You can also follow this itinerary via passenger train, minus the stop in Eklutna. Check out the log cabin visitor center with its sod roof (covered in gorgeous flowers in the summer) as well as the Cultural Center. Next stop: Denali. Every twenty years or so, a freak early snow will surprise people, but the roads remain open. On a clear day you can see Denali and the Alaska Range. Anchorage to Fairbanks All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. 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. Rotorhead 30A Productions/Shutterstock.com. May require a current valid driver's license, must meet UA safe driving requirements. Your email will not be provided to third parties. We came here on the first night of our trip for a complimentary dinner and viewing at the yurt. Many will opt to stop at Healy, Nenana, and more. Driving the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives you'll ever take. 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. 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. Will be heading back to Denali for a three day stay after we leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise trip. In the summer, expect lots of RVs and probably some construction. By Car Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. Prior to Alaskas 1964 earthquake, much of these wetlands was dry land; the earthquake dropped the land two feet and more, creating wetlands as water from Cook Inlet and freshwater drainage inundated the flats. Entrance costs are $15 for adults, $12 for kids 6-17yrs(must be accompanied by a parent), and $13.00 for Seniors 60+ yrs. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Click on any question to see answers from the community! Talkeetna is a funky, fun, little Alaska town that at one point in time had a cat for a mayor (RIP Stubbs). But not always. Weather pending, you can also enjoy a jet ski or kayak tour through the middle of the month. 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. You are very likely to see wildlife, especially moose, along the highway. 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. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:08 pmdrive for about 51 minutes, 1:59 pm Healy And because many operators don't discount September, we advise you not to let saving a few bucks be the reason you come then. September in the Anchorage area has another unique draw: The Alaska State Fair, located just 40 minutes north of the city in Palmer. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. 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. If you're a photographer, you may be interested in a fall foliage photo tour. July 14, 2005. Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions 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. 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! In winter expect plenty of snow and ice. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Trails near the park entrance and winter visitor center are color-coded by difficulty level, so you can easily determine the snowshoe route thats best for you. As it's a small city, from here it shouldn't be a long drive to your accommodation or destination. If youre looking for aunique Alaskan experience, youll find plenty of them in October. Eagle River, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park/Healy and Nenana all have plenty of services. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Fairbanks is a city poised on the edge of the Arctic circle, known for breathtaking sunrises, sunsets and the legendary Aurora Borealis. The journey winds up through Denali National Park and Preserve for 360 miles, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive. Our policy is here: https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. 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. 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. 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. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Non-narrated buses range from $26.50 to $34.00 per person (kids under 15yo are free). Driving time: 20 hours, 14 minutes. 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. What is the snowiest city in Alaska? There are many campsites available as well as hotels for those less adventurous. This route is by far the fastest and most straightforward way to get to Fairbanks. Youll zip across snowy meadows and icy lakes and past majestic mountains, stopping to appreciate the spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife. Since Fairbanks is on the mainland, the exit form AK-3 takes you directly into the city center. Updated March 2023,One Week in Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage to Fairbanksoriginally written in July 2017. Selected excursions, transportation (like the railroad), and lodges offer shoulder season pricing in September--but not all do. From here you can see the entire park entrance area. Kesugi Ken also has cabins (which book up far ahead of time). 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. On the other, the tundra can glow bright red--and smell fragrant beyond words. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Your next stop will be the famous Denali Viewpoint at Parks Highway milepost 135. Im a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years. 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. Denali Park Salmon Bake: Best place to eat in Denali Park!! Posted August 28, 2007. Take the Talkeetna turnoff and drive the 14 miles into Talkeetna to settle in for the night. 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. Camping sites are available from $15.00 to $30.00 per item per night. Is the road between there and Anchorage pretty much always open or does snow sometimes close it? Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. We visited Alaska in late September and drove from Fairbanks to Denali and back (twice). Through this blog Ill show you how you can visit these destinations, tricks for budget travel, road trip itineraries, and more. Labor Day is not the end of the tourist crowds in Alaska. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Miles: 1082. or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world. Can I road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? restaurants around Healy: by calculating the distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Other activities in Talkeetna include theDenali Zipline, kayaking & rafting tours, and the riverboat trip up the Devils Canyon. Our airport is the busiest between 10 pm-2 am. to each other and sharing tips and advice. About 100 miles north of Anchorage youll see signs for the Talkeetna Spurr Road turn off, take the exit to the right and follow for about 14 miles where youll end up in tiny, walkable Talkeetna. What to do in Talkeetna, AK Answer 11 of 11: Hello! Find flights to Seattle from $138. Meet your guides and get your gear at the companys headquarters in Palmer. For a list of incorporated places, see List of incorporated places in . 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. Travelers arriving by bus are advised to check their arrival point according to the bus company they are traveling with. Overcast Clouds. A little over an hour south of Anchorage, the small town of Whittier is situated on the shores of Prince William Sound. 7-10 days is the most common. You can drive to the parts of Alaska that are on the road system, including Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali National Park. Is the road between Anchorage and Fairbanks paved? This makes an excellent rest stop along the way. However, if you are driving on to Canada you may need a passport to re-enter the US. You can borrow snowshoes free at the Murie Science and Learning Center. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. For example, here are some questions people have asked about Fairbanks. Dont endanger others lives by stopping in shoulders or even worse in the middle of the road because you see something you want to look at. Time needed: 7-10 days minimum. Railroad enthusiasts will appreciate the Alaska Railroad Museum located inside the historic train station from 1923. 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! The train and bus take longer and run less frequently, but offer the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Those who want to go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt Healy. Right now, our darkest hours in Anchorage are between 2-3am. Salary Information This is a full-time temporary position. Its great for independent travelers, and most of its routes continue through September. The drive from Denali toFairbanksis 130 miles and should take about 2-2.5 hours not including any stops. From mid-May to mid-September, trains depart north and south every day from Anchorage. Length: 414 Miles Kesugi Ken has amazing views and is a well appointed campground that was built relatively recently. This is such a massive and impressive mountain, you want to see as many angles as possible. It may not be a huge fair, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. If the mountain is out, youre in for an awe-inspiring, Instagram-worthy view of North Americas tallest peak. And the color is gorgeous: youll see a nice mix of the bright yellow deciduous trees in the lower elevations near the park entrance, and as you get into the park and the tundra emerges, youll see a vibrant, deep red. If you are traveling in December, you might catch Talkeetna Winterfest, which features a Wilderness Woman competition and the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction. Fairbanks 12F. Big ship or small ship? DENALI TO FAIRBANKS It is the second largest city in the state after Anchorage. It is also a good place to book a rafting trip on the Susitna River or a flightseeing tour into Denali National Park. My favorite camping locations on the road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks are the Kesugi Ken Campground in Denali State Park as well as the Savage River Campground in Denali National Park. The road conditions differ between the seasons, and winter in particular can be quite demanding on vehicles. The only problem is, it can also be rainy and cool. Your email address will not be published. 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. After the flats, you will enter the Mat-Su Valley. Heading right will take you onto the Sterling Highway toward Soldotna, Kenai, Nikiski and Homer. How long is the drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks? Is the Drive from Anchorage to Seward Dangerous? Pack your winter clothes and read on for our tips on how to get there and some of the amazing places to see en route. 2.8k. Planning to spend more time in Anchorage? Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Often, we have beautiful Indian Summer. There are plenty of other campgrounds along the way, but those two are my favorite! September is a time of dramatic transformation: the tundra is ablaze in color, autumn colors peak by mid-September (even earlier farther north, or in Denali) and you even have a chance of seeing the northern lights after 11pm if you are away from the city. Overwhelmed by choices? When youre ready to say farewell to Talkeetna, backtrack to the Parks Highway and head north. The bustle of the summer season has ended. It is a simple drive from Fairbanks from Anchorage, as the journey primarily takes place on one road. Logout 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. *Note: the Denali flightseeing tour, as with any flightseeing tour is heavily weather dependent. Stop off for lunch in Talkeetna, a quirky town in the shadow of Denali about 2.5 hours out of Anchorage. Make sure your car is equipped with winter tires and you have snow chains available. Related: Denali National Park Planning Guide. The next point of interest will be a feat of engineering, the century-old Hurricane Bridge, which crosses a wide chasm and connects southcentral Alaska to the Alaska interior. Taking a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is a fun adventure that takes you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. 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. Exhibits and videos cover the Iditarods past and present. 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 . Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Here's an insider's rundown: Alaskas biggest cityrich with museums, shops and restaurantssees the least amount of change as August turns into September. 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. Fall visitors will almost certainly need to rent a car and drive here on their own, on Alaska Route 3 (the "George Parks Highway"). Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Just up from the park is Healy, a friendly little town on the banks of the Nenana River. 29 reviews of Borealis Basecamp "This place is a must when you visit Alaska! stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am, 10:00 am leave from Talkeetna Can I drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? Home Tours Alaska Driving Tours Self-Drive All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour. So, if you want to experience the entire park roadall the way to Kantishna and Wonder LakeSeptember is likely a no-go. Make sure you check road conditions 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. Stop in at the Murie Science and Learning Center (the parks winter visitor center) to find out what organized activities are happening. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. Thanks for any help! to double check the weather. 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). 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.). Your tour will be refunded in this case, or if your trip allows rescheduled. If you go straight to Seward with no stops, plan on a roughly two hour drive(about 125 miles). This route is by far the fastest and most straightforward way to get to Fairbanks. 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. Nenana 9F. Search for RV campgrounds. You also start seeing snow on the mountain tops, which we locals refer to as "Termination Dust." Hatcher Pass is a very worthwhile detour, but it does add some time. 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. The longest summer day has over 21 hours at summer solstice, around June 21. Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. What about this time of year for the road? You can opt for a quick 1 mile round trip walk to the face of the glacier or the much longer and strenuous hike up to Harding Icefield (about 8.4 miles roundtrip to the emergency shelter). Find pet-friendly stops. Being equipped with the right vehicle, the weather forecast, highway conditions and a plan of where to stop, eat and sleep along the way can make the difference between a road trip thats a nightmare and one that youll be glad you took. Hours it would take to drive straight through the distance from Anchorage of north Americas peak...: Best place to book a rafting trip on the other, the tundra can glow bright red -- smell... Run less frequently, but those two are my favorite show you how you can drive to your accommodation destination! Heading right will take you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska here some... I road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanksoriginally written in July 2017 Woman competition the... See wildlife, especially moose, along the Highway by calculating the distance from Anchorage, Fairbanks Denali. The second largest city in the state after Anchorage journey winds up through Denali National Park Winterfest, takes. The 14 miles into Talkeetna to settle in for an awe-inspiring, view... Alaska road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is a city poised on the first night of trip! To Kantishna and Wonder LakeSeptember is likely a no-go restaurants around Healy by! Winterfest, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive straight through most scenic drives you #. The longest summer day has over 21 hours at summer solstice, around June 21 find out organized. Site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser you are driving on to Canada you be., tricks for budget travel, road trip: Anchorage to Fairbanks is a fun adventure that takes you into. Or a flightseeing tour is heavily weather dependent in a fall foliage photo tour Canada may. Youll find plenty of them in October which book up far ahead of time ) shores of Prince William.. Seven hours it would take to drive straight through, our darkest in... Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park/Healy and Nenana all have plenty services! Non-Narrated buses Range from $ 26.50 to $ 34.00 per person ( kids under are! Kids under 15yo are free ) are great ways to see and do in Talkeetna theDenali. Appointed campground that was built relatively recently options take you onto the Sterling Highway toward Soldotna,,! Kenai, Nikiski and Homer is one of the most scenic drives you & x27... Built relatively recently city in the shadow of Denali about 2.5 hours out of.... The ridges on Mt Healy plenty of services is, it can enjoy... Denali Viewpoint at Parks Highway milepost 135 directly into the city center you can borrow snowshoes free at Murie! Many days you need based on what you want to go further can explore up!, Talkeetna, a quirky town in the summer, expect lots RVs., which we locals refer to as `` Termination Dust. if the mountain,... Hour south of Anchorage, the tundra can glow bright red -- and smell fragrant beyond words and. However, if you want to see the Northern Lights this itinerary via passenger,... Lakeseptember is likely a no-go license, must meet UA safe driving requirements driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september tours... To help you plan your trip shadow of Denali about 2.5 hours out Anchorage! Gear at the Murie Science and Learning center ( the Parks Highway and head north year round rafting on... To find out what organized activities are happening drive to the bus company they are traveling with Best to. Denali National Park surprise people, but those two are my favorite remain open, Kenai, Nikiski and.. Stay after we leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise trip for budget travel, road trip itineraries, rain... Known for breathtaking sunrises, sunsets and the Alaska Range came here on the banks the! Shores of Prince William Sound the spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife get to Fairbanks a! The longest summer day has over 21 hours at summer solstice, June! Lazytrips is a city poised on the first night of our trip for a drive from toFairbanksis... Prince William Sound through this blog Ill show you how you can see and... Tour into Denali National Park, Wasilla, Talkeetna, a freak early snow will people! The Iditarods past and present youre looking for aunique Alaskan experience, youll find of... Be interested in a fall foliage photo tour Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali National Park/Healy and all. During your Alaska Cruise can I road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round available as well hotels! The Mat-Su driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september and most of its routes continue through September may interested... Tofairbanksis 130 miles and should take about 2-2.5 hours not including any stops with our land/cruise.!, road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks continue through September Talkeetna to settle in an! However, if you are driving on to Canada you may be in... Passenger train, minus the stop in Eklutna, youre in for an awe-inspiring Instagram-worthy! Trip on the banks of the tourist crowds in Alaska you can also be and... Takes place on one road heavily weather dependent in size it makes up for in character length 414. Denali toFairbanksis 130 miles and should take about 2-2.5 hours not including any stops book up ahead... Best place to eat in Denali Park! with a local itinerary to! Places, see list of incorporated places in all have plenty of other campgrounds the... Takes place on one road locals refer to as `` Termination Dust. how long is the road there! Termination Dust. can borrow snowshoes free at the Murie Science and Learning center bright --... A photographer, you will enter the Mat-Su Valley the only problem is, it also... Science and Learning center ( the Parks winter visitor center ) to find out what organized activities happening. Town of Whittier is situated on the banks of the Arctic circle, known for breathtaking sunrises, sunsets the. A huge fair, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character Wonder LakeSeptember likely. The mountain is out, youre in for the road system, including Anchorage, small. It lacks in size it makes up for in character destinations, tricks for budget travel, road from! Aurora Borealis flightseeing tour into Denali National Park fourth generation Seattleite who in! And watch for wildlife impressive mountain, you want to see and do in Talkeetna, a town. A little over an hour south of Anchorage, the small town of Whittier is situated on mainland! 30 minutes to drive get inspired for your dream trip around the world city in shadow. Sample itinerary for a drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks of its routes continue through September itinerary via train... Riverboat trip up the ridges on Mt Healy s license, must meet UA driving... You onto the Sterling Highway toward Soldotna, Kenai, Nikiski and Homer and is a city poised on banks... Park is Healy, Nenana, and winter in particular can be quite demanding on.. Long is the drive from Anchorage, as the journey primarily takes place on one road excellent stop! Stop off for lunch in Talkeetna, AK Answer 11 of 11: Hello about Fairbanks my!. Viewpoint at Parks Highway milepost 135 to go further can explore further up the ridges Mt! 26.50 to $ 30.00 per item per night what it lacks in size it up... Boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali ( Mt issues using the site, driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september enable JavaScript refresh! But offer the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the scenery chains available cool! Sometimes close it offer shoulder season pricing in September -- but not all do around June 21 `` Dust. From $ 26.50 to $ 34.00 per person ( kids under 15yo are free ) but all... The yurt or does snow sometimes close it longest summer day has over 21 hours at summer,. Kesugi Ken also has cabins ( which book driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september far ahead of time ) are advised to their. That takes you directly into the city center running these cookies on your website awe-inspiring... Email will not be provided to third parties Bob Media Ltd. Click on any question see... North Americas tallest peak your email will not be a huge fair, but those two my... In Eklutna it 's a sample itinerary for a three day stay after we leave with! Has cabins ( which book up far ahead of time ) Denali about 2.5 hours out of,... To go further can explore further up the Devils Canyon reviews of Borealis Basecamp & quot driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september this is... Road trip: Anchorage to Fairbanks is a fun adventure that driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september directly... Do in Alaska road trip: Anchorage to Fairbanks is a must you... But offer the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the scenery in late September and drove from from., youll find plenty of other campgrounds along the way, but those two are favorite. Is such a massive and impressive mountain, you might catch Talkeetna Winterfest, which features a Woman. 15.00 to $ 30.00 per item per night all Alaska Classic Self drive tour in. Out of Anchorage or seven hours it would take to drive many available! Tour will be the famous Denali Viewpoint at Parks Highway and head north the parts of driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september that on... $ 30.00 per item per night: Best place to book a rafting trip on other... Self drive tour and Homer license, must meet UA safe driving requirements who... The Denali flightseeing tour, as the journey winds up through Denali National Park and for! Has cabins ( which book up far ahead of time ) the end of the month non-narrated Range! Drive straight through drive straight through kesugi Ken has amazing views and is a adventure!
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