You cannot drive from Alaska to Russia because there is no bridge or ferry route that carries vehicles across the Bering Strait

The shortest distance between Alaska and Russia is about 55 miles across the Bering Strait. No road, bridge, tunnel, or vehicle ferry connects them. The water is shallow in places but treacherous, and no government has built or funded a crossing. Proposals for a bridge have existed since the 1800s, but none have moved past the planning stage. If you want to reach Russia by vehicle, you must drive south through Canada and the continental United States, then fly or take a ship from a U.S. port.

This is a hard geographic fact, not a visa or customs issue. Even if you had perfect documentation to enter Russia, you still could not drive there from Alaska because the physical route does not exist.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bering Strait has no bridge, tunnel, or vehicle ferry, so driving directly from Alaska to Russia is physically impossible.
  • You can drive from Alaska to the continental U.S. and Canada, but you must fly or take a ship to reach Russia from there.
  • A vehicle ferry from Alaska to Russia does not operate, and no commercial shipping line carries personal vehicles across the strait.
  • Driving to Anchorage or Fairbanks and then flying is the only practical way to reach Russia with your vehicle left behind.

Why the Bering Strait has no crossing

The Bering Strait is about 55 miles wide at its narrowest point, which sounds short enough for a bridge. The problem is what lies beneath and around it. The water is only 100 to 200 feet deep in most places, which means a bridge would need to be built on a seafloor that shifts with ice and currents. Winter ice can be 6 feet thick, and the current moves at 2 to 3 knots, creating unpredictable conditions for any fixed structure.

The cost of such a project would be in the tens of billions of dollars. The U.S. and Russia have never jointly funded infrastructure across the strait, and geopolitical tensions have made cooperation unlikely. A few engineering studies have been commissioned over the decades, but none have resulted in construction. The most recent serious proposal was in the 1980s, and it went nowhere.

How to get a vehicle from Alaska to Russia

If you own a vehicle and want it in Russia, you have two options: ship it or leave it behind. Shipping a personal vehicle from Alaska to Russia is expensive and slow. You would need to drive to a port in Alaska (Anchorage or Juneau), arrange for a shipping company to load your vehicle onto a cargo ship, and wait for it to reach a Russian port. This process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks and costs $3,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on the vehicle size and the shipping company.

Most people who travel from Alaska to Russia leave their vehicle in Alaska and fly. You can park your car at a long-term lot in Anchorage or Fairbanks, or with a friend or family member. Flights from Anchorage to Moscow or other Russian cities run several times per week, and the journey takes 8 to 12 hours with a connection.

Driving from Alaska to the continental U.S. is possible

You can drive from Alaska to the continental United States and Canada. The Alaska Highway runs from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, south to the continental U.S., and it is a fully paved road open year-round, though winter driving requires preparation. The drive from Anchorage to Seattle takes about 30 hours of driving time spread over 3 to 4 days, depending on road conditions and how many stops you make.

If you want to reach Russia from the continental U.S., you would need to fly from a major airport like Seattle, San Francisco, or New York. No land route connects North America to Russia. The only other option is to take a cruise ship from a U.S. port to Russia, but these voyages are expensive (typically $2,000 to $5,000 per person for a week-long trip) and do not carry personal vehicles.

Visa and customs requirements for Russia

Even if a road existed, you would need a Russian visa before entering the country. U.S. citizens cannot straightforward drive across a border into Russia. You must obtain a visa from a Russian consulate before you travel, which requires submitting an process, a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, and proof of travel plans (such as a flight booking or hotel reservation). Processing times vary, but standard service takes 7 to 10 business days.

Your vehicle would also need to clear Russian customs if you shipped it there. This requires an international vehicle registration document (called a carnet), proof of ownership, and insurance that covers Russia. Some insurance policies do not extend to Russia, so you would need to check with your provider or purchase a separate policy.

Alternatives if you want to visit both Alaska and Russia

A common route for travelers who want to experience both places is to fly into Anchorage, rent a vehicle, drive through Alaska for a week or two, then fly from Anchorage to Russia. This avoids the cost and complexity of shipping a personal vehicle. Car rental companies in Anchorage offer daily rates starting around $50 to $100 per day for a basic sedan, though prices are higher in summer (June through August) when tourism peaks.

Another option is to take a cruise ship from Seattle or another West Coast port that stops in Alaska and then continues to Russia. These cruises typically last 10 to 14 days and cost $2,000 to $6,000 per person. You would not have a vehicle on the ship, but you would visit multiple ports in both Alaska and Russia without the hassle of flying separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a ferry that carries cars from Alaska to Russia?

No. No commercial ferry service operates between Alaska and Russia. The Alaska Marine Highway System runs ferries within Alaska and to British Columbia, but none cross the Bering Strait. Shipping a vehicle by cargo ship is possible but expensive and takes weeks.

Could you drive across the ice in winter?

No. The ice in the Bering Strait is too thin and unstable to support a vehicle. Ice thickness varies, and the current underneath keeps it moving. Attempting to drive across would be extremely dangerous and is illegal in both U.S. and Russian waters.

What is the cheapest way to get a vehicle to Russia from Alaska?

Shipping by cargo vessel costs $3,000 to $8,000 and takes 4 to 8 weeks. Most travelers find it cheaper and faster to leave their vehicle in Alaska and fly to Russia, then rent a car there if needed.

Do I need a visa to visit Russia?

Yes. U.S. citizens need a Russian visa obtained before travel from a Russian consulate. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. You cannot enter Russia without one, regardless of how you arrive.

Can I take a cruise ship from Alaska to Russia with my car?

No. Cruise ships do not carry personal vehicles. You can take a cruise that visits both Alaska and Russia, but your car would need to stay behind or be shipped separately.