Yes, you can drive to Alaska from the continental United States, but only one main road gets you there

You can drive to Alaska, but there is only one highway that connects it to the lower 48 states: the Alaska Highway, which runs 1,387 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska. The route passes through British Columbia and the Yukon Territory in Canada, so you will cross an international border twice and need the right documents before you leave home. The drive takes roughly 20 to 24 hours of actual driving time, though most people break it into a three- to five-day trip.

No ferry, rail line, or alternate highway connects Alaska to the continental U.S. If you want to drive there, the Alaska Highway is your only choice. The road is paved and maintained year-round, but winter conditions from October through April can be severe, and services are sparse in long stretches. Summer is the most common travel season, and the road is busiest from June through August.

Key Takeaways

  • The Alaska Highway is the only road route to Alaska from the continental U.S., running 1,387 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska.
  • You will cross into Canada twice and need a valid passport or passport card for each person in your vehicle, plus proof of vehicle ownership and insurance.
  • The drive takes 20 to 24 hours of driving spread over three to five days, with long stretches between gas stations and services.
  • Winter driving (October through April) is hazardous; summer (June through August) is the peak season but also the busiest and most expensive time to travel.
  • Budget for fuel, lodging, food, and vehicle maintenance; the total cost varies widely depending on your vehicle, season, and pace.

Documents you need to cross into Canada and back

Every person in your vehicle needs a valid passport or passport card to enter Canada. A passport card is cheaper than a book passport and works for land and sea travel, though not air travel. If you have a passport book, that works too. A state ID or driver's license alone is not enough. Children need their own passport or passport card as well.

You also need proof that you own or are authorized to drive the vehicle. Bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. If the vehicle is registered to someone else, bring a notarized letter from the owner giving you permission to take it across the border. Canadian border officers will ask to see these documents, and you should have them easily accessible, not buried in the trunk.

Check passport expiration dates before you leave. Canada requires your passport to be valid for the entire time you are in the country. If your passport expires during your trip, you will be turned back at the border. Passport processing takes four to six weeks for a standard process and two to three weeks for expedited service; plan ahead if you need a new one.

The Alaska Highway route and what to expect at each border crossing

The Alaska Highway begins at Dawson Creek, British Columbia, about 1,500 miles north of Seattle. From the continental U.S., you drive north through Washington, Idaho, or Montana to reach Dawson Creek. The most common route is Interstate 5 north to Washington, then Highway 97 north through central Washington and British Columbia.

Your first border crossing is at Blaine, Washington (if you take I-5) or at other northern Washington crossings depending on your route. You enter Canada and continue north on British Columbia highways to Dawson Creek. The second crossing happens when you leave the Yukon Territory and enter Alaska at the Alaska-Yukon border, roughly 1,200 miles north of Dawson Creek. This crossing is usually less formal than the U.S.-Canada border, but you still need your passport.

The Alaska Highway itself is a two-lane road for most of its length. It is paved and maintained, but the pavement is often rough and patched. Gravel sections appear during construction season (May through September). Distances between services are long — sometimes 100 miles or more between gas stations. Fill your tank whenever you see a station, and carry spare fuel if you are traveling in remote sections during winter. Cell service is unreliable or absent for long stretches.

Fuel, lodging, and food costs on the Alaska Highway

Fuel is significantly more expensive in Canada and Alaska than in the continental U.S., and prices vary by location and season. In summer 2024, gas in British Columbia and the Yukon ran roughly 30 to 50 percent higher than in Washington or Oregon. Prices are highest in remote areas along the highway. A vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon will use about 55 gallons to drive the full 1,387 miles of the Alaska Highway alone, not counting the drive to reach Dawson Creek. Budget accordingly based on current prices in your region and Canada.

Lodging along the highway ranges from roadside motels (typically $80 to $150 per night) to campgrounds ($20 to $50 per night). Summer is peak season, and rooms fill up quickly in small towns. Many travelers book lodging in advance or plan to camp. Campgrounds are abundant and often have basic facilities. Winter lodging is cheaper but services are fewer, and some businesses close seasonally.

Food is also more expensive in Canada, especially in small towns along the highway. Restaurants and grocery stores mark up prices significantly. Bringing a cooler with food from home can save money, though you will want to eat at least some meals at local restaurants to break up the drive and support communities along the route.

Seasonal driving conditions and when to travel

Summer (June through August) is the peak season for Alaska Highway travel. Days are long, weather is mild, and all services are open. However, this is also when the road is most crowded, lodging is most expensive, and construction work is most active. You may encounter construction delays, especially in the Yukon.

Fall (September) and spring (May) are shoulder seasons. Weather is unpredictable, some services close, and daylight hours are shorter. Winter (October through April) brings snow, ice, and extreme cold. The Alaska Highway stays open year-round, but driving conditions are hazardous. Visibility is poor, black ice is common, and a breakdown in remote areas can be dangerous. Winter travel requires a well-maintained vehicle, winter tires, and emergency supplies. Many travelers avoid winter driving on the Alaska Highway unless they have experience with severe winter conditions.

If you are driving in winter, carry blankets, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, extra food and water, and a charged cell phone. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Check weather forecasts and road conditions before you leave, and be prepared to stop and wait out a storm rather than push through.

Vehicle maintenance and preparation before you leave

The Alaska Highway is rough on vehicles. Have your car or truck inspected by a mechanic before you leave. Check the oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. Inspect tires for tread and damage; the road is hard on tires, and a blowout in a remote area is serious. Make sure your battery is in good condition and your alternator is charging properly. Bring spare belts, hoses, fuses, and a basic tool kit. A spare tire is essential, and a second spare is not a bad idea if you are traveling in winter or very remote sections.

Your vehicle's insurance must cover travel in Canada. Most U.S. auto insurance policies do, but call your insurer to confirm. Some policies have limits on how far north you can travel. If you are renting a vehicle, confirm with the rental company that you are allowed to drive it to Alaska and into Canada. Many rental companies prohibit this or charge extra fees.

The total cost of driving to Alaska

The cost of a trip to Alaska depends on your vehicle, the season, how fast you drive, and how long you stay. A rough estimate for a two-person trip driving the Alaska Highway in summer might look like this: fuel ($400 to $700 depending on your vehicle), lodging for four nights ($300 to $600), food ($200 to $400), and miscellaneous costs like tolls or vehicle maintenance ($100 to $200). That is roughly $1,000 to $1,900 just for the drive to Alaska, not including the drive to reach Dawson Creek or your time in Alaska itself.

Winter travel is cheaper for lodging and fuel prices but more expensive for vehicle maintenance and emergency supplies. Flying to Alaska and renting a car there is often cheaper than driving if you are coming from the southern U.S., especially if you factor in time off work and vehicle wear. Compare the total cost of driving versus flying before you commit to the road trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport to drive to Alaska?

Yes. You will cross into Canada at least twice, and Canada requires a valid passport or passport card for every person in your vehicle. A driver's license is not enough. Make sure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your trip.

Can I take the Alaska Highway in winter?

The highway stays open year-round, but winter driving is hazardous. Snow, ice, and extreme cold are common from October through April. Only drive in winter if your vehicle has winter tires, you have experience with severe winter conditions, and you are prepared for emergencies in remote areas.

How long does it take to drive to Alaska?

The Alaska Highway itself is 1,387 miles and takes 20 to 24 hours of actual driving. Most people break this into a three- to five-day trip with stops for lodging and rest. Add extra time for the drive from the continental U.S. to Dawson Creek, British Columbia, where the Alaska Highway begins.

What if my vehicle breaks down on the Alaska Highway?

Cell service is unreliable in remote sections. Carry a satellite communicator or personal locator beacon if you are traveling in winter or very remote areas. In summer, traffic is steady enough that another driver will likely stop to help. Have your vehicle inspected before you leave and carry spare parts and tools.

Is it cheaper to drive to Alaska or fly?

It depends on where you are starting from and how much time you have. Driving from the Pacific Northwest can be competitive with flying, especially if you are traveling with multiple people. Driving from the southern U.S. is usually more expensive and time-consuming than flying. Calculate fuel, lodging, food, and your time off work to compare.