Bellingham-Ketchikan
The ferry from Bellingham and Ketchikan is the first 36 to 41-hour crossing you have to take if you want to reach Alaska by ferry. The number of sailings per week is heavily dependent on the low or high season.
Everything about the Bellingham to Ketchikan ferry
The ferry from Bellingham to Ketchikan is an essential part of reaching Alaska by sea. This route, part of the Alaska Marine Highway System, offers a unique experience, bypassing Canada and making it a fully U.S. journey.
Key Info regarding this ferry
- The trip takes approximately 41 hours, depending on the vessel. The vessel currently active on this route is the Kennicott, for this ship you need to calculate about 48 hours for this route.
- The price starts at around $342 for a single passenger, but increases significantly if you're traveling with a vehicle, with total fares reaching $1,280 for a car and passenger.
- Several ferries serve this route, each offering a different experience. However maintenance and seasonality can really mess this availability of two ships up.
Map with the route from Bellingham
Map with all ferries from Alaska
As also mentioned in our ferry guide from Washington State to Alaska, the connection from Bellingham to Ketchikan is a route you must take to get to Alaska by ferry. It's the first crossing that simply ‘skips' mooring in Canada, which makes the ferry route a 100% US route.
MV Colombia is the fastest ferry on this route.
Three main vessels operate on this route, each with its own speed and amenities:
| Vessel | Speed (Knots) | Passenger Capacity | Number of Cabins | Additional Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MV Columbia | 17.5 | Approx. 499 | 104 | Largest ferry on the route, known for spacious cabins and scenic views. |
| MV Kennicott | 17 | Approx.499 | 85 | Equipped with a solarium for passengers to enjoy panoramic views. |
| MV Matanuska | 16 | Approx. 499 | 104 | Features a cafeteria and observation lounges for passengers. |
The MV Columbia is the fastest ferry on this route, but all vessels offer comfortable travel with onboard amenities like lounges and dining facilities.
Travel Time and Schedule
The journey takes about 41 hours, but exact travel times may vary depending on the ship. Scheduling can be tricky to outline due to changes in availability and vessel rotation. For up-to-date schedules, it’s best to do a test booking on the official ferry website.
Pricing Overview
- Base fare: Around $342 for one person without a vehicle.
- With a car: Adding a vehicle to your booking increases the fare significantly, with the total for a car and one passenger reaching approximately $1,280.
Additional factors such as cabin bookings and seasonality can affect the overall cost. It's common for tourists to book this route as part of a larger trip through Alaska, so total costs may increase depending on your travel plans.
Ketchikan: Starting Point, Not an Endpoint
While Ketchikan is technically Alaska, many see it as a starting point for further exploration. The ferry serves as an entryway for travelers heading north into the heart of Alaska. Ketchikan itself is rich in cultural history and natural beauty, making it a worthwhile stop before continuing your adventure.
Planning Your Journey
When booking your trip, keep in mind that ferry schedules are subject to change. To ensure you have accurate timings and prices, make a test booking before finalizing your plans. While the route offers a unique way to reach Alaska, preparation is key to making your trip as smooth as possible.
Things you should know about this route
- The ferry from Bellingham to Alaska is open to both pedestrians and vehicles, with space for vehicles up to 70 feet long and 13 feet high.
- This service operates once weekly, with the first stop being Ketchikan, Alaska, after about two days of travel.
- If you're heading to Anchorage via Haines, be aware that the route passes through Canada, so a passport is necessary.
- To skip crossing through Canada, you can opt for the ferry to Whittier, Alaska, which runs seasonally from April to September.
- Direct ferry routes from Bellingham to Friday Harbor or Victoria have not been available since 2011, with the closest link to Victoria being via Vancouver, BC.
- Currently, there are no ferry services between Bellingham and Seattle, Vancouver, or Victoria.
- Bellingham does, however, offer ferry trips to the San Juan Islands.
- It's recommended to book the Alaska ferry from Bellingham well ahead of time, as spots fill up quickly.
