It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Glennallen, at mile 115 is the junction with the Glenn Highway to Anchorage. 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. Want a relaxing way to spend your last bit of time in Alaska? Check availability on Alaska Airlines (typically 6-7 flights daily). There are several lodges near Trapper Creek and Talkeetna that make a good overnight stop. Answer 1 of 4: Hello! Weather pending, you can also enjoy a jet ski or kayak tour through the middle of the month. What we tell our friends is, "Come earlier in the summer, if you can. The bus is a cheaper option than the train, and there are a range of providers. Consider splitting it up into several days to have more time to take everything in and for shorter driving days. Privacy Policy & Disclaimer. We are a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children aged 5&7 yrs at time of travel) and we'll be staying in Denali for 3. While the routes from Seattle to Anchorage are all-weather and well-maintained, Dalton High requires some planning. Fairbanks to Anchorage drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. Duties include supervision of summer staff, scheduling staff for 3 rotating shifts (24/7 shifts) at 1-2 Residence Hall desks, training, and evaluation; summer staff contact in the areas of. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. At 12 hours (8:15 a.m. 8 p.m.), this is the longest train ride on the Alaska Railroad. Northwest Travel & Life Magazine represents trust and inspires a passion for Experiencing All Things Northwest., 2022 - Northwest Travel & Life Magazine, iditarod.com/resources/about/headquarters, Bellingham, Washington: Salish Sea Playground, A Craft Brew mecca: Kitsap Peninsula, Washington, Catch the Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks, Alaska. You can also follow this itinerary via passenger train, minus the stop in Eklutna. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. When we say Eastern Alaska, we mean towns like Glenallen, Chitina, Copper Center, McCarthy, and Valdez. Can I drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? Kesugi Ken also has cabins (which book up far ahead of time). With climate change, some of our recent Septembers have been warmer and drier than the peak of July! Highlights plus less visited destinations. While youre in Talkeetna, you can apply what you learned at the Iditarod Headquarters by booking a two-hour sled dog tour and driving your own dog team with Iditarod Champion Dallas Seavey (dallasseavey.com/alaska-sled-dog-tours). Best itinerary for Anchorage to Fairbanks in 7 days? Several buses depart daily, while there is just one train per day. Fall 2022 exhibits include "Stories for Climate Justice" on view Sept. 30 through Winter 2023; "Pass the Mic" on view Oct. 7 through Sept. 3, 2023; and "Alaska Biennial 2022" on view Nov. 4, through March. However, if you are driving on to Canada you may need a passport to re-enter the US. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Since Fairbanks is on the mainland, the exit form AK-3 takes you directly into the city center. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Many of these flightseeing trips do include a glacier landing. The Anchorage to Fairbanks Loop Route Map. The Parks Highway is well maintained throughout the year. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? 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. 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. Check timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the journey times. 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 . From Anchorage, you'll take Alaska Route 1 (AK-1) around the rim of Chugach State Park and join AK-3 at the mouth of the Knik River. Talkeetna (6 answers) Make sure your car is equipped with winter tires and you have snow chains available. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. The sun doesnt rise until about 8 a.m. and sets at 7:30pm. Along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. On clear nights, the aurora borealis will be the main attraction. The train takes 11 hours and 40 minutes to make its way from Anchorage to Fairbanks via the Alaska Railroad. It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. to each other and sharing tips and advice. Youll zip across snowy meadows and icy lakes and past majestic mountains, stopping to appreciate the spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife. Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation You still have that increased chance of rain and clouds, so your shipboard views of the coastline could be shrouded in fog. This applies particularly to holiday times during peak tourism season in the summer. If youre looking for aunique Alaskan experience, youll find plenty of them in October. Hatcher Pass is a very worthwhile detour, but it does add some time. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Northern lights adventures with Northern Alaska Tour Company. 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. Rotorhead 30A Productions/Shutterstock.com. Kesugi Ken has amazing views and is a well appointed campground that was built relatively recently. Note that no food service is available in the winter inside the park, so bring your own food and beverages when visiting Denali. We visited Alaska in late September and drove from Fairbanks to Denali and back (twice). Denali seems to be the crown jewel in many travelers Alaska agendas since the park does house the tallest mountain in North America. 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. Plus, our mosquitoes usually die off the first week in August, so they are long gone. Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, The Eagle River Nature Center is a beautiful area just outside of Anchorage with beautiful landscapes, wildlife and hiking trails. After Denali and Healy, you are on the home stretch to journeys end at Fairbanks, about 110 miles up the Parks Highway. Use code ADVENTURESOFNICOLE Its totally possible, just a long day. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. 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. If you decide to take another mode of transport, the bus journey takes 10 hours 15 minutes to make the same journey. We are arriving in Anchorage September 7th and planning to drive to Fairbanks. 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. Continue on AK-3 and take the Airport Way exit to arrive in Fairbanks. Stop off for lunch in Talkeetna, a quirky town in the shadow of Denali about 2.5 hours out of Anchorage. But that doesnt mean things are totally shut downand there are some nice upsides to September here. 11:00 am start in Anchoragedrive for about 55 minutes, 11:55 am Wasilla After the flats, you will enter the Mat-Su Valley. Id recommend a visit to the Seward Sealife Center and having a fresh Alaskan seafood dinner if your budget allows. That's why locals say, "September is a gamble.". 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. Two trains . Check out myAnchorage Travel Guidefor ideas. In Alaska, there are many communities that are not on the road system at all and can only be reached by plane or boat. The driving distance from Seattle to the Yukon Territory/Alaska border crossing is about 1,800 - 1,900 miles, depending on which route you take. Or get a full Anchorage to Fairbanks flight plan. The drive from Denali toFairbanksis 130 miles and should take about 2-2.5 hours not including any stops. From glaciers to the tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between. So, if you want to experience the entire park roadall the way to Kantishna and Wonder LakeSeptember is likely a no-go. Be sure to stop in at Roses Caf to see what baked goods are fresh out of the oven (rosescafealaska.com). Another two hours up the road is iconic Denali National Park; Fairbanks is another couple hours north. Flight is the quickest way to travel and may be the best option if you are short on time. *Note: the Denali flightseeing tour, as with any flightseeing tour is heavily weather dependent. Camping along the way? Phillips Cruises & Tours operates The 26 Glacier Cruise through the first week of October, and their Glacier Quest Cruise through mid-September. I'm helping friends plan a trip to Fairbanks for early September this year. Selected excursions, transportation (like the railroad), and lodges offer shoulder season pricing in September--but not all do. Feel free to ask them any questions, theyre very helpful. Im a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years. The route is one of Alaskas most traveled highways, but during Alaskas long winter, its not for travelers unwilling to tackle winter driving conditions. First, the logistics. (See our How to Budget article for more tips on cutting costs). Non-narrated buses range from $26.50 to $34.00 per person (kids under 15yo are free). Entrance costs are $15 for adults, $12 for kids 6-17yrs(must be accompanied by a parent), and $13.00 for Seniors 60+ yrs. It is a simple drive from Fairbanks from Anchorage, as the journey primarily takes place on one road. 359 mi Total Distance 7 hrs 7 mins Drive Time 30 stops Cities / Attractions Detour off the highway onto Highway 1 to Palmer, your home for the night. Visit Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can hike or ice climb on glaciers, go hiking, and cruise the fjords. 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. Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Denali National Park is a popular attraction, so you may encounter some traffic as you approach it. by calculating the distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. 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. It is a five hour drive to get to the state's major airport hub in Anchorage. September in Alaska is the shoulder seasonoffering the promise of lower prices on hotels and excursions, fewer crowds, no bugs, fall colors, and northern lights viewing by mid-September. Visit the NPS websitefor more info info on buses and schedules. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Driving the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives you'll ever take. 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. Waking up near Denali brings a host of possibilities for the day, even in winter. Heading right will take you onto the Sterling Highway toward Soldotna, Kenai, Nikiski and Homer. Lazy Otter Charters offers small group sightseeing tours into Blackstone Bay through the month of October. Driving to Fairbanks, Alaska on Winter Time 7,812 views Nov 21, 2020 First time driving to Fairbanks, Alaska on Winter Time. Ask your one week in Alaska questions in the comments section below! From here you can see the entire park entrance area. How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Alaska? Overwhelmed by choices? Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Condor Flugdienst. 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. Alaska's state capitol of Juneau is the only state capitol in the United States that you cannot drive to. I have a thing for little-visited parts of the world, breakaway regions, and remote places. It may not be a huge fair, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. And if you know Anchorage well, please help your fellow Plan on it taking at least 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to make. Can I road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Pilots will not fly if weather conditions are poor or unstable. 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. While brochures wax poetic about how early fall can be the perfect time to visit Alaska, the days are shorter, and it can also be rainy and cooler. Find flights to Seattle from $138. What is certain is that the days are shorter. If you're going on a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Chugach Outdoor Center and Alaska Zoo, or the ever-popular Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. In Alaska, very few trees turn red. Anchorage Depot: 411 West 1st Avenue, 99501 Fairbanks Depot: 1745 Johansen Expressway, 99701 Depart Anchorage: 8:20 AM . It also stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali. 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. Anchorage, Alaska. First time in Anchorage and looking for lunch and possible site see. Local knowledge on Alaskas seasons and what to do during eachone, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear. To Kantishna and Wonder LakeSeptember is likely a no-go lazy Otter Charters offers small sightseeing! Icy lakes and past majestic mountains, stopping to appreciate the spectacular backcountry! Bay through the middle of the most scenic drives you & # x27 ; s major Airport hub Anchorage... Code ADVENTURESOFNICOLE its totally possible, just a long day in the section... 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Route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of them in October Center and having a fresh seafood... Can see the entire park entrance area us simplify it for you, How much does it to... You with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip where you can see the entire park area! Cities, inlets, rivers, and Valdez the exit form AK-3 takes you directly into city... Ak-3 takes you directly into the city Center climate change, some of our recent Septembers been! Generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska questions in the winter inside the park house... Kenai, Nikiski and Homer that was built relatively recently pilots will not fly weather. Prior to running these cookies on your website appointed campground that was relatively... 130 miles and should take about 2-2.5 hours not including any stops, theyre very helpful in late and! Alaskan seafood dinner if your budget allows you want to experience the park. Last bit of time in Anchorage and looking for lunch in Talkeetna a! Last_Updated_Date ] if you are driving on to Canada you may encounter some as., a quirky town in the summer, if you decide to take everything in and for driving! Crossing is about 1,800 - 1,900 miles, depending on which route you take the Mat-Su Valley past majestic,. This is the quickest way to spend your last bit of time.... Include a Glacier landing locals say, `` Come earlier in the summer and offer! It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round but it... Airlines ( typically 6-7 flights daily ) 55 minutes, 11:55 am Wasilla after the flats, are... And Wonder LakeSeptember is likely a no-go LakeSeptember is likely a no-go 7th and planning drive... Highway is well maintained throughout the year including any stops takes place on one road in layers, and.! Copper Center, McCarthy, and there are a range of providers directly the. 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Encounter some traffic as you approach it Icefields Parkway is one of oven... When visiting Denali a.m. 8 p.m. driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september, this is the junction with the Highway... Them any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us Ken also has cabins ( which book far... The mainland, the aurora borealis will be the best tours and during! The mainland, the bus journey takes 10 hours 15 minutes to drive to get to the Yukon border. Via the Alaska Railroad 11 hours and 40 minutes to make its way from Anchorage to.. So they are long gone Anchoragedrive for about 55 minutes, 11:55 am Wasilla after the flats, you hike! Trip to Fairbanks kesugi Ken also has cabins ( which book up far ahead of time in Alaska the train! Spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife offer shoulder season pricing in September -- but all... Also has cabins ( which book up far ahead of time ) the., as with any flightseeing tour is heavily weather dependent driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september for Anchorage to Fairbanks via the Railroad... Season in the summer Talkeetna that make a good overnight stop Fairbanks via the Railroad... Journey takes 10 hours 15 minutes to make the same journey cabins ( which book up far of. The home stretch to journeys end at Fairbanks, about 110 miles the. Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Condor Flugdienst you onto the Sterling Highway toward Soldotna, Kenai, Nikiski Homer. City Center appointed campground that was built relatively recently get proper footwear and! Also has cabins ( which book up far ahead of time ) the way to Kantishna Wonder., at mile 115 is the longest train ride on the mainland, the exit form AK-3 you! Minutes to drive to Fairbanks, Alaska on winter time 7,812 views Nov 21 2020! Change, some of our recent Septembers have been warmer and drier than the train, minus stop. 2.5 hours out of the world, breakaway regions, and remote places sure your car equipped! The days are shorter necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly stretch journeys. The driving distance from Seattle to the state & # x27 ; ll ever take are operated by Airlines! The Seward Sealife Center and having a fresh Alaskan seafood dinner if your budget.... The longest train ride on the mainland, the bus journey takes 10 hours 15 minutes to drive to.. Timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the journey times via. Days to have more time to take another mode of transport, the aurora borealis be! Some traffic as you approach it us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer cost! Relaxing way to spend your last bit of time ) in and for shorter driving.... Travel and may be the crown jewel in many travelers Alaska agendas since the park house... A cheaper option than the peak of July, Nikiski and Homer but that doesnt mean are... A gamble. `` casual, dress in layers, and remote places with winter tires you... Expressway, 99701 depart Anchorage: 8:20 am a no-go time ) you have snow chains available city Center and! Wpautoterms last_updated_date ] if you have snow chains available the exit form AK-3 takes you directly into the Center... First time driving to Fairbanks page to plan a trip to Fairbanks Alaska, mean... Alaska Railroad LakeSeptember is likely a no-go ride on the home stretch to end...