You cannot drive to Ketchikan because there is no road connecting it to the continental highway system
Ketchikan sits on an island in Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage, surrounded by water and mountains. The only ways in are by plane, ferry, or cruise ship. No bridge or causeway connects Ketchikan to the Alaska Highway or any other road network. If you own a vehicle, you will need to leave it behind or arrange to ship it separately — and shipping a car to Ketchikan costs significantly more than flying yourself.
This is not unusual for Alaska. Many towns in the state have no road access at all. Ketchikan is one of the larger ones, with about 8,000 residents, but it remains accessible only by water or air. Understanding your actual options before you book saves time and money.
Key Takeaways
- Ketchikan has no road connection to the Alaska Highway or continental North America, so you must arrive by plane, ferry, or cruise ship.
- Flying into Ketchikan International Airport is the fastest option and usually costs less than driving to a ferry terminal and paying for vehicle passage.
- The Alaska Marine Highway System ferry from Prince Rupert, British Columbia takes 14 to 16 hours and requires driving to Canada first, then leaving your vehicle behind or paying to ship it.
- Cruise ships dock in Ketchikan but do not allow you to disembark and stay; they are day stops only on longer itineraries.
- If you want to explore Southeast Alaska by road, you can drive to Juneau or other towns, but each requires its own separate ferry or flight.
Flying to Ketchikan is usually the cheapest and fastest route
Most visitors fly into Ketchikan International Airport (KTN), which sits on nearby Gravina Island and connects to the town by a short ferry ride. Major carriers including Alaska Airlines, Delta, and United operate routes into Ketchikan, usually with a connection through Seattle, Anchorage, or Juneau. Flight time from Seattle is roughly two hours once you are airborne.
Ticket prices vary by season. Summer (June through August) is peak tourist season and flights cost more. Winter flights are cheaper but weather delays happen more often. A round-trip ticket from Seattle typically ranges from $300 to $600 depending on how far in advance you book and what time of year you travel.
Once you land on Gravina Island, you take a short ferry operated by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough to reach downtown Ketchikan. This ferry runs multiple times daily and costs a few dollars per person. The whole process from landing to being in town takes about 30 minutes.
The Alaska Marine Highway ferry requires driving to Canada first
The Alaska Marine Highway System operates a state-run ferry network that connects Southeast Alaska towns. The ferry to Ketchikan departs from Prince Rupert, British Columbia, which sits on the Canadian coast. The voyage takes 14 to 16 hours depending on weather and the ferry's schedule.
To use this route, you drive south from the continental United States through Washington and into British Columbia, then continue to Prince Rupert. The drive from Seattle to Prince Rupert is roughly 1,500 miles and takes 24 to 30 hours of driving time spread over two or three days. You will need a valid passport or passport card to cross into Canada.
Once in Prince Rupert, you board the ferry with your vehicle if you want to bring one. Vehicle passage costs extra — typically $400 to $600 depending on the size of your car and current fuel surcharges. Passenger fares run $150 to $250 per person. The ferry is slow but scenic, and you can walk around the ship, eat in the cafeteria, and sleep in a cabin if you book one.
This route makes sense only if you plan to explore multiple Southeast Alaska towns by car, or if you want the experience of a long ferry journey. For a straightforward trip to Ketchikan alone, flying is faster and often cheaper when you add up gas, ferry fees, and lodging on the drive.
Cruise ships stop in Ketchikan but do not allow extended stays
Ketchikan is a major cruise ship port, and dozens of ships dock there during the summer season. However, cruise ships are day stops only — you cannot disembark and stay behind while the ship continues. You must remain part of your cruise itinerary or book a separate flight or ferry ticket to stay longer.
If you are already on a cruise, Ketchikan offers a full day of shore excursions: fishing charters, wildlife tours, totem pole visits, and downtown exploration. But this is not the same as visiting independently. You have limited time and must return to the ship by evening.
Shipping a vehicle to Ketchikan costs far more than flying
If you want your personal car in Ketchikan, you can ship it by barge, but the cost is substantial. Barge companies charge $1,500 to $3,000 or more to transport a vehicle from the continental United States to Southeast Alaska, depending on the origin point and current fuel costs. The journey takes several weeks.
This expense makes sense only if you plan to stay in Ketchikan for months and need a car for daily use. For a vacation, renting a car locally is far cheaper. Ketchikan is small enough that many visitors walk or use taxis and ride-sharing services instead.
Renting a car in Ketchikan gives you local mobility without shipping costs
Once you arrive in Ketchikan by plane or ferry, you can rent a car from companies like Avis, Budget, or local operators. Daily rental rates run $50 to $100 depending on the vehicle type and season. This is much cheaper than shipping your own car.
Ketchikan itself is compact, but a rental car lets you drive to nearby attractions like Misty Fiords National Monument, Saxman Totem Park, and the Tongass National Forest. The main road system covers about 40 miles of paved highway, so you will not be driving far, but a car gives you flexibility to explore on your own schedule without paying for guided tours.
Other Southeast Alaska towns have different access options
If you want to explore more of Southeast Alaska by road, you have limited options. Juneau, the state capital, also has no road access — you fly or take the ferry. Sitka is the same. However, some towns like Haines and Skagway do connect to the Alaska Highway system, though the drive is long and the towns are small.
Haines is about 800 miles north of Ketchikan by road (through Canada) and sits at the end of the Haines Highway. Skagway is similar, accessible via the Klondike Highway. Both towns are historic gold-rush settlements with outdoor recreation, but they are not connected to each other by road — you must drive back out the way you came or take a ferry between them.
If your goal is to drive in Alaska and visit multiple towns, plan a loop through the interior (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Denali) rather than Southeast. The Southeast region is built around water access, not roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my car partway and then take a ferry to Ketchikan?
Yes, you can drive to Prince Rupert, British Columbia and board the Alaska Marine Highway ferry with your vehicle. However, you will pay ferry fees for both the car and passengers, plus gas and lodging for the long drive to Prince Rupert. For most visitors, flying is faster and cheaper.
What if I fly to Anchorage and drive from there?
Anchorage is about 1,000 miles north of Ketchikan by road, but there is no road connection between them. You would have to drive back south through Canada to reach the ferry terminal in Prince Rupert. Flying directly to Ketchikan saves time and money.
Do I need a passport to take the ferry from Prince Rupert?
Yes, you need a valid passport or passport card to cross into Canada and board the ferry in Prince Rupert. A driver's license alone is not enough. U.S. citizens should explore for a passport at least six weeks before travel.
Is there a road from Ketchikan to other Alaska towns?
No. Ketchikan has about 40 miles of local roads, but none connect to other towns. Every other Southeast Alaska community is also isolated by water. To visit multiple towns, you fly or take ferries between them.
Can I bring a rental car on the ferry from Prince Rupert?
Yes, but it is not practical. You would rent a car in the continental U.S., drive it to Prince Rupert, pay to ferry it to Ketchikan, then return it there. Rental companies charge extra fees for one-way rentals to remote locations. It is simpler to rent a car in Ketchikan after you arrive.