Driving time depends on where you start and which route you take
The drive to Alaska takes between 30 and 60 hours of actual driving time, depending on your starting point in the lower 48 states and which highway corridor you choose. From Seattle, the closest major city, you are looking at roughly 30 to 36 hours of driving to reach Anchorage. From Los Angeles, add another 12 to 16 hours. From the East Coast — say, New York — you are at 50 to 60 hours minimum, not counting sleep, meals, or border crossings.
These numbers assume you drive in a straight line without stopping except for fuel and basic rest. In practice, most people break the trip into 2 to 4 days of driving, which means the calendar time is longer. You will also cross into Canada, which adds a border crossing and potentially a delay if your documents are not in order.
Key Takeaways
- From Seattle to Anchorage is roughly 30 to 36 hours of driving; from Los Angeles add 12 to 16 more hours; from the East Coast expect 50 to 60 hours minimum.
- The Alaska Highway (Highway 1 in British Columbia and Yukon) is the main route, covering about 1,400 miles from the British Columbia border to Delta Junction, Alaska.
- You must cross into Canada, so you need a valid passport or passport card, and your vehicle must meet Canadian insurance requirements.
- Fuel, lodging, and food add significantly to the total trip cost; gas stations and services are sparse in northern British Columbia and Yukon, so plan refueling stops in advance.
- Summer (June through August) offers the longest daylight hours and the best road conditions; winter driving is hazardous and not recommended for most travelers.
The main route: the Alaska Highway
Most drivers heading to Alaska take the Alaska Highway, which begins at Dawson Creek, British Columbia (about 400 miles north of Seattle) and runs 1,400 miles to Delta Junction, Alaska. From there, you can continue south to Anchorage on the Glenn Highway (another 300 miles) or north to Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway.
The Alaska Highway itself is a paved, two-lane road for most of its length. It is well-maintained during summer but can be rough in spring and fall when frost heaves and potholes appear. Winter driving on this route is possible but requires winter tires, chains, and experience with snow and ice. Many sections have no cell service, so carry a paper map and tell someone your route before you leave.
Driving the Alaska Highway in daylight hours during summer is straightforward. In winter or during shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October), visibility is poor and weather changes fast. Gas stations exist but are sometimes 100 to 150 miles apart, so you cannot run your tank low.
Starting points and approximate driving times
| Starting City | Distance to Anchorage | Driving Hours (non-stop) | Realistic Trip Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, Washington | 2,300 miles | 30–36 hours | 3–4 days |
| Portland, Oregon | 2,450 miles | 36–40 hours | 4–5 days |
| San Francisco, California | 2,800 miles | 40–44 hours | 4–5 days |
| Los Angeles, California | 2,900 miles | 42–48 hours | 5–6 days |
| Denver, Colorado | 2,900 miles | 42–48 hours | 5–6 days |
| Chicago, Illinois | 3,100 miles | 45–50 hours | 5–7 days |
| New York, New York | 3,400 miles | 50–60 hours | 6–8 days |
These times assume you take the most direct route and drive during daylight on paved highways. Weather, road construction, and border delays can add hours or days. The table shows driving hours as if you drove without stopping; realistic trip duration accounts for one night's sleep per 12 to 14 hours of driving.
The distance from your starting city to Anchorage is fixed, but the time it takes varies based on road conditions, how many hours you drive per day, and whether you stop for sightseeing. Most travelers find that breaking the journey into 4 to 5 days of moderate driving (8 to 10 hours per day) is more sustainable than pushing hard for 2 or 3 days straight.
What you need to cross into Canada
You cannot drive to Alaska without entering Canada. At the border, you will need a valid passport or passport card. A driver's license alone is not sufficient. If you are a U.S. citizen, a passport card costs $35 and takes 4 to 8 weeks to arrive by mail; an expedited passport takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs extra.
Your vehicle must have proof of Canadian auto insurance. U.S. auto insurance does not automatically cover you in Canada; you must contact your insurer before you leave and ask for a letter stating that your policy extends into Canada. Some policies do; some require you to purchase additional coverage. This takes a phone call, not a form, and should take less than 10 minutes.
If you are bringing a pet, Canada requires a health certificate from a veterinarian dated within 30 days of entry. If you are bringing firearms, Canada has strict rules; most travelers should not attempt to bring guns across the border. Check the Canada Border Services Agency website for current rules on what you can bring.
Fuel, lodging, and supplies along the route
Gas stations on the Alaska Highway are not evenly spaced. In northern British Columbia and Yukon, you may drive 100 to 150 miles between stations. Fuel is more expensive the farther north you go — expect to pay 20 to 40 percent more per gallon than you would in Seattle or Portland. Fill up whenever you see a station, even if your tank is half full.
Lodging ranges from roadside motels ($80 to $150 per night) to campgrounds ($20 to $50 per night). During peak summer (July and early August), rooms fill up by mid-afternoon in small towns. Booking ahead is wise. Some travelers camp to save money, but you need a tent, sleeping bag, and comfort with basic camping. Many roadside motels are basic but clean and have hot showers.
Food is available in towns along the route, but restaurants close early (often by 8 or 9 p.m.). Grocery stores are smaller and pricier than those in the lower 48. Packing snacks, water, and a cooler with sandwiches reduces both cost and time spent stopping.
Seasonal driving conditions and timing
Summer (June through August) is the best time to drive to Alaska. Days are long — in June and July, you have 16 to 20 hours of daylight in northern British Columbia and Yukon — and road conditions are stable. Temperatures range from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. This is also peak tourist season, so lodging books up faster and costs more.
Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are shoulder seasons. Days are shorter, weather is unpredictable, and frost heaves can damage roads. Driving is possible but requires caution and flexibility. Some travelers prefer fall because there are fewer tourists and lodging is cheaper.
Winter (November through March) is not recommended for most travelers. Daylight is minimal, temperatures drop to 0 to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and snow and ice are constant. The Alaska Highway stays open year-round, but you need winter tires, emergency supplies, and experience driving in extreme conditions. If you must travel in winter, allow extra days for slow driving and potential weather delays.
Alternative routes and detours
The Alaska Highway is the standard route, but you have options. The Cassiar Highway (Highway 37 in British Columbia) is a scenic alternative that runs parallel to the Alaska Highway for part of the journey. It is narrower and more remote, with fewer services, but it cuts through stunning mountain country. It adds time but not distance if you are heading to central or northern Alaska.
If you are heading to Southeast Alaska (Juneau, Ketchikan, or the Inside Passage), you cannot drive all the way. You must drive to a port city like Bellingham, Washington, or Prince Rupert, British Columbia, and then take a ferry. Ferry travel adds 1 to 3 days depending on your destination.
Some travelers fly to Alaska instead of driving. A round-trip flight from Seattle to Anchorage costs $200 to $400 and takes 4 hours. Driving costs less in airfare but more in gas, lodging, and meals. The choice depends on your budget, time, and whether you want a vehicle once you arrive in Alaska.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a passport to drive to Alaska?
Yes. You must cross Canada, and Canada requires a valid passport or passport card at the border. A driver's license is not sufficient. If you do not have a passport, explore now; standard processing takes 4 to 8 weeks.
What is the shortest driving route to Alaska?
From Seattle to Anchorage via the Alaska Highway is the shortest practical route at about 2,300 miles and 30 to 36 hours of driving. Any other starting point adds distance. Flying is faster but costs more upfront.
Can I drive to Alaska in winter?
The Alaska Highway stays open year-round, but winter driving requires winter tires, emergency supplies, and experience with snow and ice. Temperatures drop to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, daylight is minimal, and weather can change fast. Most casual travelers should wait for summer.
How much does it cost to drive to Alaska?
Costs vary widely. Gas (at current prices and fuel economy) runs $300 to $600 depending on your vehicle and starting point. Lodging for 3 to 5 nights costs $240 to $750. Food, border fees, and incidentals add another $200 to $400. Budget $1,000 to $2,000 total for a one-way trip from the West Coast.
What if my car breaks down on the Alaska Highway?
Cell service is spotty. Carry a paper map, a spare tire, basic tools, and an emergency kit. Tell someone your route and expected arrival time. Roadside information memberships (AAA, roadside coverage through insurance) may not cover remote areas, but it is worth checking your policy. Towns are far apart, so a breakdown can mean waiting hours for a tow truck.