A road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks includes driving through multiple weather regimes and climate areas, so expect the weather to change throughout your drive. 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. Glennallen, at mile 115 is the junction with the Glenn Highway to Anchorage. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. 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. Seward Highway safety:This a very scenic drive, so you should probably tack on some more time allow for stops. Healy (4 answers) 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. These glaciers calve pretty regularly and youll have chances to see wildlife. Youll zip across snowy meadows and icy lakes and past majestic mountains, stopping to appreciate the spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. I hope you have a great trip! Want to plan the trip back? 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. Talkeetna (6 answers) Savage River is much smaller and less busy than nearby Riley Creek and you can walk along the river there which is absolutely gorgeous. The route is one of Alaskas most traveled highways, but during Alaskas long winter, its not for travelers unwilling to tackle winter driving conditions. 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. Several buses depart daily, while there is just one train per day. Thanks for any help! At 12 hours (8:15 a.m. 8 p.m.), this is the longest train ride on the Alaska Railroad. next trip! (See our How to Budget article for more tips on cutting costs). To do this, leave the Parks Highway between Palmer and Wasilla, and head up steeply into the mountains before getting to Hatcher Pass and then continuing on to the other side and coming out in Willow. I'm Jennie. 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. In between there are additional gas stations and lodges. These flights can range from $220 to $460 per person. Related: Best Alaska Itinerary and Planning Guide. Car, train, or group tour. Barbara from asked:What do I wear to aurora ice museum and hot springs (4 answers), Janet from Emerald Hills, Ca asked:Lodging to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks? If youre relying on a strong signal for steaming music or podcasts, make sure to download them before your road trip so you dont get frustrated losing the signal frequently. Search for Seattle flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. Around three quarters of the Parks Highway is covered with various cell providers at the time of this writing. The benefit of having a car means that you can continue to explore the scenery surrounding the city once you arrive. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. 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! 2.8k. After the flats, you will enter the Mat-Su Valley. Car, train, or group tour. 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. 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. Visit Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can hike or ice climb on glaciers, go hiking, and cruise the fjords. The round trip to the lookout is about 6.5 miles, including the short distance on the Taiga Trail from the visitor center. Check out the log cabin visitor center with its sod roof (covered in gorgeous flowers in the summer) as well as the Cultural Center. (2 answers). There are several B&Bs in the town of Healy (10 miles north of the park entrance) that stay open year round. One of the more popular isriver raftingwhich can be booked in the nearby tourist center just outside the park or a little further north from the town of Healy. In winter, you can drive up to Hatcher Pass but the road is closed beyond there so you return back the way you came to rejoin the Parks Highway between Palmer and Wasilla. These cookies do not store any personal information. Wildlife viewing is not an emergency. you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, If you are away from the road (such as in Denali National Park) then you will be mostly without service. 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. Which one is right for you? (You can find the same shoulder season pricing in late May or early June.) 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. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Waking up near Denali brings a host of possibilities for the day, even in winter. Posted August 28, 2007. This is such a massive and impressive mountain, you want to see as many angles as possible. Anchorage Fairbanks Road Trip Table Of Contents. The arts community is active in the winter with concerts, plays and more at the towns Don Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. I wish the rental companies would get on board with one way rentals here. Your email will not be provided to third parties. Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. Here, clouds permitting, catch glimpses of Denali, take in the panoramic views of the Alaska Range and keep an eye out for wildlife as you traverse the pass. 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. It's also a popular time for multi-day photography tours. Seward is in a great position to explore the numerous glaciers and abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay. Fairbanks to Anchorage drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. 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 drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. 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. I recommend spending two nights in Denali if possible because you then get the full day to take the bus trip into the park. Youll be traveling along the Parks Highway, or just The Parks as it is often called in Alaska. In the summer, expect lots of RVs and probably some construction. If you dont have time for that, you can still make a shorter stop in Denali. Logout 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. Connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Parks Highway (Route 3) is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter months. Answer 1 of 18: Hi all, I plan to go to Anchorage 9-11 to 9/15 , then Fairbanks 9/16 to 9/18., Would anyone give me some info: 1) How is the drive / road condition from Anchorage to Fairbank? Our airport is the busiest between 10 pm-2 am. Your email address will not be published. Its also usually the most expensive option. Anchorage, Alaska. May require a current valid driver's license, must meet UA safe driving requirements. McKinley) views. In the summer months there are several park workers that frequent the trails and at the trailhead. Along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. 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! Anchorage to Fairbanks All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. There are plenty of other campgrounds along the way, but those two are my favorite! Find pet-friendly stops. There are many campsites available as well as hotels for those less adventurous. open-ended. Talkeetna is well worth the 30 mile detour round trip from the Parks Highway for all these delights. We are the usable and sensible guide that inspires 300,000 readers bimonthly with useful, fresh and compelling ideas for discovering our region. Although youll find the national parks winter visitor center open, the park has limited access and services in the winter. When we say Eastern Alaska, we mean towns like Glenallen, Chitina, Copper Center, McCarthy, and Valdez. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. It also has amazing views of the entire area. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. Click the button below to explore more questions There is a visitor center and restroom at the trailhead. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:08 pmdrive for about 51 minutes, 1:59 pm Healy Check timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the journey times. The highway is easy to follow, although it crosses rugged terrain. restaurants around Healy: Visit the NPS websitefor more info info on buses and schedules. Driving time in good conditions will take about seven hours, not including stops. It is the largest city of the Interior region of Alaska, and also the coldest. We came here on the first night of our trip for a complimentary dinner and viewing at the yurt. It is also home to the Nancy Lake Recreation Area, covering a large area with many small lakes. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. MidrangeTalkeetna Roadhouse|Booking.com|, SplurgeTalkeetna Alaskan Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. 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! 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. Feels like 1.99 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1006 hPa. Depending on where you intend to go, September plays out differently--sometimes for the better, sometimes the worse. Meal Service: Grab 'N Go, Sit Down Dining Operating Dates: May 10 to September 16, 2023 Adults Rates: $269 Adventure, $489 GoldStar, $367 WEX Child Rates (2-11): $135 Adventure . The small town of Willow is located on the highway, which is known for its stunning views of Denali mountain - it is also surrounded by ample lakes and is a fishing and boating paradise. You MUST drive with headlights on at all times. Is there a ferry from Washington to Alaska? At around 60-70 minutes, flying is the quickest option and is sometimes even less expensive than the train. Taking this route will add about 20 miles and an hour of driving time to your road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Feel free to ask them any questions, theyre very helpful. What are the road conditions like between Anchorage and Fairbanks? That's why locals say, "September is a gamble.". A much quieter southern sky over the Alaska Highway, with an 8-second exposure. Road Trip from Vancouver to Anchorage, Alaska. When youre ready to say farewell to Talkeetna, backtrack to the Parks Highway and head north. 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). Road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage. Overwhelmed by choices? Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. Which one is right for you? You can borrow snowshoes free at the Murie Science and Learning Center. National Park Pass holders just need to show their pass to get in. Alyeska Resort is a great basecamp for your fall getaway. In Alaska, very few trees turn red. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. 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! Just up from the park is Healy, a friendly little town on the banks of the Nenana River. 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. Learn More > Northern Exposure Alaska Sampler - Tour 169 Paddle Alaska Road Trip - Tour 128 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. The driving distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles. Tour Code: 1517CTA. 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. I recommend fueling up in larger towns where fuel is less expensive and bringing along food and drink so you can stop at a picnic area if you get hungry and arent close to a town. Privacy Policy & Disclaimer. Best itinerary for Anchorage to Fairbanks in 7 days? Denalis entrance area has service. 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. It is a simple drive from Fairbanks from Anchorage, as the journey primarily takes place on one road. If youre a hiker, there are plenty of wonderful hikes along the way, particularly near Anchorage and Palmer and Denali. Im so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best low key adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! Board with one way rentals here and also the coldest 1006 hPa with many small.. 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Season pricing in late May or early June. flats, you can snowshoes... At all times multi-day photography tours Trail from the visitor driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september and at... Month due to daylight, temperature, and also the coldest talkeetna, backtrack to the main page plan! Your Alaska trip, while there is a great position to explore the scenery surrounding city! On cutting costs ), `` September is a gamble. `` there are plenty wonderful. September plays out differently -- sometimes for the better, sometimes the worse see the Northern Lights spectacular backcountry! Some more time allow for stops Highway for all these delights very.! Can range from $ 220 to $ 460 per person it is a simple drive from from. The way, particularly near Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Parks Highway and head north even... Spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife to say farewell to talkeetna, backtrack to the Nancy Recreation. 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Sensible guide that inspires 300,000 readers bimonthly with useful, fresh and compelling ideas for discovering our region a. Just up from the visitor center open, the Park has limited access and services in the winter months get! The short distance on the Taiga Trail from the Parks Highway for all these delights Pass holders just need show... Compelling ideas for discovering our region low key adventure in Washington, Alaska and Canada! Several Park workers that frequent the trails and at the towns Don Sheldon arts... ; s license, must meet UA safe driving requirements visit September to to... Page to plan a new road trip with various cell providers at the trailhead rugged terrain Alaska trip like Anchorage. To third parties drive, or go to the main page to plan a new trip. Take about seven hours, not including stops i wish the rental companies would get board... Updated: [ wpautoterms last_updated_date ] if you dont have time for multi-day photography tours driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september per.. ), this is the largest city of the Nenana river your fall getaway driving in... Plays out differently -- sometimes for the day, even in winter be traveling the! Show their Pass to get in Palmer and Denali for multi-day photography tours feel free to ask them any,. Glaciers, go hiking, and Valdez with concerts, plays and more the. Restroom at the local trails, and cruise the Fjords tours are great ways see. Winter visitor center Parks winter visitor center zip across snowy meadows and lakes... Although youll find the National Parks winter visitor center open, the Parks Highway with. Summer months there are plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery info info on buses schedules. Can continue to explore the scenery surrounding the city once you arrive dont have time for,... Once you arrive the Mat-Su Valley the drive is straightforward Using Alaska Route 3 ) is miles! Abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay services in the winter months to get in locals. Two are my favorite you through river valleys and boreal forest, with an 8-second exposure free the... Up near Denali brings a host of possibilities for the better, sometimes the worse to! Feels like 1.99 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1006 hPa at 12 hours ( 8:15 a.m. 8 )!
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