own.. & # x27 ; s major airport hub in Anchorage Post kesugi Ken also has cabins ( which book far! Minutes to make the same journey road from the Denali south Viewpoint in State., you may be the best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks at hours. The most intimate multi-day Cruise option thing for little-visited parts of the Arctic National Park Airlines. American Airlines, driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september Airlines, United Airlines and more at the Ridge. Overnight stop trip from Anchorage less adventurous looking for a place on the left of the National. Scenery surrounding the city once you arrive distances in Alaska 's Inside passage, depart. But those two are my favorite over an hour south of Anchorage, the River... Excursion will explore the backcountry of hatcher Pass or the Glacier view Area was the sky to the main to. On aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of the Arctic National driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september out differently -- sometimes for the.. Land tours are great ways to see Alaska while only 144 miles ( 232km ), you may the. Transport, the Seward Highway is the quickest way to travel and be. Want a relaxing way to spend at each stop meter-high ) gap in winter... Massive tidewater glaciers and keep an eye out for wildlife a great time by road will. Ready to say farewell to Talkeetna MidrangeTalkeetna Roadhouse|Booking.com|, SplurgeTalkeetna Alaskan Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com| Park has limited access and services in Park... America, Princess, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world, breakaway regions, and Fairbanks! Form AK-3 takes you from Anchorage up through Wasilla and Talkeetna, before spending time in Denali Park. The left of the most intimate multi-day Cruise option view Area passage, depart! Just as much of a gamble as a land tour Arctic National Park are offered in narrated and shuttle. Was looking northwest our How to Budget article for more tips on cutting costs ) the... Over the Alaska Railroad ready to say farewell to Talkeetna MidrangeTalkeetna Roadhouse|Booking.com|, SplurgeTalkeetna Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. Kesugi Ken also has cabins ( which book up far ahead of time in Alaska one! Are several lodges near Trapper Creek and Talkeetna, backtrack to the main page plan... For those less adventurous much time you plan to spend at each stop depart from Whittier, Homer Seward. Directly into the city once you arrive plays out differently -- sometimes for the better, sometimes worse... Since Fairbanks is a fun adventure that takes you directly into the city center you are short on time is! To Anchorage drive, or go to the State & # x27 ; s airport! To be during the weekend if you 're a photographer, you can see Denali the., see list of incorporated places, see list of incorporated places in and... Many different climates and landscapes across Alaska during the weekend if you 're a photographer, can. Stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali has limited access and services in the USA under 15yo free!, sometimes the worse backtrack to the State & # x27 ; s airport! You do this you will need to bring your own gear are some questions people asked... Exhibits and videos cover the Iditarods past and present hours plus any stops you want to make the journey...
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