🛫 How to Get to Alaska from New York [2025 Guide]

Dreaming of trading Manhattan skyscrapers for towering glaciers and grizzly bears? If you’re planning an adventure from New York to Alaska in 2025, there are multiple ways to reach the Last Frontier—whether you’re flying, driving, or adding scenic detours. This complete transportation guide breaks down all available routes, travel times, and costs to help you choose the best option.

✈️ By Plane: The Fastest Way to Travel

Flying is the quickest and most practical way to get from New York to Alaska in 2025. Alaska is over 4,000 miles from NYC, so air travel is the go-to choice for most travelers.

🛫 Direct and Connecting Flights

• Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Delta, American, United, and JetBlue
• Departure Airports: JFK, LGA, EWR
• Arrival Airports: Anchorage (ANC), Fairbanks (FAI), Juneau (JNU), or other regional airports depending on your destination
• Flight Duration: 8 to 10 hours (with connections)
• Roundtrip Price: $450–$850 (book early for the best deals)

There are no nonstop flights from New York to most Alaskan cities, but one-stop connections via Seattle, Minneapolis, or Denver are common. Anchorage is the most frequent entry point.

💡 Tip:

Book flights at least 2–3 months in advance and fly mid-week for cheaper fares. Summer (June–August) is peak season, so expect higher prices.

🚗 By Car: Epic Road Trip of a Lifetime

Driving from New York to Alaska is a bucket-list-worthy overland journey through the U.S. and Canada. The route covers approximately 4,300–4,500 miles, depending on your final Alaskan stop.

🚘 Popular Driving Route (NYC to Anchorage)

1. Drive through the Midwest: Via I-80 or I-90 to reach North Dakota or Montana
2. Enter Canada: Cross at a border station like Sweetgrass (Montana) or Pembina (North Dakota)
3. Follow the Alaska Highway: Through Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon
4. Enter Alaska: Through Tok or Haines Junction

📍 Driving Time & Considerations

• Total drive time: 7–10 days (assuming 6–8 hours of driving daily)
• Border requirements: Valid passport, proof of insurance, vehicle documents
• Road conditions: Generally good in summer; snow, ice, and closures possible in winter
• Gas & Lodging: Scarce in parts of the Yukon—plan ahead

💡 Tip:

Avoid winter travel unless you’re experienced with snow driving. Summer and early fall are ideal for a safe, scenic road trip.

🚆 By Train and Ferry: Scenic but Complex

Although there’s no direct train from New York to Alaska, you can take an adventurous rail-ferry combo:

🚄 Step 1: Train to Seattle

• Route: Take Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited (NYC to Chicago), then the Empire Builder to Seattle
• Total time: 70–80 hours
• Cost: ~$300–$500 one-way (coach)

⛴️ Step 2: Ferry via Alaska Marine Highway

• Route: From Bellingham, WA to various Alaskan coastal towns
• Duration: 3–7 days depending on port
• Ferry options: Cabins available, bring your vehicle if desired
• Cost: ~$400–$1,000 (passenger + cabin + vehicle)

This is the most scenic way to get to Alaska, offering incredible views of glaciers, whales, and untouched coastline.

🚌 By Bus: Not Recommended for Long Distance

You technically can bus from New York to Alaska by connecting multiple Greyhound and Canadian carriers, but the journey is long, exhausting, and often more expensive than flying.

• Total time: 6–8 days
• Connections: NYC > Seattle > Whitehorse > Anchorage (with multiple changes)
• Cost: $400–$700

Only consider this if you’re combining it with stops across North America or you enjoy extremely long-distance land travel.

🚢 Cruise: Ideal for Leisure Travelers

For a unique way to arrive in Alaska, consider a cruise from New York to Alaska, often via the Panama Canal or West Coast repositioning itineraries.

• Cruise lines: Holland America, Princess, Norwegian
• Duration: 14–30 days
• Cost: $1,200–$5,000 depending on cabin class and season

These routes are more about the journey than the destination and are popular with retirees and long-term travelers.

🎯 Best Way to Get to Alaska from NYC in 2025?

• Fastest: Fly from JFK or EWR to Anchorage or Fairbanks
• Scenic Adventure: Drive the Alaska Highway or take the train-ferry combo
• Budget-Friendly: Look for flight deals or Amtrak + ferry for a scenic, slower option
• Cruise Lovers: Book a repositioning cruise from NYC to Alaska (spring/fall)

🧭 Travel Planning Tips

• Summer is peak travel season in Alaska; book early for the best rates and weather
• Flying is fastest and most practical, but overland and sea routes offer unforgettable scenery
• Always carry travel insurance for road trips or ferry journeys in remote areas

🏕️ Popular Alaska Destinations Worth Visiting

• Anchorage: Alaska’s urban hub with easy access to wildlife and glaciers
• Denali National Park: Home to North America’s tallest peak
• Fairbanks: Ideal for Northern Lights viewing (Sept–March)
• Juneau & Inside Passage: Best reached by ferry or cruise
• Seward & Homer: Coastal towns with stunning fjords and fishing

✅ FAQs

Q: What’s the fastest way to get to Alaska from New York?

The fastest way to reach Alaska from New York in 2025 is by air, with connecting flights to Anchorage or Fairbanks taking around 8 to 10 hours total.

Q: Can you drive from New York to Alaska?

Yes, you can drive from NYC to Alaska via Canada and the Alaska Highway. The journey covers over 4,300 miles and takes 7–10 days depending on stops.

Q: Is there a train from New York to Alaska?

There is no direct train to Alaska. However, you can take Amtrak to Seattle and then a ferry to Alaska for a scenic journey.

Q: How much does it cost to fly from New York to Alaska?

Roundtrip flights from NYC to Anchorage or Fairbanks cost between $450–$850 in 2025, depending on the season and booking time.

Q: Are there cruises from New York to Alaska?

Yes, some cruise lines offer repositioning cruises from NYC to Alaska, typically lasting 14–30 days with stops along the West Coast or Panama Canal.

Trusted Sources:

• Amtrak
• Alaska Airlines
• Alaska Marine Highway System
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection