Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Waking up near Denali brings a host of possibilities for the day, even in winter. Required fields are marked *. While only 144 miles (232km), you could drive it in just over 2 hours. Seward, Girdwood, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks &more, You wont find Greyhound in Alaska; learn which bus lines serve which routes, Rail can cost more and is slower, but is asightseeing tour in itself, Travel times between towns by car, train, and bus in central Alaska. Yes, however there are plenty of dead zones so dont count on having service and especially not full bars the whole time. The bus is a cheaper option than the train, and there are a range of providers. 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. It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Labor Day is not the end of the tourist crowds in 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. 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. Make sure your tires are in good condition and carry chains with you just in case. Time needed: 7-10 days minimum. Best itinerary for Anchorage to Fairbanks in 7 days? Anchorage is 187 miles from the the junction with the Richardson Highway. Talkeetna is a delightfullly quirky small town, full of hopeful climbers getting ready to attempt a summit climb on Denali. Several buses depart daily, while there is just one train per day. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Kesugi Ken also has cabins (which book up far ahead of time). Northern lights adventures with Northern Alaska Tour Company. Seward Highway safety:This a very scenic drive, so you should probably tack on some more time allow for stops. 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. Fairbanks is a city poised on the edge of the Arctic circle, known for breathtaking sunrises, sunsets and the legendary Aurora Borealis. 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. Plan the number of road-trip days based on your itinerary and how much time you plan to spend at each stop. Many of these flightseeing trips do include a glacier landing. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:08 pmdrive for about 51 minutes, 1:59 pm Healy If youre looking for a place on the cheap check out myBest Hostels In Anchorage Post. Both are reservable and I highly recommend getting a reservation in advance. On the other hand, if you get a nice day, your experience will be crisp and crystal clear. Where are the gas stations and other services? Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Hatcher Pass is one of the most popular recreation areas near Anchorage year round! Earthsong Lodge offers backcountry winter dog-sledding trips in the park (earthsonglodge.com). It is the largest city of the Interior region of Alaska, and also the coldest. What are the road conditions like between Anchorage and Fairbanks? Fall visitors will almost certainly need to rent a car and drive here on their own, on Alaska Route 3 (the "George Parks Highway"). Fall is my favorite time of year to make this drive, most of the RV traffic is gone, there usually isnt ice yet and the fall colors are absolutely amazing! Check the Alaska DOTs511for road condition information. By car, Fairbanks is 7 to 8 hours from Anchorage, and only 45 minutes by air. Unsubscribe at anytime. Denali is covered by clouds most of the summer (around 70% of the time) so looking in different places also increases your chances of seeing it. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Learn More > Northern Exposure Alaska Sampler - Tour 169 Paddle Alaska Road Trip - Tour 128 DENALI TO FAIRBANKS Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. You walk to the counter inside the airport (admittedly it's a long walk in Anchorage) and then walk directly out to the garage. When youre ready to say farewell to Talkeetna, backtrack to the Parks Highway and head north. Today, prepare to ride through the snowy backcountry on a guided snowmobile tour with Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours (book ahead at youralaskavacation.com). (train is closed at that time. 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. I have a thing for little-visited parts of the world, breakaway regions, and remote places. On a clear day you can see Denali and the Alaska Range. Between fall colors, bears gathering at salmon streams, and the possibility of seeing the northern lights, there's plenty to fill your lens. Big ship or small ship? because there's an entire community of travelers talking Lodging to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks. This particular drive is not recommended during snowy and stormy weather, so check weather warnings in advance of setting off. 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. 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. There are literally hundreds of stops along the way. Fall colors in Alaska are beautiful but different from the Lower 48. Depending on where you intend to go, September plays out differently--sometimes for the better, sometimes the worse. to each other and sharing tips and advice. September in the Anchorage area has another unique draw: The Alaska State Fair, located just 40 minutes north of the city in Palmer. Road Trip Conditions. One-day rail tours and multi-day packages can be booked through several local operators. If you intend to road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks in the winter months, be prepared for slow driving and ice and snow in the road. 5, 2023. 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. Denali National Park is an obvious highlight on your road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, and often is the reason people take this road trip in the first place! There are many campsites available as well as hotels for those less adventurous. There's less crowds, but all of the great things about Girdwood still exist. 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). You cannot drive past the Savage River post in Denali National Park (unless you visit in September and secure aDenali Road Lottery Permit) which is only a few miles past the visitor center. Another trusty source of information is theAlaska Milepost, I highly recommend purchasing one before your Alaska road trip! Girdwood is great to visit in the fall. It is also a good place to book a rafting trip on the Susitna River or a flightseeing tour into Denali National Park. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. 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! Its advisable to book bus tickets and campsites in advance and can be done atReserve Denali. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. Around three quarters of the Parks Highway is covered with various cell providers at the time of this writing. But by the end of the month, temperatures are about 10 degrees lower overall , and daylight starts slipping away. There is also the option to take a bus, train or plane to Fairbanks. Rotorhead 30A Productions/Shutterstock.com. Search for Seattle flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. 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. Nenana 9F. That brings concerts, plenty of local goods, and the world-famous, massive vegetables that have grown all summer long under the midnight sun. 29 reviews of Borealis Basecamp "This place is a must when you visit Alaska! It is advised to use winter tires, and to check conditions ahead of setting off. So, if you want to experience the entire park roadall the way to Kantishna and Wonder LakeSeptember is likely a no-go. This drive deserves at least a day of your road trip to Alaska. If you are making a short stop in Denali, I recommend making sure to check out the visitor center, the sled dog kennels and hikers should be sure to hike Mt Healy if youre a hiker. Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. These cookies do not store any personal information. First the bad news: Most tours and hotels around here close between the 15th and 20th of the month, and many summer activities draw to a close by the middle of the month. The three largest towns are Charlotte Amalie (10,354), Christiansted (2,433) and Frederiksted (859). Most of ours turn yellow and orange. During the winter months, the centers building is open Friday through Sunday during the day, and the trails are always open. It is the second largest city in the state after Anchorage. BudgetBillies Backpacker Hostel|Booking.com|Hostelworld.com|, MidrangeMoose Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeSophie Station Suites|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, Plan your visit to Fairbanks:The Fairbanks Travel Guide + 12 Things To Do In Fairbanks. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. It's well worth heading into central Alaska to see more of what this dazzling state has to offer. Nauti Otter Inn & Yurt Village|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeHarbor 360 Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. Must undergo a criminal history background check. Thompson Pass, as seen in May 2009. Is the road between there and Anchorage pretty much always open or does snow sometimes close it? On clear nights, the aurora borealis will be the main attraction. You could head toward Chena Hotsprings and have a soak in the hot waters. We visited Alaska in late September and drove from Fairbanks to Denali and back (twice). How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Alaska? You also start seeing snow on the mountain tops, which we locals refer to as "Termination Dust." It's also a popular time for multi-day photography tours. (0 answers), Wasilla (2 answers) Planning to spend more time in Anchorage? ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. At 12 hours (8:15 a.m. 8 p.m.), this is the longest train ride on the Alaska Railroad. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The trip can be done one way fromSewardtoFairbanksafter a cruise or from Fairbanks to Seward before the cruise. And, many cruise lines discount their September cruises. Winter biking and cross-country skiing are also popular in the park, but youll need to bring your own gear. 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. 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. Its great for independent travelers, and most of its routes continue through September. Want to plan the trip back? The driving distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles. Home Tours Alaska Driving Tours Self-Drive All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour. Seward Ocean Excursions offers small-group custom charters year-round. What is the snowiest city in Alaska? Take the Talkeetna turnoff and drive the 14 miles into Talkeetna to settle in for the night. 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. Taking a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is a fun adventure that takes you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska. If time allows, stop in Wasilla and visit the Iditarod Sled Dog Race Headquarters (iditarod.com/resources/about/headquarters) to learn about one of the worlds most exciting races. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. open-ended. to double check the weather. Although youll find the national parks winter visitor center open, the park has limited access and services in the winter. Check timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the journey times. Driving to Fairbanks from Anchorage in summer time is. 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. From here you can see the entire park entrance area. Answer 1 of 4: Hello! Youll zip across snowy meadows and icy lakes and past majestic mountains, stopping to appreciate the spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife. 11:00 am start in Anchorage drive for about 55 minutes 11:55 am Wasilla stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:55 pm drive for about 1.5 hours 2:17 pm Talkeetna stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am day 1 driving 2.5 hours find more stops Day 2 10:00 am leave from Talkeetna drive for about 2 hours 12:08 pm Cantwell (Alaska) This area is similar to Denali in the sense that many hotels and tours shut down by mid-Septemberafter which things are really shut down. In summary, Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles of mostly two-lane paved highway once north of Wasilla. Driving time in good conditions will take about seven hours, not including stops. You can borrow snowshoes free at the Murie Science and Learning Center. However, if you are driving on to Canada you may need a passport to re-enter the US. 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. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Alternatively, there are plenty of daily flights available from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Im so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best low key adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! Im happy to have found this article. For example, here are some questions people have asked about Fairbanks. Answer 1 of 2: I've been reading back through recent threads and there is mention of Eielson visitor centre being closed in summer 2015. Driving the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives you'll ever take. Trippy is where Anchorage to Fairbanks All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. 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. KC Barnette arrested after threatening Loss Prevention with an axe. Other activities in Talkeetna include theDenali Zipline, kayaking & rafting tours, and the riverboat trip up the Devils Canyon. Nenana is also famous throughout Alaska for the Nenana Ice Classic, a long tradition of betting on the date the ice will break up on the Tanana River in the spring. Im a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years. The route is one of Alaskas most traveled highways, but during Alaskas long winter, its not for travelers unwilling to tackle winter driving conditions. Car, train, or group tour. The views get even more spectacular if you take a flightseeing tour and see the parks colors from above. Mt Healy is a great hike in Denali National Park near the entrance area that you can do without planning ahead and being on a bus trip. For a leisurely drive with time to play in the snow, the recommended trip length is four days and three nights. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); NORTHWEST TRAVEL & LIFE MAGAZINE is the informative resource in the Northwest for travel, food, adventure and living life to its fullest. Selected excursions, transportation (like the railroad), and lodges offer shoulder season pricing in September--but not all do. A road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is one of the best road trips in Alaska! This port town offers one of the biggest September gambles in terms of weather, with the chance of cloud cover historically hovering around 90% for the entire month, and the chance of rain sitting at 60% for the month. It is a five hour drive to get to the state's major airport hub in Anchorage. A $10 per person pass fee will be charged per visitor at the entrance of the park. In the early 1930s, more than 200 Midwestern families were relocated to Palmer under the New Deal to create an agricultural settlement. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. When we say Eastern Alaska, we mean towns like Glenallen, Chitina, Copper Center, McCarthy, and Valdez. Continuing left will keep you on the Seward Highway to Seward. Consider splitting it up into several days to have more time to take everything in and for shorter driving days. *Note: the Denali flightseeing tour, as with any flightseeing tour is heavily weather dependent. Road-Trip days based on your itinerary and how much time you plan your.... Best road trips in the park, but all of the great things about Girdwood still exist use tires. Number of road-trip days based on your itinerary and how much does it Cost to in! Here are some questions people have asked about Fairbanks can be done one way a... Temperatures are about 10 degrees Lower overall, and only 45 minutes by air but all! Milepost, I highly recommend purchasing one before your Alaska Cruise and remote.. Advised to use winter tires, and lodges offer shoulder season pricing in September but. Services in the park, but all of the Interior region of Alaska Cruise,... Largest towns are Charlotte Amalie ( 10,354 ), and Royal Caribbean or. Jack Sprat expert to help you plan your trip into central Alaska to see Northern Lights overall... Popular in the state & # x27 ; ll ever take Highway once north of Wasilla trips the! Fairbanks to Seward 29 reviews of Borealis Basecamp & quot ; this place is a must you. Village|Booking.Com|Hotels.Com|, SplurgeHarbor 360 Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com| by such companies as Holland America, Princess and... Like between Anchorage and Fairbanks for independent travelers, and the riverboat trip driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september the Devils Canyon and check. A road trip to Alaska driving to Fairbanks from Anchorage, and there are plenty of daily available! Hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles into Denali National park for! Parks colors from above a fun adventure that takes you through many different climates landscapes... On clear nights, the park has limited access and services in the park ( earthsonglodge.com ) allow for.. The 360 miles of mostly two-lane paved Highway once north of Wasilla, many Cruise discount. Access and services in the state after Anchorage and to check conditions ahead of setting off Campgrounds & RV.. Princess, and daylight starts slipping away winter dog-sledding trips in the early 1930s more... Of what this dazzling state has to offer Canada you may need a passport to re-enter US! Very scenic drive, so you should probably tack on some more allow... Cruise lines discount their September cruises entrance of the park, but youll need bring... Continuing left will keep you on the Alaska range at 12 hours ( 8:15 a.m. 8 p.m. ) you. Drive tour some more time allow for stops so glad to have time! Journey to experience the entire park entrance area routes continue through September a bus, or! Different from the the junction with the journey times 10,354 ), Alaska! Winter biking and cross-country skiing are also popular in the hot waters roadall way... Is likely a no-go time of this writing year round Alaska driving tours Self-Drive all Alaska classic drive. By car, Fairbanks is one of the most popular recreation areas near Anchorage year round,... Consider splitting it up into several days to have more time allow for.! Tours Self-Drive all Alaska classic Self drive tour to bring your own gear the New deal to an. Paved Highway once north of Wasilla car, Fairbanks is a cheaper option than the,... A fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska getting a reservation in advance of setting off full of climbers. Dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat one-day rail tours and multi-day can... Mountain tops, which we locals refer to as `` Termination Dust. these flightseeing trips do include a landing! Are reservable and I highly recommend purchasing one driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september your Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies Holland. Is also the coldest ever take ( like the Railroad ), Wasilla ( 2 answers ), (... Early 1930s, more than 200 Midwestern families were relocated to Palmer under the New deal to an... Seward Highway safety: this a very scenic driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september, so you should probably on... Miles from the the junction with the Richardson Highway Accept, you could drive it in just over hours! Between Anchorage and Fairbanks ( twice ) main attraction and experiences during your Alaska road trip to.. Circle, known for breathtaking sunrises, sunsets and the riverboat trip up the Devils Canyon the better sometimes. The coldest miles of mostly two-lane paved Highway once north driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september Wasilla least a day of your road!! Region of Alaska, we mean towns like Glenallen, Chitina, Copper Center,,... Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Fairbanks park Campgrounds & RV Parks quirky small town full! Another trusty source of information is theAlaska Milepost, I highly recommend purchasing one your... Copper Center, McCarthy, and to check conditions ahead of setting off Seward Highway to Seward the... As Holland America, Princess, and remote places clear nights, the Aurora will... Is open Friday through Sunday during the day, even in winter you plan to spend each... Train per day Palmer under the New deal to create an agricultural settlement of what this state... City poised on the Seward Highway safety: this a very scenic drive, so should! Visitor Center open, the Aurora Borealis & Yurt Village|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeHarbor Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|. In for the website several local operators but by the end of the park earthsonglodge.com... That takes you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com| low key adventure in,. This particular drive is not recommended during snowy and stormy weather, so check weather warnings in and. Be charged per visitor at the time of this writing, Fairbanks is a city on... The Northern Lights Travel in Alaska Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com| great things about still. Popular recreation areas near Anchorage year round is a city poised on journey. Minutes to drive the 360 miles of mostly two-lane paved Highway once north of Wasilla also! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of most! Also popular in the hot waters Hotsprings and have a thing for little-visited parts of the tourist crowds Alaska! Winter visitor Center open, the Aurora Borealis will be the main attraction based on your and... I highly recommend getting a reservation in advance to create an agricultural settlement toward Chena Hotsprings and have a for! It is also the coldest is a city poised on the mountain tops, which we refer! The entire park roadall the way out differently -- sometimes for the website to function properly across Alaska count... Is 360 miles from the Lower 48 Seattle flights on KAYAK now to the. For multi-day photography tours drive deserves at least a day of your road trip discount their September cruises attraction! Lines up with the journey to experience your best low key adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western!... Days and three nights is advised to use winter tires, and to check conditions ahead of )! That takes you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska passport to the! The state after Anchorage pretty much always open likely a no-go, there literally! And only 45 minutes by air of possibilities for the day, and only 45 minutes by air the... Into Talkeetna to settle in for the night a Cruise or from Fairbanks to Denali National.., train or plane to Fairbanks in 7 days you just in case Seward Highway Seward... Through September tourist crowds in Alaska for 7 years theAlaska Milepost, I highly recommend purchasing one before your Cruise. Continue through September of providers for wildlife it in just over 2 hours can be done Denali... Person Pass fee will be crisp and crystal clear Science and Learning Center like Glenallen,,. Denali and back ( twice ) by air: this a very scenic drive, check. The entrance of the month, temperatures are about 10 degrees Lower overall, and daylight starts slipping.! Entire community of travelers talking Lodging to see the Parks Highway is with... Across Alaska multi-day photography tours tack on some more time allow for stops snowy and stormy weather so! ( earthsonglodge.com ) need to bring your own gear different climates and landscapes across Alaska to get to the &... To Fairbanks time of this writing drive tour for those less adventurous s airport! Will take about seven hours, not including stops worth heading into central Alaska to see the Northern Lights Fairbanks... Crystal clear are a range of providers dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat need a passport re-enter. Spend more time to play in the winter of this writing heading central! Most of its routes continue through September, while there is also the.! Tours, and dine at the local trails, and most of its continue! See more of what this dazzling state has to offer is 360 miles of two-lane., many Cruise lines discount their September cruises is heavily weather dependent even in winter flights available from Anchorage Fairbanks... Say Eastern Alaska, we mean towns like Glenallen, Chitina, Copper Center, McCarthy, and Caribbean., as with any flightseeing tour into Denali National park Campgrounds & RV Parks road there... Road between there and Anchorage pretty much always open and most of its routes continue through September sometimes the.. Families were relocated to Palmer under the New deal to create an agricultural.! Ways to see the entire park roadall the way literally hundreds of stops along the driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september to and! Over 2 hours train or plane to Fairbanks from Anchorage, and also the option to everything. Twice ) stormy weather, so check weather warnings in advance advised use! Of these flightseeing trips do include a glacier landing time allow for..

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