Ferries to Alaska
Ferries to Alaska โ What you need to knowย
Exploring Alaska by ferry is one of the most scenic and adventurous ways to experience the stateโs rugged coastline, remote towns, and wildlife-rich waters. The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) connects dozens of coastal communitiesโmany of which arenโt accessible by roadโmaking ferries an essential lifeline for locals and an unforgettable journey for travelers.
That said, navigating Alaskaโs ferry network can be a bit overwhelming, especially for first-timers. The AMHS is known for its complex routes, seasonal changes, older vessels, and occasional crew shortages. Schedules shift, routes are adjusted, and not all of this is communicated in the clearest way. Thatโs where we come in.
First, let's get started with our Alaska ferry mapย
Map: ferry routes and crossings to Alaska
Use our interactive ferry map to see every AMHS route at a glance – including seasonal connections and remote stops.
- Orange routes: The AMHS Mainline to Homer. (Southeast Alaska and Gulf of Alaska) \
- Green routes: The AMHS South Central and Southwest Mainline.
- Purple routes: The AMHS daily connections.
- Yellowย routes: Ferry connections from other operators (daily city-to-city ferries or ferries to tourist locations) near the AMHS routes.
About the crossings to Alaska
Ferries to Alaska โ The Ultimate Guide to AMHS Routesย
Traveling through Alaska by ferry is more than just a way to get aroundโitโs one of the most scenic, off-the-beaten-path adventures in North America. The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) connects dozens of remote coastal towns, fjords, and islands, many of which arenโt accessible by road.
Whether you're a local planning a practical crossing or a traveler looking to take in the landscapes from the water, weโve created this guide to help you make sense of a complex but unforgettable system.
Why use our guide?
Weโve spent countless hours researching ferry routes, clarifying schedules, and turning AMHSโs tangled system into something clear and usable. While the official AMHS site does offer schedules, itโs far from beginner-friendlyโespecially if you're trying to understand seasonal changes, vessel types, or remote route options.
Here, we provide easy-to-read breakdowns, real-world tips, and up-to-date information on ferry availability, routes, and what to expect onboard. Planning your Alaska ferry adventure starts right here.
Key Ferry Regions in Alaska
๐งญ Southeast & Gulf of Alaska (Mainline AMHS)
This is where most travelers begin their ferry journey. With over 103,000 non-resident passengers annually, itโs the heart of the Alaska Marine Highway.
Top ports (by passenger volume):
- Juneau โ 41,000
- Haines โ 24,000
- Ketchikan โ 23,000
- Skagway โ 15,000
Popular routes in this region include:
- Juneau โ Haines โ Great for road trips into Canada
- Ketchikan โ Wrangell โ Wildlife-rich and photogenic
- Juneau โ Skagway โ A favorite for cruise-alternative travelers
South-Central & Southwest Alaska
This region is more remote, but incredibly rewarding for those wanting to explore lesser-seen parts of the state.
Top ports in the region:
- Whittier โ 10,000
- Homer โ 7,000
- Kodiak โ 6,000
- Valdez โ 5,000
- Cordova โ 5,000
- Dutch Harbor โ ~400
These crossings are longer, less frequent, and often served by aging vesselsโso flexibility is key.
Alaska ferry routes table
| Crossing | Travel time | Access by car? | Cabins? | Sailings | Tourist friendly? | Notes & remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juneau โ Haines | 4h | Yes | No | Daily (summer) | Yes | Scenic route; great for connecting to Yukon |
| Juneau โ Skagway | 6h | Yes | No | 4โ7 times/week (seasonal) | Yes | Popular cruise alternative |
| Ketchikan โ Wrangell | 6h | Yes | No | 3โ5 times/week | Yes | Wildlife sightings along the way |
| Whittier โ Valdez | 6h | Yes | Yes | 2โ4 times/week | Yes | Connects Southcentral Alaska across Prince William Sound |
| Whittier โ Kodiak | 9โ10h | Yes | Yes | 1โ2 times/week | Moderate | Long haul route; remote destination |
| Homer โ Kodiak | 9h | Yes | Yes | 2โ3 times/week | Yes | Primary connection to Kodiak Island |
| Homer โ Seldovia | 1.5h | Yes | No | Daily (in season) | Yes | Short, scenic route |
| Dutch Harbor โ Kodiak | 2โ3 days (with stops) | Yes | Yes | Monthly or less (seasonal) | No | Extremely remote; adventurous travelers only |
| Juneau โ Sitka | 8โ10h | Yes | Yes | 2โ3 times/week | Yes | Stunning route through narrow passages |
| Juneau โ Ketchikan | 12โ14h | Yes | Yes | 2โ4 times/week | Yes | Mainline route connecting key Southeast hubs |
What to Expect Onboard
Most AMHS ferries are basic but comfortable. On longer crossings, you may find:
- Indoor lounges and observation decks
- Limited food service (think cafeteria-style meals)
- Vehicle decks for cars, RVs, and motorcycles
- Cabins on longer or overnight routes
- Tent camping on deck (yes, this is allowedโand popular!)
Donโt expect luxury, but do expect incredible views, quiet moments, and a genuine Alaskan experience.
Essential Travel Tips ๐งญ
- Book early for summer routesโespecially with a car or cabin
- Walk-on passengers have better availability
- Check weather conditions, as routes can be delayed or canceled
- Bring snacks, warm clothing, and entertainmentโsome ferries have Wi-Fi, most do not
- Routes change frequently, so always double-check timetables close to your departure
Who Uses the AMHS?
Each year, AMHS carries:
- Over 103,000 non-resident passengers
- More than 27,000 vehicles
Locals primarily use the ferries from Juneau, Anchorage, and Ketchikan, while tourists tend to travel through Juneau, Whittier, Haines, Homer, and Ketchikan.
The Alaska Ferry Experience
Expect orcas off the bow, snow-capped peaks in the distance, and tiny communities that feel untouched by time. The ferry system isnโt just a mode of transportationโitโs a moving window into the wild, remote soul of Alaska.
And with our clear guides and ferry maps, you're in the best hands possible to start planning your own Alaska Marine Highway adventure.
Alaska ferry connections not owned by AMHS
Smaller / more touristy or different routes not owned by AMHS.
Using the AMHS schedules
- Click hereย and then click on theย Sailing Calendar.
- Press on the button โGet Scheduleโ When you have selected the month you want to travel.ย
- Click and play with the results. If you want to look at Cross Gulf crossings, only click on theย Colored Schedule Gridย and select the schedule:ย Cross Gulf.
Let's hope they improve this shortly; it might even be better to useย the FerryTravel schedule.ย
On board, vessels & route maps
Booking Your Ferry Tickets
You can compare prices, timetables, and availability using the online booking system with just a few clicks. Enter your travel dates and select the crossing that best suits your needs. Itโs simple and saves time.
Pro Tip: During peak seasons, ferries can book up quickly. Secure your tickets early, especially if traveling with a vehicle.
