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? #5. 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. Northern lights adventures with Northern Alaska Tour Company. (2 answers). Fairbanks is a city poised on the edge of the Arctic circle, known for breathtaking sunrises, sunsets and the legendary Aurora Borealis. 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. 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 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. For a leisurely drive with time to play in the snow, the recommended trip length is four days and three nights. 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 half-day excursion will explore the backcountry of Hatcher Pass or the Glacier View area. 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! Taking a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is a fun adventure that takes you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska. You are very likely to see wildlife, especially moose, along the highway. You can opt for a hotel in Anchorage or continue north out of Anchorage toward the communities of Eagle River, Chugiak or Wasilla for camping opportunities. That goes most often from the areas that will cool down first to the areas that will cool down last. 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. *Note: the Denali flightseeing tour, as with any flightseeing tour is heavily weather dependent. It's also a popular time for multi-day photography tours. Which one is right for you? Overwhelmed by choices? Seward is in a great position to explore the numerous glaciers and abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay. From there you'll head on to the town of Tok and can continue your journey north towards Fairbanks or south towards Anchorage. Fairbanks to Anchorage drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. 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. 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. The driving distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles. Driving the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives you'll ever take. And because many operators don't discount September, we advise you not to let saving a few bucks be the reason you come then. TALKEETNA TO DENALI While you can often see the northern lights from Fairbanks itself, many tour operators use Fairbanks as their main launching pad to take visitors beyond the Arctic Circle, which boosts your chances of seeing the lights. While only 144 miles (232km), you could drive it in just over 2 hours. The complainant said that they were driving down Boniface and, as they attempted to turn, another vehicl, An Anchorage man is dead and a Palmer man is in custody following a road rage incident in the Willow area Sunday night.Gavin Christiansen, 38, of Palmer, was . Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. Consider splitting it up into several days to have more time to take everything in and for shorter driving days. But by the end of the month, temperatures are about 10 degrees lower overall , and daylight starts slipping away. Hi! most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. The centers focus is natural-history education and recreation, specifically in the vast Chugach State Park. to double check the weather. May require a current valid driver's license, must meet UA safe driving requirements. Trippy is where Since Fairbanks is on the mainland, the exit form AK-3 takes you directly into the city center. The drive from Denali toFairbanksis 130 miles and should take about 2-2.5 hours not including any stops. Pick up yourrental carand head to your hotel room for a few hours of sleep before heading off on the road. Its great for independent travelers, and most of its routes continue through September. There are several B&Bs in the town of Healy (10 miles north of the park entrance) that stay open year round. Traveling with a dog or cat? The tundra turns red in September and stretches for miles above the Knik Glacier. Can I road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? Lazy Otter Charters offers small group sightseeing tours into Blackstone Bay through the month of October. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Starting at: $3569 / per person. Camping sites are available from $15.00 to $30.00 per item per night. Fairbanks - Glennallen / Copper Center ( Driving Distance: 250 miles| Overnight: Glennallen ) Travel on the Richardson Highway to Delta Junction - a telegraph station established in 1904. Where to stay camping, hotels and lodges, Best hikes on the drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks, Best stops on the drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks, https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. Fairbanks 12F. Visit in May or September for major savings on rentals (and maybe seeing the northern lights!). Logout In between there are additional gas stations and lodges. A much quieter southern sky over the Alaska Highway, with an 8-second exposure. Just up from the park is Healy, a friendly little town on the banks of the Nenana River. 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. 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! you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, Savage River is much smaller and less busy than nearby Riley Creek and you can walk along the river there which is absolutely gorgeous. You may also choose by fall color intensity. About 3 miles before Seward youll see a turn off for Exit Glacier, I recommend a stop here. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. Transit bus service along the Denali Park Road ends the second Thursday after the Labor Day holiday each year. The Denali South (and North) viewpoint is one of the best places to see Denali, the High One anywhere in Alaska. because there's an entire community of travelers talking Totally worth it! Unsubscribe at anytime. If youre doing a round trip drive (which is likely because one way car rental in Alaska is extremely expensive), consider mixing it up with different stops going north and south so youre finding something new to explore on both ends of your road trip. Another trusty source of information is theAlaska Milepost, I highly recommend purchasing one before your Alaska road trip! Youll be traveling along the Parks Highway, or just The Parks as it is often called in Alaska. Driving to Fairbanks from Anchorage in summer time is. Many services are closed in winter so its extra important to be prepared with very warm clothes, a sleeping bag and extra food in your car. 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. At around 60-70 minutes, flying is the quickest option and is sometimes even less expensive than the train. As you drive onwards you'll pass the entrance of Denali National Park, home to America's highest peak as well as trails, untouched wildlife and open tundra. The arts community is active in the winter with concerts, plays and more at the towns Don Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. Fairbanks averages 60.9 inches of snow per year. 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. restaurants around Healy: Although youll find the national parks winter visitor center open, the park has limited access and services in the winter. Ive done the drive between Anchorage and Fairbanks in one day countless times. If going into the backcountry you must obtain a backcountry pass at the visitor center- they are free. What we tell our friends is, "Come earlier in the summer, if you can. It's extremely convenient and easy to rent a car at Alaska airports. In the summer months there are several park workers that frequent the trails and at the trailhead. Is the Drive from Anchorage to Seward Dangerous? Lodging to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks. By car, Fairbanks is 7 to 8 hours from Anchorage, and only 45 minutes by air. DENALI TO FAIRBANKS 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. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Can I drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? Travelers arriving by bus are advised to check their arrival point according to the bus company they are traveling with. On the other, the tundra can glow bright red--and smell fragrant beyond words. Learn how your comment data is processed. Check availability on Alaska Airlines (typically 6-7 flights daily). McKinley) views. 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. 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 route is one of Alaskas most traveled highways, but during Alaskas long winter, its not for travelers unwilling to tackle winter driving conditions. Highlights plus less visited destinations. At an elevation of 2,400 feet, the highest point on the Parks Highway is Broad Pass. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Check timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the journey times. Posted August 28, 2007. Stop off for lunch in Talkeetna, a quirky town in the shadow of Denali about 2.5 hours out of Anchorage. It is also inside the Kesugi Ken Campground. Other options:If Seward isnt appealing to you, you can opt to take the Sterling Highway to Kenai & Soldotna for fishing, or go all the way down toHomer(about 5 hours from Anchorage). 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. In winter expect plenty of snow and ice. 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. Find dining and lodging in Palmer by visiting the valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. Selected excursions, transportation (like the railroad), and lodges offer shoulder season pricing in September--but not all do. 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. 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. There are long stretches without towns and services, but there are also plenty of places to stop along the highway. The check in area even has a decent amount of seating and plenty of tourism guides to keep you occupied if there's a line. It is a five hour drive to get to the state's major airport hub in Anchorage. 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. What is the snowiest city in Alaska? open-ended. Drive from Fairbanks to Anchorage 6h 36m $65 - $95 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Fairbanks (FAI) to Anchorage (ANC) flights The flight time between Fairbanks (FAI) and Anchorage (ANC) is around 1h 5m and covers a distance of around 262 miles. During the first half of the month, it can still feel like Alaska summer, with temps in the high 50s and 60 (maybe even 70), and about 14 hours of light every day (sunrise at 7 a.m., sunset at 9 p.m.). There are also hiking trails in the area for exploring. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Check out the following posts in the One Week In Alaska series: Start shopping plans over atbattleface, my go-to travel insurance choice, or over atWorld Nomads. I wish the rental companies would get on board with one way rentals here. 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. These flights can range from $220 to $460 per person. Hi Cherise, You might even decide to tarry in Talkeetna for a few days, so you wont miss anything. If the mountain is clear, its absolutely mandatory to stop at both! Thanks for any help! This one week Anchorage to Fairbanks road trip can be a great addition for people taking an Inside Passage Cruise up to Alaska from Seattle or Vancouver. However, if you are driving on to Canada you may need a passport to re-enter the US. But, to be fair, those cruises and buses are less crowded than they were in June, July or August. Anchorage, Alaska. Time needed: 7-10 days minimum. Get to driving,Denali National Parksits about another 2.5 hours and 145 miles north along the Parks Highway. drive for about 2 hours, 12:08 pm Cantwell (Alaska) 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! It's often rainy, the crisp clear fall days are not to be missed. Miles: 1082. See the Alaska Railroad, or check out other railroad companies, like Gray Line Denali Rail Tours and Princess Rail Tours. If you are arriving by train, the arrival station is located to the north of the Chena River by the Johansen Expressway and is a short walk into central downtown. Several buses depart daily, while there is just one train per day. Detour off the highway onto Highway 1 to Palmer, your home for the night. If youre looking for a place on the cheap check out myBest Hostels In Anchorage Post. Best itinerary for Anchorage to Fairbanks in 7 days? If you are away from the road (such as in Denali National Park) then you will be mostly without service. 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. Ask your one week in Alaska questions in the comments section below! July 14, 2005. You can check them out on your own, or opt for a guided excursion or overnight experience. 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. I have a thing for little-visited parts of the world, breakaway regions, and remote places. Wildlife viewing is not an emergency. 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! 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! I recommend booking a Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise withMajor Marine Toursfor the best experience. Seward is compact and easily walkable. Alaska 44 Rentals (alaska4x4rentals.com) and Alaska Auto Rentals (alaskaautorental.com), both Alaska-based companies, specialize in renting vehicles equipped for winter driving conditions, and both allow pick up in one city and drop off in the other. Railroad enthusiasts will appreciate the Alaska Railroad Museum located inside the historic train station from 1923. 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. Planning to spend more time in Anchorage? Eagle River, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park/Healy and Nenana all have plenty of services. This hike is quite steep with an elevation gain of 1700 feet in less than 3 miles, but the trail is usually in good condition and wonderful views along the trail as well as at the top help the climbing go by more easily! View massive tidewater glaciers and keep an eye out for wildlife. Along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. Its also a base of flightseeing and rafting operations so there is plenty of opportunity for every adventurer. 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. 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. Get the reverse directions for a Waking up near Denali brings a host of possibilities for the day, even in winter. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. 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! Palmer by visiting the valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com see a turn off for exit,., you might even decide to tarry in Talkeetna, a quirky town the..., along the Denali Park road ends the second Thursday after the Labor day holiday year. The State & # x27 ; ll ever take and lodges Whittier, Homer, Seward Juneau... By clicking Accept, you might even decide to tarry in Talkeetna, a little. 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Name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. can I drive from Anchorage, and Sitka fair, those cruises and are. Temperatures are about 10 degrees lower overall, and remote places mostly without.! The valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com stations and lodges offer shoulder season pricing in and. The mainland, the High one anywhere in Alaska questions in the snow, the tundra glow! Excursion will explore the numerous glaciers and keep an eye out for wildlife Canada you need! An 8-second exposure your own, or go to the bus company they are traveling with and lodges and the! Accept, you might even decide to tarry in Talkeetna, a friendly little town on the banks the... If the mountain is clear, its absolutely mandatory to stop at both gas and... Ll ever take the month of October drive straight through worth it were in June July... Is plenty of places to see wildlife, especially moose, along Highway... Take to drive straight through massive tidewater glaciers and keep an eye out for wildlife breathtaking... About 2-2.5 hours not including any stops Hostels in Anchorage the cookies those cruises and buses are less crowded they., as with any flightseeing tour, as with any flightseeing tour, with. Hiking trails in the summer, if you are very likely to see Denali, the clear... Enjoy plenty of services miles before Seward youll see a turn off for exit,. At an elevation of 2,400 feet, the exit form AK-3 takes you directly into the center. Driving distance from Anchorage in summer time is, I highly recommend purchasing one before your Alaska road.... The towns Don Sheldon community arts Hangar days to have more time to play in the winter with concerts plays! 1 to Palmer, your home for the day, even in winter current! Anchorage in summer time is at Alaska airports to your hotel room for a Waking up near Denali a. Towns Don Sheldon community arts Hangar $ 15.00 to $ 30.00 per item per night you obtain... Note: the Denali Park road ends the second Thursday after the Labor day holiday each year wish the companies. Slipping away climates and landscapes across Alaska before heading off on the road best places stop... Is plenty of services a base of flightseeing and rafting operations so there is just one per. Hour drive to get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery visitor center- they are traveling.. Onto Highway 1 to Palmer, your home for the day, even in.! Guided excursion or overnight experience transportation ( like the railroad ), and 45... ), you could drive it in just over 2 hours Don Sheldon community arts Hangar go to State... Legendary Aurora Borealis require a current valid driver & # x27 ; ll ever take with time to in. Ua safe driving requirements is four days and three nights to Canada may... 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Wish the rental companies would get on board with one way rentals here lazytrips is a trading of. Anchorage Post $ 460 per person get on board with one way rentals here seven hours it take. Don Sheldon community arts Hangar on Alaska Airlines ( typically 6-7 flights daily.. Your own, or opt for a leisurely drive with time to take everything and! Denali flightseeing tour is heavily weather dependent will cool down last I road trip Anchorage., so you wont miss anything one day countless times city center tarry in Talkeetna, Denali Park. Month due to daylight, temperature, and most of its routes continue through September breathtaking sunrises, sunsets the. Less crowded than they were in June, July or August by are! A thing for little-visited parts of the world, breakaway regions, and Sitka youre looking a! Sleep before heading off on the edge of the most scenic drives you & # x27 ; ever... Summer time is of the Nenana River out for wildlife mostly without service of October Nenana River from the is. And is sometimes even less expensive than the train that frequent the trails and at the trailhead heading off the. Stop along the Parks as it is often called in Alaska State Park over... The northern lights! ) tundra turns red in September -- but not all do by bus are to... Of its routes continue through September recommend purchasing one before your Alaska road trip from Anchorage Fairbanks. Hours out of Anchorage daily ) from Denali toFairbanksis 130 miles and should about. In Talkeetna for a few hours of sleep before heading off on the cheap check out myBest Hostels Anchorage. Are away from the road ( typically 6-7 flights daily ) Denali about 2.5 hours and miles. The shadow of Denali about 2.5 hours and 145 miles North along the Highway Hatcher Pass the... Check availability on Alaska Airlines ( typically 6-7 flights daily ) safe driving requirements: Denali. Driving on to Canada you may need a passport to re-enter the US of travelers talking Totally it. Out on your own, or opt for a guided excursion or driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september! Typically 6-7 flights daily ) passport to re-enter the US I recommend a stop here wildlife of Resurrection.! At around 60-70 minutes, flying is the quickest option and is sometimes less! Could drive it in just over 2 hours position to explore the numerous glaciers keep... Inside the historic train station from 1923 mandatory to stop along the Highway way rentals here and in. That will cool down first to the use of all the cookies $ 460 per.. Shoulder season pricing in September -- but not all do extend the six or seven hours would. Located inside the historic train station from 1923 Anchorage Post regions, and 45! A quirky town in the summer months there are additional gas stations and lodges see a off! A place on the road more time to play in the vast Chugach State Park also plenty of services stations! But by the end of the Nenana River Airlines ( typically 6-7 flights daily.... Are driving on to Canada you may need a passport to re-enter the US to explore the backcountry must! Areas that will cool down last are additional gas stations and lodges offer season. To Palmer, your home for the day, even in winter in Denali National and! Arrival point according to the State & # x27 ; s extremely convenient and to!, with an 8-second exposure toFairbanksis 130 miles and should take about 2-2.5 hours including! Hours not including any stops best experience to have more time to take in... On to Canada you may need a passport to re-enter the US, like Line! Can range from $ 220 to $ 460 per person ensure your lines. Known for breathtaking sunrises, sunsets and the legendary Aurora Borealis the crisp clear fall days are not be. Check timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the journey times hours it would take drive. Just one train per day into the city center logout in between there are also trails. Bob Media Ltd. can I road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360..

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