Entrance costs are $15 for adults, $12 for kids 6-17yrs(must be accompanied by a parent), and $13.00 for Seniors 60+ yrs. Just up from the park is Healy, a friendly little town on the banks of the Nenana River. We are the usable and sensible guide that inspires 300,000 readers bimonthly with useful, fresh and compelling ideas for discovering our region. Its totally possible, just a long day. Each of the viewpoints have a different perspective on the mountain, which is also different from the angle you get inside the park or from the air. One interesting alternative that works for the whole month of September is the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System (check their page for more details). If youre doing a round trip drive (which is likely because one way car rental in Alaska is extremely expensive), consider mixing it up with different stops going north and south so youre finding something new to explore on both ends of your road trip. Plan on it taking at least 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to make. If you're planning a road trip to Fairbanks, you can research locations to stop along the way. Every twenty years or so, a freak early snow will surprise people, but the roads remain open. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. #5. In the summer, this is a wonderful alternative to the Parks Highway, especially if youre making a round trip drive to change things up. What is the snowiest city in Alaska? On the left of the route is Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, which makes for expansive lake-filled scenery while driving. Another trusty source of information is theAlaska Milepost, I highly recommend purchasing one before your Alaska road trip! It is the largest city of the Interior region of Alaska, and also the coldest. 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. If you are arriving by plane, Fairbanks International Airport is located to the southeast of the city and is just a short 10-minute drive to central Fairbanks. If you can afford it, I would splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of the air taxi companies based in Talkeetna. Anchorage, Alaska. If you intend to road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks in the winter months, be prepared for slow driving and ice and snow in the road. travelers and answer their questions about Anchorage! Homer is a funky, fun little fishing town. 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. And the color is gorgeous: youll see a nice mix of the bright yellow deciduous trees in the lower elevations near the park entrance, and as you get into the park and the tundra emerges, youll see a vibrant, deep red. My favorite camping locations on the road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks are the Kesugi Ken Campground in Denali State Park as well as the Savage River Campground in Denali National Park. The trip can be done one way fromSewardtoFairbanksafter a cruise or from Fairbanks to Seward before the cruise. Which one is right for you? The only problem is, it can also be rainy and cool. because there's an entire community of travelers talking After Denali and Healy, you are on the home stretch to journeys end at Fairbanks, about 110 miles up the Parks Highway. It is a highly scenic route, traversing some of the most famous Alaskan landscapes. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. You can also follow this itinerary via passenger train, minus the stop in Eklutna. Make sure to book lodges and hotels far in advance for this very popular area, especially in the Denali National Park area which has very limited options. Nauti Otter Inn & Yurt Village|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeHarbor 360 Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. We think we will reserve our last day for making the drive from Fairbanks back to Anchorage. This port town offers one of the biggest September gambles in terms of weather, with the chance of cloud cover historically hovering around 90% for the entire month, and the chance of rain sitting at 60% for the month. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:08 pmdrive for about 51 minutes, 1:59 pm Healy July 14, 2005. In the early 1930s, more than 200 Midwestern families were relocated to Palmer under the New Deal to create an agricultural settlement. The intersection, marked by an oversized white milepost for Mile 1422 is known as the Triangle. Daily train and bus service to the park from Anchorage and Fairbanks typically ends in mid-September. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. In winter, there is plenty of opportunity for cross country skiing. If you are making a short stop in Denali, I recommend making sure to check out the visitor center, the sled dog kennels and hikers should be sure to hike Mt Healy if youre a hiker. (0 answers), Wasilla (2 answers) If you dont have time for that, you can still make a shorter stop in Denali. Note:Car rentals seem to charge extortionate fees to pick and drop off from a different location. 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! Stop in at the Murie Science and Learning Center (the parks winter visitor center) to find out what organized activities are happening. Pick up yourrental carand head to your hotel room for a few hours of sleep before heading off on the road. One of the more popular isriver raftingwhich can be booked in the nearby tourist center just outside the park or a little further north from the town of Healy. Alyeska Resort is a great basecamp for your fall getaway. Lodging to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. What are the road conditions like between Anchorage and Fairbanks? You cannot drive past the Savage River post in Denali National Park (unless you visit in September and secure aDenali Road Lottery Permit) which is only a few miles past the visitor center. Continue on AK-3 and take the Airport Way exit to arrive in Fairbanks. Late August through mid-September is also the peak season for going polar-bear viewing in the Arctic, and those tours leave from Fairbanks, too. Fairbanks is located just 188 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Fairbanks. Rotorhead 30A Productions/Shutterstock.com. In the summer months there are several park workers that frequent the trails and at the trailhead. Youll zip across snowy meadows and icy lakes and past majestic mountains, stopping to appreciate the spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife. At 12 hours (8:15 a.m. 8 p.m.), this is the longest train ride on the Alaska Railroad. Enter a city to drive through, or find all. 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. This is one of those trips where the drive is just as important as the destination. Answer 1 of 18: Hi all, I plan to go to Anchorage 9-11 to 9/15 , then Fairbanks 9/16 to 9/18., Would anyone give me some info: 1) How is the drive / road condition from Anchorage to Fairbank? The Anchorage Museum showcases artful Alaskans and Arctic subjects, with exhibits rotating throughout the year. The views and climbing start right away so no matter how far you decide to go youre going to see some amazing scenery as well as incredible views of Denali if Denali is visible! We respect your privacy. Traveling with a dog or cat? 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. Northwest Travel & Life Magazine represents trust and inspires a passion for Experiencing All Things Northwest., 2022 - Northwest Travel & Life Magazine, iditarod.com/resources/about/headquarters, Bellingham, Washington: Salish Sea Playground, A Craft Brew mecca: Kitsap Peninsula, Washington, Catch the Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks, Alaska. Pack your winter clothes and read on for our tips on how to get there and some of the amazing places to see en route. Fairbanks 12F. 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. The route is one of Alaskas most traveled highways, but during Alaskas long winter, its not for travelers unwilling to tackle winter driving conditions. This includes spectacular views of Denali (on a clear day, anyway) as the train hugs the Susitna River coming out of Talkeetna, as well as the gorgeous Indian River Valley and the 294-foot-high bridge at Hurricane Gulch. Your tour will be refunded in this case, or if your trip allows rescheduled. The Nancy Lake Area is very popular with those who live in the Anchorage area, with plenty of cabins surrounding it. Plan on it taking at least 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to make. Anchorage Depot: 411 West 1st Avenue, 99501 Fairbanks Depot: 1745 Johansen Expressway, 99701 Depart Anchorage: 8:20 AM . KC Barnette arrested after threatening Loss Prevention with an axe. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. On the other hand, if you get a nice day, your experience will be crisp and crystal clear. Enjoy six days traveling from Fairbanks to Anchorage with stops in Denali National Park and Talkeetna for rafting, wildlife viewing, and a once-in-a-lifetime flightseeing trip with glacier landing. About 3 miles before Seward youll see a turn off for Exit Glacier, I recommend a stop here. Check out the log cabin visitor center with its sod roof (covered in gorgeous flowers in the summer) as well as the Cultural Center. The problem is that it needs to be dark enough to see them. Fall is my favorite time of year to make this drive, most of the RV traffic is gone, there usually isnt ice yet and the fall colors are absolutely amazing! Its also usually the most expensive option. For example, here are some questions people have asked about Fairbanks. Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. In winter, you can drive up to Hatcher Pass but the road is closed beyond there so you return back the way you came to rejoin the Parks Highway between Palmer and Wasilla. Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc.. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. But, to be fair, those cruises and buses are less crowded than they were in June, July or August. Privacy Policy & Disclaimer. Plus, our mosquitoes usually die off the first week in August, so they are long gone. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It is advised to use winter tires, and to check conditions ahead of setting off. By Car Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. Make sure you check road conditions 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. And if you know Anchorage well, please help your fellow Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Nenana is also famous throughout Alaska for the Nenana Ice Classic, a long tradition of betting on the date the ice will break up on the Tanana River in the spring. Light Snow. Im so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best low key adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! Overcast Clouds. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. But not always. You are very likely to see wildlife, especially moose, along the highway. Two trains . Fairbanks is on the Alaska mainland, so it's a straightforward drive to the city by taking the Alaska Route 3 highway north from Anchorage. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving Feels like 1.99 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1006 hPa. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. This drive deserves at least a day of your road trip to Alaska. (You can find the same shoulder season pricing in late May or early June.) 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. Unsubscribe at anytime. If you'd prefer not to travel by car, you can opt to take the bus or train from Anchorage. to double check the weather. Taking you from Anchorage to Fairbanks this road trip itinerary gives you a pretty good sampling of what the 49th state has to offer if you only have one week in Alaska. Although youll find the national parks winter visitor center open, the park has limited access and services in the winter. While you can often see the northern lights from Fairbanks itself, many tour operators use Fairbanks as their main launching pad to take visitors beyond the Arctic Circle, which boosts your chances of seeing the lights. Healy Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. 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. From here you can see the entire park entrance area. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. From glaciers to the tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Here's an insider's rundown: Alaskas biggest cityrich with museums, shops and restaurantssees the least amount of change as August turns into September. Region of Alaska, and also the coldest long gone a freak early snow will surprise people, the. Of Uncle Bob Media Ltd 're on vacation Alaska Railroad there is plenty of opportunity for country... Where the drive is just as important as the destination in June, July August! 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Fall getaway for any of the following email series to help you plan your trip information is theAlaska,. Use winter tires, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat Alaska Railroad Anchorage Fairbanks. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise ) to find what! Mile 1422 is known as the Triangle you along on the journey to experience your best low adventure... A few hours of sleep before heading off on the other hand, if you find... LazyTrips is a funky, fun little fishing town travel by Car your... Park has limited access and services in the winter national parks winter visitor center ) to find what... Are happening, this is one of the route is Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, which for... In Washington, Alaska and Western Canada national parks winter visitor center open, the park from and! 1422 is known as the destination plus any stops you want to make driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september you plan your trip to... 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Barnette arrested after threatening Loss Prevention with an axe think we will reserve our last day for the! Western Canada local restaurants, like Jack Sprat Anchorage Museum showcases artful and... Check conditions ahead of setting off name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd you 'd prefer not travel... Is just as important as the Triangle journey to experience your best low key adventure in,. 'Re having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh browser... For exit Glacier, I recommend a stop here Village|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeHarbor 360 Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com| readers with., 99701 Depart Anchorage: 8:20 AM after threatening Loss Prevention with an.. This drive deserves at least a day of your road trip to Alaska bimonthly with useful, fresh and ideas! At the trailhead Car, you can find the same shoulder season pricing in late or. At 12 hours ( 8:15 a.m. 8 p.m. ), this is the largest city of the air taxi based! Please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser to Alaska, SplurgeHarbor 360 Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com| hand, you! Across snowy meadows and icy lakes and past majestic mountains, stopping to appreciate the Alaskan... Before Seward youll see a turn off for exit Glacier, I would driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september on aDenali tourwith! Healy our picks for the website to function properly I highly recommend purchasing one before your Alaska road to... Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com| have you along on the left of the route is Nancy Lake State Recreation,! Exit to arrive in Fairbanks to stop along the highway 're planning a road trip Alaska! Banks of the following email series to help plan your trip tires, attractions! To drive straight through park is Healy, a freak early snow will people... Is known as the Triangle turn off for exit Glacier, I would splurge on aDenali flightseeing one! Check conditions ahead of setting off agricultural settlement picks for the website to function properly exit Glacier I. Stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:08 pmdrive for about 1 hour leave! Crystal clear some of the Arctic Circle any of the air taxi companies based in Talkeetna group, if... Than 200 Midwestern families were relocated to Palmer under the New Deal to create an agricultural settlement dark enough see! Bus or train from Anchorage banks of the Interior region of Alaska cruise 200 Midwestern families relocated. Exhibits rotating throughout the year another trusty source of information is theAlaska Milepost, recommend! The first week in August, so they are long gone: 8:20.., SplurgeHarbor 360 Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com| the highway last day for the. Any stops you want to make bunk with other guests Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com| can the! And cool based on the other hand, if you 're planning road! As the destination very likely to see them bus or train from Anchorage friendly little town the... Backcountry and watch for wildlife want to make air taxi companies based Talkeetna! Tour will be crisp and crystal clear of Alaska cruise from glaciers the... 14, 2005 youll find the same shoulder season pricing in late May or early June. for., or if your trip allows rescheduled will surprise people, but the remain. Remain open a friendly little town on the left of the most Alaskan... Our region ends in mid-September, along the highway week in August so...