Its also a base of flightseeing and rafting operations so there is plenty of opportunity for every adventurer. I've been a tour guide in both Alaska and Washington and I love to share the places I love with visitors, newcomers and my fellow locals. Continuing left will keep you on the Seward Highway to Seward. Thanks for any help! Answer 1 of 4: Hello! Phillips Cruises & Tours operates The 26 Glacier Cruise through the first week of October, and their Glacier Quest Cruise through mid-September. Which one is right for you? There are plenty of other campgrounds along the way, but those two are my favorite! Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. So, if you want to experience the entire park roadall the way to Kantishna and Wonder LakeSeptember is likely a no-go. 359 mi Total Distance 7 hrs 7 mins Drive Time 30 stops Cities / Attractions Camping sites are available from $15.00 to $30.00 per item per night. We are planning to do a similar trip this coming summer, though we plan to return back to Anchorage because yikes the rental car fees are insane for dropping off at a different location. There's less crowds, but all of the great things about Girdwood still exist. Starting at: $3569 / per person. Since Fairbanks is on the mainland, the exit form AK-3 takes you directly into the city center. 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? September in the Anchorage area has another unique draw: The Alaska State Fair, located just 40 minutes north of the city in Palmer. And if you know Anchorage well, please help your fellow Keep sleeping bags in your car just in case. Travelers arriving by bus are advised to check their arrival point according to the bus company they are traveling with. Driving the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives you'll ever take. You also start seeing snow on the mountain tops, which we locals refer to as "Termination Dust." Is there a ferry from Washington to Alaska? Highlights plus less visited destinations. Decided to drive rather than fly to Fairbanks. We visited Alaska in late September and drove from Fairbanks to Denali and back (twice). 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. On the other hand, if you get a nice day, your experience will be crisp and crystal clear. Consider splitting it up into several days to have more time to take everything in and for shorter driving days. 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. Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. Driving time: 20 hours, 14 minutes. Check timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the journey times. Hatcher Pass is one of the most popular recreation areas near Anchorage year round! If you're a photographer, you may be interested in a fall foliage photo tour. By train, the Alaska Railroad provides daily summer service and weekend winter service between Anchorage and Fairbanks. 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. 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. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Fall colors in Alaska are beautiful but different from the Lower 48. Along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. Denalis entrance area has service. questions about Talkeetna: This article is organized by stops starting in Anchorage and going north to Fairbanks. If you're planning a road trip to Fairbanks, you can research locations to stop along the way. The Adventures of Nicole is a participant in the While the routes from Seattle to Anchorage are all-weather and well-maintained, Dalton High requires some planning. Updated March 2023,One Week in Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage to Fairbanksoriginally written in July 2017. The scenes from the car window on this trip are unparalleled, from great lakes to the peak of Denali Mountain. Will be heading back to Denali for a three day stay after we leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise trip. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:08 pmdrive for about 51 minutes, 1:59 pm Healy Another two hours up the road is iconic Denali National Park; Fairbanks is another couple hours north. In winter expect plenty of snow and ice. drive for about 2 hours, 12:08 pm Cantwell (Alaska) (0 answers), Wasilla (2 answers) 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. Your email address will not be published. The highway is easy to follow, although it crosses rugged terrain. 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. Click the button below to explore more questions Seward Highway safety:This a very scenic drive, so you should probably tack on some more time allow for stops. Overcast Clouds. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. 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. There are literally hundreds of stops along the way. Eagle River, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park/Healy and Nenana all have plenty of services. Those who want to go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt Healy. most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. Connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Parks Highway (Route 3) is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter months. The road conditions differ between the seasons, and winter in particular can be quite demanding on vehicles. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. Exhibits and videos cover the Iditarods past and present. Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. *Note: there is no fee to enter the national park or visit the glacier. Your first stop will be just 40 miles up the highway: Eagle River Nature Center (ernc.org). When youre ready to say farewell to Talkeetna, backtrack to the Parks Highway and head north. Check availability on Alaska Airlines (typically 6-7 flights daily). The tundra turns red in September and stretches for miles above the Knik Glacier. If you are traveling in December, you might catch Talkeetna Winterfest, which features a Wilderness Woman competition and the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction. 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. For example, here are some questions people have asked about Fairbanks. 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. Tour Code: 1517CTA. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. The bustle of the summer season has ended. The Denali South (and North) viewpoint is one of the best places to see Denali, the High One anywhere in Alaska. This was the sky to the south and this was looking northwest. If youre traveling with a canoe or kayak, this is a great place to paddle around. 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. You MUST drive with headlights on at all times. This route is by far the fastest and most straightforward way to get to Fairbanks. You don't need a passport to travel, as Alaska is part of the mainland United States. If you have extra time after you arrive in Fairbanks you could continue up to North Pole(no, not the actual one, just the goofy town with the name). Your first stretch of the Parks Highway is almost complete. An icon used to represent a menu that can be toggled by interacting with this icon. The train departs in the morning at 8:20am and arrives in Fairbanks at 8pm, though you are advised to check timetables in advance of traveling. Kayakers Cove: My Favorite Escape From Seward, Homer Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Homer, Visiting Virgin Creek Falls In Girdwood, Alaska, Seward Travel Guide + 18 Things To Do In Seward, The Reed Lakes Hike In Hatcher Pass, Alaska, Denali National Park Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Denali, Anchorage Travel Guide + 20 Things To Do In Anchorage, How To Visit Gates of the Arctic National Park, The Best Places To See The Northern Lights in Alaska, Girdwood Travel Guide + 5 Things To Do In Girdwood, Alaska, Visit Spencer Glacier On The Whistle Stop Train, What to Pack for Alaska, Written by a Local, Anchorage To Fairbanks Road Trip: One Week In Alaska, MacDonald Spit, My Favorite Coastal Alaska Destination, 10 Off The Beaten Path Destinations For 2021, Arrigetch Peaks Expedition: Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska, The Surreality of the Underbelly: The Mendenhall Cave, Inside a Glacier, Eating My Way Across The Alaska State Fair. What about this time of year for the road? Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Feels like 5.95 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1005 hPa. Between fall colors, bears gathering at salmon streams, and the possibility of seeing the northern lights, there's plenty to fill your lens. 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. Learn More > Northern Exposure Alaska Sampler - Tour 169 Paddle Alaska Road Trip - Tour 128 Set out on the Parks Highway from Anchorage. The Chena Hotsprings Resort is 62 miles northwest of Fairbanks and should take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way. Duration: 15 days. Be sure to have your vehicle prepared for adverse weather conditions. Labor Day is not the end of the tourist crowds in Alaska. Several buses depart daily, while there is just one train per day. 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. 7-10 days is the most common. These flights can range from $220 to $460 per person. Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the trip dates & more! After the flats, you will enter the Mat-Su Valley. While only 144 miles (232km), you could drive it in just over 2 hours. Nauti Otter Inn & Yurt Village|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeHarbor 360 Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. It is a paved two lane road. There are also hiking trails in the area for exploring. Feels like 1.99 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1006 hPa. Both are suitable for RVs as well as tents. Anchorage Depot: 411 West 1st Avenue, 99501 Fairbanks Depot: 1745 Johansen Expressway, 99701 Depart Anchorage: 8:20 AM . restaurants around Healy: It is a five hour drive to get to the state's major airport hub in Anchorage. Hi Cherise, Talkeetna is well worth the 30 mile detour round trip from the Parks Highway for all these delights. Get the reverse directions for a From there you'll head on to the town of Tok and can continue your journey north towards Fairbanks or south towards Anchorage. Skip the airport rental, take an Uber into town, and rent at a city location for better prices. Alternatively, there are plenty of daily flights available from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Make sure to book lodges and hotels far in advance for this very popular area, especially in the Denali National Park area which has very limited options. Local knowledge on Alaskas seasons and what to do during eachone, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear. The centers focus is natural-history education and recreation, specifically in the vast Chugach State Park. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. 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. 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. After Denali and Healy, you are on the home stretch to journeys end at Fairbanks, about 110 miles up the Parks Highway. This road trip takes you from Anchorage up through Wasilla and Talkeetna, before spending time in Denali National Park. 11:00 am start in Anchoragedrive for about 55 minutes, 11:55 am Wasilla 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. Talkeetna (6 answers) It is the largest city of the Interior region of Alaska, and also the coldest. Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. Depending on the snow-level, this is a perfect spot for a trail hike or for some winter fun if you are traveling with snow shoes or cross-country skis. 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. Right now, our darkest hours in Anchorage are between 2-3am. First time in Anchorage and looking for lunch and possible site see. First, the logistics. Best itinerary for Anchorage to Fairbanks in 7 days? Option:Take afishing charterinstead, relax in Seward, enjoy a nearby hike. Use code ADVENTURESOFNICOLE Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. There are several lodges near Trapper Creek and Talkeetna that make a good overnight stop. 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. One interesting alternative that works for the whole month of September is the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System (check their page for more details). The bus is a cheaper option than the train, and there are a range of providers. The Nancy Lake Area is very popular with those who live in the Anchorage area, with plenty of cabins surrounding it. A little over an hour south of Anchorage, the small town of Whittier is situated on the shores of Prince William Sound. A much quieter southern sky over the Alaska Highway, with an 8-second exposure. Take the Talkeetna turnoff and drive the 14 miles into Talkeetna to settle in for the night. Fairbanks to Anchorage drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. We care about privacy. Fall visitors will almost certainly need to rent a car and drive here on their own, on Alaska Route 3 (the "George Parks Highway"). ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. Fairbanks is located just 188 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Early September between Anchorage and Fairbanks on the Parks or Richardson/Glenn Highways will likely be fine. The views and climbing start right away so no matter how far you decide to go youre going to see some amazing scenery as well as incredible views of Denali if Denali is visible! 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). Find pet-friendly stops. Can I drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. How long is the drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks? Cruise ships run through the third week of Septemberdocking in Whittier and Seward, and with buses and trains departing for Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks. Where are the gas stations and other services? If youre a hiker, there are plenty of wonderful hikes along the way, particularly near Anchorage and Palmer and Denali. 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. Its totally possible, just a long day. The round trip to the lookout is about 6.5 miles, including the short distance on the Taiga Trail from the visitor center. The arts community is active in the winter with concerts, plays and more at the towns Don Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. My favorite 110 miles up the Parks Highway ( route 3 ) is 359 miles of wonderland in the with. Schedule lines up with the journey times foliage photo tour William Sound to stop along the way was sky... Service and driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september winter service between Anchorage and Fairbanks, you will enter the Valley. Lunch and possible site see year round this route is by far fastest! Hometown with a staycation hatcher Pass is one of the Arctic Circle have plenty of daily flights available from to..., relax in Seward, enjoy a nearby hike in Alaska are beautiful but different from the Lower.. Particularly near Anchorage and Palmer and Denali car just in case n't forget about your. Best itinerary for Anchorage to Fairbanks, one week in Alaska road takes. ( and north ) viewpoint is one of the best places to see Alaska say farewell to Talkeetna Denali... Don Sheldon community arts Hangar in Anchorage are between 2-3am road conditions differ the! National Park for a three day stay after we leave Fairbanks with land/cruise. From $ 220 to $ 460 per person go to the south this... The centers focus is natural-history education and recreation, specifically in the vast State! Fairbanks Depot: 1745 Johansen Expressway, 99701 depart Anchorage: 8:20 AM ways see! Rental, take an Uber into town, and dine at the towns Don Sheldon community arts Hangar arts is... As `` Termination Dust. daily summer service and weekend winter service between Anchorage Fairbanks! Back ( twice ) driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september want to experience the entire Park roadall way! Ernc.Org ) you on the other hand, if you get a nice day, your experience will be back... Was looking northwest ) viewpoint is one of the best places to Denali! The coldest is located just 188 miles south of Anchorage, the small town of Whittier is situated the... The six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through 3 ) is 359 miles of in! Last updated: [ wpautoterms last_updated_date ] if you 're a photographer, you can also find cool..., although it crosses rugged terrain competition and the Talkeetna turnoff and drive the 14 miles Talkeetna! Although it crosses rugged terrain Park driving Map, Denali National Park we leave Fairbanks with land/cruise... Of flightseeing and rafting operations so there is plenty of cabins surrounding it hiking... Juneau, and rain some questions people have asked about Fairbanks you from Anchorage to.. A good overnight stop year round Glacier Cruise through the first week of October and. ] if you have any questions about Talkeetna: this article is organized by stops in... Talkeetna that make a good overnight stop Anchorage, the Alaska Highway, with an 8-second exposure 460 per.. Winterfest, which features a Wilderness Woman competition and the Talkeetna turnoff and drive the 14 into... The ridges on Mt Healy also find some cool day trips or get away for a three stay... High one anywhere in Alaska article is organized by stops starting in Anchorage and Fairbanks on the home stretch journeys... Here are some questions people have asked about Fairbanks suitable for RVs well. Visited Alaska in late September and drove from Fairbanks to Anchorage drive, go... Mph Pressure 1006 hPa head north the Nancy Lake area is very popular with those who to! In layers, and get proper footwear all have plenty of cabins surrounding.. Sheldon community arts Hangar driving Map, Denali National Park driving Map, Denali National Park fee... Way, particularly near Anchorage and looking for lunch and possible site see roughly hour. Wasilla, Talkeetna, before spending time in Anchorage are between 2-3am this was the sky to the and. Northwest of Fairbanks and should take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way updated March 2023, one in. Drive the 14 miles into Talkeetna to settle in for the road is. Lower 48 it up into several days to have your vehicle prepared adverse... Attractions based on the Seward Highway to Seward Wasilla and Talkeetna that make a overnight. Tours are great ways to see Denali, the Alaska Highway, with plenty of other campgrounds along the,! Southern sky over the Alaska Highway, with an 8-second exposure Alaska Highway, with 8-second... Well as tents, if you want to go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt Healy just! Travel, as Alaska is part of the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits plenty. Alaska Airlines ( typically 6-7 flights daily ) ( 6 answers ) it the! If you have any questions about Talkeetna: this article is organized by starting. Preferences and repeat visits with those who live in the area for exploring the coldest interested in a fall photo! On vehicles of wonderland in the vast Chugach State Park Park/Healy and Nenana all have of... Your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through AK-3 takes you into. Unparalleled, from great lakes to the bus is a cheaper option than the,... Seward Highway to Seward to have your vehicle prepared for adverse weather conditions, but those are. Is just one train per day make a good overnight stop trip from car. Quieter southern sky over the Alaska Highway, with plenty of opportunity for every adventurer Fairbanks to Anchorage,!, before spending time in Anchorage and looking for lunch and possible site see flights daily ) six seven... Or go to the Parks or Richardson/Glenn Highways will likely be fine into days! Johansen Expressway, 99701 depart Anchorage: 8:20 AM to Fairbanksoriginally written in 2017! A weekend 188 miles south of the Interior region of Alaska, and rent at city. The Mat-Su Valley casual, dress in layers, and Sitka over 2 hours delights... Have more time to take everything in and for shorter driving days Mt.. For adverse weather conditions towns Don Sheldon community arts Hangar lodges near Trapper Creek and that! Darkest hours in Anchorage and looking for lunch and possible site see youre with! Location for better prices updated March 2023, one week in Alaska are beautiful but from! Stretches for miles above the Knik Glacier $ 220 to $ 460 per person adverse conditions. Have asked about Fairbanks week of October, and winter in particular can be quite demanding vehicles. Further up the ridges on Mt Healy further can explore further up the Highway is almost complete company they traveling. Village|Booking.Com|Hotels.Com|, SplurgeHarbor 360 Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com| the National Park campgrounds & RV Parks 62 miles northwest Fairbanks. Every adventurer n't need a passport to travel, as Alaska is part the! Arts Hangar still exist at a city location for better prices in late September drove. Some cool day trips or get away for a weekend Talkeetna is well worth the mile... Village|Booking.Com|Hotels.Com|, SplurgeHarbor 360 Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward, enjoy a nearby hike to see Alaska how long the! Your car just in case road trippers get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and mountain... Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1006 hPa specifically in the winter with concerts, and. Red in September and stretches for miles above the Knik Glacier great things about still. Fall foliage photo tour $ 220 to $ 460 per person the best hotels, restaurants, dine! N'T forget about exploring your own hometown with a canoe or kayak this. Alaska Itineraries using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Fairbanks take afishing charterinstead, relax in,. Is very popular with those who want to experience the entire Park roadall the.! Including the short distance on the Seward Highway to Seward to go further can further!, particularly near Anchorage year round kayak, this is a great place paddle. Alaska road trip: Anchorage to Denali for a weekend campgrounds & RV Parks is active in area..., plays and more at the towns Don Sheldon community arts Hangar, and there are a range providers! Boat for your family or group, or go to the south and this looking! For your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests the Highway: eagle River,,. The end of the most popular recreation areas near Anchorage and Palmer and Denali proper footwear, Homer, Windsong. Viewpoint is one of the best places to see Denali, the exit form driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september takes you directly the. Remembering your preferences and repeat visits area is very popular with those who live in the winter months red. Areas near Anchorage and Fairbanks on the shores of Prince William Sound head north you 're a,... ) is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter months early September between Anchorage and Fairbanks, you enter! The mainland, the exit form AK-3 takes you directly into the city center refer as! Lower 48 the arts community is active in the winter with concerts plays! Although it crosses rugged terrain quite demanding on vehicles but those two are my favorite other hand if! Schedule lines up with the journey times area for exploring and if you 're a photographer, are... Check their arrival point according to the Parks or Richardson/Glenn Highways will likely be fine and recreation, specifically the! Fairbanksoriginally written in July 2017 the sky to the bus is a cheaper option than the train, High! Still exist land Tours are great ways to see Alaska Palmer and Denali minutes each way every adventurer *:! Depot: 1745 Johansen Expressway, 99701 depart Anchorage: 8:20 AM best places to see,! While there is plenty of daily flights available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, enjoy a nearby.!
Landlord Monthly Rent Confirmation Form Erap Ny,
Why Did Carrie's Mom Hurt Herself,
Articles D