Driving to Alaska | Routes, Weather, And Tips from Locals

map showing Cassiar and Alaska highway routes through Alaska

Written by the Alaska.org Editorial Team. Updated February 2026.

Yes, you can drive to Alaska! While flying or taking a cruise are popular options for getting to Alaska, driving offers flexibility, scenic beauty, and can be cheaper for longer trips.

There are two main routes through Canada. The most popular option is the Alaska Highway, which runs 1,387 miles from Dawson Creek, BC to Delta Junction, AK. You can also opt for the more remote Cassiar Highway, a 450-mile route with less traffic and fewer services. Most people take 5 to 7 days for the trip, driving 6 to 8 hours each day.

When should you go? The best time is late May through mid-September. You'll have warmer weather, more daylight, and better road conditions.

Main Routes through Canada

When driving from the contiguous United States to Canada, you can choose from over 100 border crossings (there are 13 in Washington alone!). Once in Canada, you'll connect with one of the following routes:

Alaska Highway. The more popular option, the 1,387-mile-long Alaska Highway stretches from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska. While this route is the more heavily trafficked of the two, you’ll also find more spots for gas, food, and accommodations. You’ll also pass cool attractions like Liard River Hot Springs and Muncho Lake.
Cassiar Highway. The Cassiar Highway (Highway 37) runs about 450 miles (724 kilometers) from the Kitwanga Junction along the Yellowhead Highway to Junction 37 where it meets the Alaska Highway just 13 miles west of Watson Lake, YT. There's generally less traffic along this route. Highlights include Bear Glacier (as a side trip to Stewart, BC and Hyder, AK on 37A), Jade City, and the Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park. The cons of this route is that there are fewer services than the Alaska Highway. Stop for gas when it's available, and take advantage of local eateries when you see them. Or, pack your own food.

Bison along the Alcan Highway — Bison early in the morning along the Alcan Highway

The Best Time to Drive to Alaska

The ideal time to drive to Alaska is during the summer season from late May to mid-September. You'll experience milder weather, longer daylight hours, and better road conditions. Outside of this window, campgrounds are closed and many of the hotels and lodges close in winter as well.

Services, Road Conditions & Resources

When driving to Alaska, it’s important to plan your journey. On both the Alaska Highway and Cassiar Highway, you’ll find hotels, motels, campgrounds, gas stations, and grocery stores, but they can be quite spread out. It's advisable to carry extra supplies, including food, water, and emergency essentials.

Here are some great resources:

The Milepost includes details on places to stop, so you can plan in advance.
511 Yukon and DriveBC are great resources for real-time road conditions.
Facebook groups is where travelers share stories from recent trips and ask questions about upcoming drives.
Our Alaska Map will direct you to the best things to see and do once you arrive in the 49th state. And check out this 10-day loop from Tok, which could easily be combined with a 5-day or 7-day trip throughout the Kenai Peninsula.
If you're looking to rent a vehicle to drive to Alaska, contact GoNorth Car & RV Rental. They have offices in Whitehorse, YT and Seattle, WA.

How Long Does it Take to Drive to Alaska?

From one of the U.S.-Canada border crossings in Washington State, most people take 5 to 7 days to reach Alaska, driving 6 to 8 hours per day. Your pace, of course, may vary. You could easily spread the drive out over 10 to 14 days and enjoy the hiking and hot springs along the way.

Why Drive to Alaska Instead of Fly?

Driving to Alaska offers a unique and immersive experience that flying or taking a ferry/cruise might not provide. Here are a few reasons why you might consider driving:

Flexibility and freedom. Driving allows you to set your own pace and explore less-visited areas.
Scenic beauty. Both the Alaska Highway and Cassiar Highway offer breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to see wildlife. It's not uncommon to see black and brown bears, bison, fox, and more.
Cost savings. Driving to Alaska can be a more cost-effective option for a longer trip by lowering your accommodation costs if you camp or stay in budget-friendly motels.

Other Tips

Make sure you have the right identification.
If you're traveling with animals, you'll need paperwork for them too.
Carry extra supplies, including food, water, and emergency gear.
Fill up on gas when you see stations, especially on the Cassiar route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport to drive to Alaska? Yes, you need a valid passport or other approved identification to cross the Canadian border. Check the Canadian Border Services Agency website for current requirements.
Can I drive to Alaska in winter? Technically, yes, but it’s a tougher, trickier journey. Most campgrounds, hotels, and services are closed, roads can be snowy and icy, and you’ll have very limited daylight hours.
How much does it cost to drive to Alaska? Costs can vary widely depending where you stay, how you eat, and how many miles per gallon your car gets. Budget for gas (the routes are long), accommodations (camping is cheapest, motels are moderate), food, and extra supplies. Many people find it more economical than flying if they’re bringing a family and camping along the way.
Is the Alaska Highway paved? Yes, but come prepared for some rough and gravel patches in sections under construction. The Cassiar Highway is also paved but has more unpaved sections and rougher conditions.

Can You Drive to Alaska?