Alaska Marine Hwy
Alaska Marine Hwy
Alaska Marine Hwy
Abbreviations include the ship, the port, and whether the ship is arriving
or departing. Also know that some stops are a part of a longer sailing. For
example, if you’re searching for the town of Sitka, the calendar might display
the ship’s origin and final destination instead of Sitka. (In that case, just click on
the sailing, and the calendar will show when the ferry stops in Sitka.)
Once you know which dates are available to travel to your desired port, switch
to this sailing search tool for a quote. Enter the number of travelers, any
vehicles, the starting and ending ports, and the dates. You’ll then see a list of
optional sailings.
Next, you’ll see if there are cabins available. Select a cabin if you want a room
aboard the boat. This is absolutely recommended for any overnight sailings, but
you’re not required to book a cabin. (See cabin and camping info below).
The AMHS’s reservation agents can help you map out an itinerary, whether you
The ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway stop in 33 local want to create a contained cruise vacation or make the experience part of a longer
communities; they also offer service to and from Prince trip. For reservations, call 800-642-0066 or e-mail dot.ask.amhs@alaska.gov.
Rupert, British Columbia, and Bellingham, Washington.
Here’s what you need to know about this popular way to OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Cabins: For multiple-day ferry rides, you can book a cabin with bunk beds,
get around.
which sleeps up to four.
WHY TAKE THE ALASKA FERRY? Camping: Some travelers set up camp on a deck chair in the solarium, while
others pitch a tent on the deck and sleep under the stars. Make sure to bring a
• It’s a cruise but not a “cruise”: If you like the idea of a trip by sea—visiting
foam mat.
ports, seeing gorgeous scenery, going whale-watching—but don’t want a
floating-resort experience, the ferries are your answer. They’re clean and
Food: Almost all ships offer food and beverage service (both hot and cold
comfortable, though basic. Still, you’re here because you want to focus on
meals), as well as vending machines. You can also bring your own cooler. You’ll
what’s off the boat, not on it.
find coin-op ice machines, but not refrigerators.
• You get off the beaten path: Ferry itineraries mix the big-name ports of call
with lesser-known Alaska Native communities. You can explore villages off Restrooms/showers: All vessels have public restrooms, and you can find public
the tourist grid and travel alongside locals. showers on all vessels except the MV Litua, FVF Chenega, and FVF Fairweather.
• You can connect some serious dots: The ferries offer a great way to Other Onboard Amenities: Many ferries offer observation decks, theaters, an
link far-flung segments of an Alaska odyssey. Road-trippers, RVers, and arcade, reading room, and kids’ playroom.
backpackers use the ferries to traverse sections of Alaska that are too time-
consuming (or even impossible) to see by land. Pets: Allowed, though you’ll have to keep them in a carrier or vehicle on the car
deck during transit. Pet calls are made roughly every 8 hours so owners can go
to the car deck and check on their animals.
HOW DOES THE MARINE HIGHWAY WORK?
Schedule: Ferries run year-round, though the prime summer schedule is May 1
Just walk on! You can even bring a bicycle or drive your vehicle aboard. Your
to Sept. 30. Departure times vary by day on certain routes.
rate is based on how far you’re going, whether you book a cabin, and whether
you take a vehicle (as well as the size of that vehicle). When your ferry stops in
Fares: Prices vary depending on the distance you’re traveling, whether you take
a port, you can either get off and walk around for a few hours, or drive off and
a vehicle, and whether you book a cabin.
spend a few days. Just be aware that if you want to overnight anywhere, you
have to book your stop when you purchase your ticket. Plan ahead!
Discounts/Specials: Children ages 6 to 11 ride for half-price; kids under 6 are free.
FINDING A SAILING DATE Other Travel Policies: See here.
To start, search the Alaska Marine Highway sailing calendar online; select
the month you expect to travel and the departure port you’re interested in. The
calendar will display all sailings during that month. The calendar can be tricky to
decipher, so use the available key.
ALASKA.ORG 2
ALASKA.ORG
PORTS
Angoon, Bellingham, Gustavus, Haines, Hoonah, Juneau, Kake, Ketchikan, Metlakatla,
Pelican, Petersburg, Prince Rupert, Sitka, Skagway, Tenakee, Wrangell, Yakutat
HAINES, AK
PORTS
Chenega Bay, Cordova, Homer, Seldovia, Tatitlek, Valdez, Whittier
SAILING IN SELDOVIA, AK
PORTS
Akutan, Chignik, Cold Bay, False Pass, King Cove, Kodiak, Old harbor, Ouzinkie,
© Jennifer Shockley
ALASKA.ORG 3
ALASKA.ORG
Sand Point, King Cove, False Pass, Cold Bay, and Akutan. The stops are usually
WHALE VIEWING IN UNALASKA 1–3 hours, just long enough time to go ashore and stretch your legs. Your final
stop is Unalaska/Dutch Harbor, a remote part of Alaska with rich World War II
history, lots of hiking trails, and home of the popular TV show, Deadliest Catch. If
you brought your vehicle to Kodiak, make the 2- to 3-day trip back on the ferry to
Kodiak and then Homer. If you flew to Homer, you can fly directly from Unalaska
back to Anchorage. Note: The MV Tustemena only makes this trip twice a
month between May and September.
View the complete itinerary
ALASKA.ORG 4