Any bus tours that might be open this early in the season on a Saturday afternoon? On this spectacular 360 mile drive, youll see incredible landscapes as you transition between several of Alaskas unique climate zones, see wildlife and pass through Denali State Park and the edge of Denali National Park. Make sure your tires are in good condition and carry chains with you just in case. I'm helping friends plan a trip to Fairbanks for early September this year. Denali seems to be the crown jewel in many travelers Alaska agendas since the park does house the tallest mountain in North America. Take the Talkeetna turnoff and drive the 14 miles into Talkeetna to settle in for the night. I wish the rental companies would get on board with one way rentals here. 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. Two trains . 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. 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. These flights can range from $220 to $460 per person. Here, clouds permitting, catch glimpses of Denali, take in the panoramic views of the Alaska Range and keep an eye out for wildlife as you traverse the pass. Traveling with a dog or cat? A map of the best Alaska road trip itinerary for adventurous travelers. This half-day excursion will explore the backcountry of Hatcher Pass or the Glacier View area. you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, Posted August 28, 2007. This applies particularly to holiday times during peak tourism season in the summer. What is certain is that the days are shorter. KC Barnette arrested after threatening Loss Prevention with an axe. Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Condor Flugdienst. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. If the mountain is clear, its absolutely mandatory to stop at both! 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. The scenery provides plenty of reason to road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, but if you have time to make some stops, there are some great places to stretch your legs, learn about something new, see even more amazing scenery and wildlife and grab a bite to eat. But that doesnt mean things are totally shut downand there are some nice upsides to September here. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Pilots will not fly if weather conditions are poor or unstable. Earthsong Lodge offers backcountry winter dog-sledding trips in the park (earthsonglodge.com). September in the Anchorage area has another unique draw: The Alaska State Fair, located just 40 minutes north of the city in Palmer. The sun doesnt rise until about 8 a.m. and sets at 7:30pm. Find dining and lodging in Palmer by visiting the valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com. Camping along the way? You can drive to the parts of Alaska that are on the road system, including Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali National Park. The train takes 11 hours and 40 minutes to make its way from Anchorage to Fairbanks via the Alaska Railroad. There are also hiking trails in the area for exploring. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. It is a five hour drive to get to the state's major airport hub in Anchorage. Make sure you check road conditions Glennallen, at mile 115 is the junction with the Glenn Highway to Anchorage. The Chena Hotsprings Resort is 62 miles northwest of Fairbanks and should take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way. If youre looking for a place on the cheap check out myBest Hostels In Anchorage Post. I recommend booking a Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise withMajor Marine Toursfor the best experience. I started driving back towards home after that last shot, but at 11:50 the sky exploded again and I stopped along the highway. 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. 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! Yes, however there are plenty of dead zones so dont count on having service and especially not full bars the whole time. ANCHORAGE TO TALKEETNA Plan on it taking at least 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to make. One-day rail tours and multi-day packages can be booked through several local operators. Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc.. It also stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali. On clear nights, the aurora borealis will be the main attraction. Your must-have activity guide + map while in 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. Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. Exit the road at the next pull off if you see something youd like to stop for. A little further gets you to Denali National Park, the home of North America's tallest mountain, Mount McKinley. The Parks Highway is well maintained throughout the year. If you wish to experience dog sledding in Denali, youll need to hire a local guide. Railroad enthusiasts will appreciate the Alaska Railroad Museum located inside the historic train station from 1923. Every twenty years or so, a freak early snow will surprise people, but the roads remain open. Road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage. From here you can see the entire park entrance area. It is the largest city of the Interior region of Alaska, and also the coldest. I recommend spending two nights in Denali if possible because you then get the full day to take the bus trip into the park. 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. Most of ours turn yellow and orange. Often, we have beautiful Indian Summer. By train, the Alaska Railroad provides daily summer service and weekend winter service between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Availability: See the Alaska Railroad, or check out other railroad companies, like Gray Line Denali Rail Tours and Princess Rail Tours. 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. Nauti Otter Inn & Yurt Village|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeHarbor 360 Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. Check the road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. for 20% off at checkout, Login 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. next trip! Get the reverse directions for a 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. The highway is easy to follow, although it crosses rugged terrain. Decided to drive rather than fly to Fairbanks. Answer 1 of 4: Hello! 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. Denali is an Athabaskan word meaning the high one.. Homer is a funky, fun little fishing town. Fall visitors will almost certainly need to rent a car and drive here on their own, on Alaska Route 3 (the "George Parks Highway"). There are several B&Bs in the town of Healy (10 miles north of the park entrance) that stay open year round. 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. Farther up the highway, at the braided mouth of the Knik River, you will pass a vast open area called the Palmer Hay Flats. Visit in May or September for major savings on rentals (and maybe seeing the northern lights!). most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. It is the second largest city in the state after Anchorage. Time needed: 7-10 days minimum. In winter, there is plenty of opportunity for cross country skiing. What is the snowiest city in Alaska? by calculating the distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Nenana is somewhat famous for being the location where President Harding drove the golden spike for the completion of the Alaska Railroad the same year. Day 1: Fairbanks drive for about 2 hours, 12:08 pm Cantwell (Alaska) You could see goats and sheep on the cliffside along the road and sometimes whales in the inlet. 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. Fall colors in Alaska are beautiful but different from the Lower 48. Fairbanks has a few sites on offer as well such as Pioneer Park, the Chena River, and downtown Fairbanks. On a clear day you can see Denali and the Alaska Range. Anchorage, Alaska. Healy Our airport is the busiest between 10 pm-2 am. 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. Alaska's state capitol of Juneau is the only state capitol in the United States that you cannot drive to. Exit Glacier is a part of Kenai Fjords National Park. 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. Check out the log cabin visitor center with its sod roof (covered in gorgeous flowers in the summer) as well as the Cultural Center. In the summer, expect lots of RVs and probably some construction. Car, train, or group tour. Its totally possible, just a long day. Fairbanks averages 60.9 inches of snow per year. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. From there you'll head on to the town of Tok and can continue your journey north towards Fairbanks or south towards Anchorage. This road trip takes you from Anchorage up through Wasilla and Talkeetna, before spending time in Denali National Park. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? 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. 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. If you are traveling in December, you might catch Talkeetna Winterfest, which features a Wilderness Woman competition and the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction. Exhibits and videos cover the Iditarods past and present. Ask your one week in Alaska questions in the comments section below! I hope you have a great trip! You MUST drive with headlights on at all times. The three largest towns are Charlotte Amalie (10,354), Christiansted (2,433) and Frederiksted (859). 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! The centers focus is natural-history education and recreation, specifically in the vast Chugach State Park. 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. For a list of incorporated places, see List of incorporated places in . or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world. The problem is that it needs to be dark enough to see them. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. The lights are active year round due to the interaction of the earth's magnetic field with the solar wind BUT it needs to be dark enough to see them. 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. Fly from Kailua-Kona on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and more. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. If you're planning a road trip to Fairbanks, you can research locations to stop along the way. If youre looking for aunique Alaskan experience, youll find plenty of them in October. When we say Eastern Alaska, we mean towns like Glenallen, Chitina, Copper Center, McCarthy, and Valdez. Which one is right for you? Another two hours up the road is iconic Denali National Park; Fairbanks is another couple hours north. 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. suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it Several buses depart daily, while there is just one train per day. At Mile 188 of the drive, you'll come across Igloo City. Denali National Park is a popular attraction, so you may encounter some traffic as you approach it. Set out on the Parks Highway from Anchorage. Continue on AK-3 and take the Airport Way exit to arrive in Fairbanks. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Which one is right for you? Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the Light Snow. Fairbanks is 360 miles north of Anchorage, just north from the Denali National Park and Preserve. This was the sky to the south and this was looking northwest. If you do this you will miss Wasilla (described above) and Nancy Lake Recreation Area (described below). Kesugi Ken also has cabins (which book up far ahead of time). We locals call these early snows Termination Dust, as in signaling the end of summer and that old man winter is just around the corner. 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. There are plenty of trekking options within the park as well as other activities on offer in and around. Id recommend a visit to the Seward Sealife Center and having a fresh Alaskan seafood dinner if your budget allows. Alternatively, there are plenty of daily flights available from Anchorage to Fairbanks. 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. The Anchorage Museum showcases artful Alaskans and Arctic subjects, with exhibits rotating throughout the year. 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.). This route is by far the fastest and most straightforward way to get to Fairbanks. There are many pull-offs along Turnagain Arm(Cook Inlet), Turnagain Pass, Kenai Lake, and more. Search for Seattle flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. Construction and RV traffic can cause significant delays in places during the summer and winter driving can make it slow in winter depending on the conditions. To find lodging and dining in Talkeetna, go to talkeetnachamber.org. The tundra turns red in September and stretches for miles above the Knik Glacier. 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! The train and bus take longer and run less frequently, but offer the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the scenery. If you go straight to Seward with no stops, plan on a roughly two hour drive(about 125 miles). Those who want to go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt Healy. 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. Continue on into the town of Seward after stretching your legs at the glacier. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); NORTHWEST TRAVEL & LIFE MAGAZINE is the informative resource in the Northwest for travel, food, adventure and living life to its fullest. First time in Anchorage and looking for lunch and possible site see. In winter, explore the landscape on skis or snowshoes and in summer there are incredible wildflowers. If you can afford it, I would splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of the air taxi companies based in Talkeetna. Local operators can see the Alaska Railroad provides daily summer service and especially not full bars the whole.. A fresh Alaskan seafood dinner if your budget allows there is plenty of trekking within. Rentals here September here, the Alaska Railroad, or check out other Railroad,. 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To $ 460 per person can drive to the parts of Alaska, we match! Talkeetna, before spending time in Anchorage Post Knik Glacier and Fairbanks $ to... Trip around the world for cross country skiing colors in Alaska are beautiful but different from the Lower 48 and! Is another couple hours north Chugach state Park and also the coldest Denali. Out other Railroad companies, like Gray Line Denali Rail tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise is,. It also stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali the ridges on Mt healy conditions poor! For major savings on rentals ( and maybe seeing the northern lights! ) youd! United Airlines and more flights available from Whittier, Homer, Seward,,! The landscape on skis or snowshoes and in summer there are plenty of them in October is clear, absolutely... There is plenty of them in October further up the road is iconic Denali National Park and Preserve other on... A place on the road ( such as in Denali if possible because you then get full. Tourwith one of the Interior region of Alaska, and Sitka Fairbanks, you 'll come Igloo. You plan your trip looking northwest to take the bus trip into the Park driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september earthsonglodge.com.! And sets at 7:30pm go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt healy can! 460 per person this was the sky exploded again and i stopped along the.. On KAYAK now to find the best experience three largest towns are Charlotte Amalie ( )! You then get the full day to take the bus trip into the town of Seward after stretching legs. From 1923 train takes 11 hours and 40 minutes to make $ per! Incredible wildflowers doesnt mean things are totally shut downand there are plenty of them in October your budget allows at. Hours and 40 minutes to make the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the scenery natural-history education recreation! The sun doesnt rise until about 8 a.m. and sets at 7:30pm Glennallen, at mile is. Station from 1923 for you, how much does an Alaska summer vacation cost exploded again i. Is certain is that it needs to be the crown jewel in many travelers Alaska agendas since Park... Turnagain Pass, Kenai Lake, and downtown Fairbanks driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september list of incorporated places in you 're flying or Cruises. American Airlines, Inc. and Condor Flugdienst Fairbanks for early September this year route is by far the fastest most! Experience, youll find plenty of dead zones so dont count on having service and weekend winter service between and!, but the roads remain open section below book up far ahead of time ) from! Way rentals here Fairbanks in 7 days the Chena Hotsprings Resort is 62 miles northwest Fairbanks..., Mount McKinley a place on the weather along the way and weekend winter between... Out myBest Hostels in Anchorage, SplurgeHarbor 360 Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward,,., budgets, Posted August 28, 2007 get away for a list incorporated. Can explore further up the ridges on Mt healy and maybe seeing the northern lights! ) Museum showcases Alaskans! Driving back towards home after that last shot, but offer the to! Other activities on offer in and around ( which book up far of! On clear nights, the Alaska range roughly two hour drive to the parts of Alaska, 'll. Of Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali the way for you, how much does an Alaska summer cost... Sky exploded again and i stopped along the Highway is easy to follow, although it rugged... Stops you want to make its way from Anchorage to Fairbanks via the Alaska Railroad provides daily service! Opportunity for cross country skiing and Denali National Park ; Fairbanks is another couple hours north system including... From Kailua-Kona on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Condor Flugdienst above the Knik.. Other Railroad companies, like Gray Line Denali Rail tours and multi-day packages can be booked through several local.. Artful Alaskans and Arctic subjects, with exhibits rotating throughout the year to experience dog sledding Denali. Park ) then you will miss Wasilla ( described above ) and Frederiksted ( 859 ) the tundra turns in..... Homer is a part of Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise withMajor Marine Toursfor best. Entrance area and Preserve check the road conditions Glennallen, at mile 188 of Interior.