5 Great Ways To See Alaska by Air, Land, and Waterway

^{The author was a guest of Alaska Railroad. All opinions are the author’s own, and Alaska Railroad had no input in any part of this review.}

Alaska is on many travelers’ bucket lists. It’s no wonder, with the lure of wide open spaces, natural beauty, and unexplored areas. The state is our 49th and truly our last frontier.

If you’re planning a visit to the great state of Alaska, this guide is for you. We explain several ways to enhance your stay, including special transportation options and experiences you may not have considered.

Whether you prefer seeing Alaska by air, land, or waterway, here are some unique ways to experience one of the most beautiful states in America.

1. The Alaska Airlines Milk Run

Years ago, inaccessible towns along the southwest Alaskan coast that could not be reached by road were serviced by small bush or float planes that brought supplies (including milk), mail, and a few passengers arriving or departing. Flights to these towns are known as the “Milk Run,” though the routes are now serviced by Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 planes.

Aviation enthusiasts appreciate the challenging takeoffs and landings, the uniqueness of the route, and the small airports. Everyone on board can enjoy the incredible scenery.

The easiest way to book the Milk Run is to purchase a ticket to Ketchikan (KTN) between major cities, such as Anchorage (ANC), Fairbanks (FAI), or Seattle (SEA). Use Google Flights to find flight options, limit your search to Alaska Airlines, and select a route that makes stops in some of these waterside towns.

Or book a route that has an overnight in one of the major stops, such as Juneau (JNU).

Booking the Milk Run to or from Seattle may be possible, but accommodating multiple stops when adding it can be challenging. Here are some additional instructions on booking the Alaska Airlines Milk Run.

When booking your ticket, look for the towns of Wrangell (WRG), Petersburg (PSG), Juneau (JNU), Cordova (CDV), Yakutat (YAK), Sitka (SIT), and Ketchikan (KTN). Using the multi-city search can help you include Seattle in your flight plan.

2. By Bush Plane or Seaplane

Bush planes and seaplanes are part of daily life in Alaska. If locals need to visit the doctor or family in a nearby town, a bush plane or seaplane is a logical transportation option. Booking these planes can also be a great addition to your Alaskan vacation.

A bush plane lands on its wheels and can reach remote areas. A seaplane can do the same, but with pontoons attached instead of wheels, it can land on water.

While sightseeing flights can be pricey, the experience can be extraordinary. Just ask my friend who booked this exciting glacier adventure while visiting Denali National Park and Preserve.

On the flipside, scheduled bush plane or seaplane flights can be more affordable. For example, a flight from Haines to Juneau can be booked for as low as $180 per person with Alaska Seaplanes. You’ll see glaciers and Alaska’s scenic inside passage waterways during the flight. Flying from Juneau to Tenakee Springs for the beautiful scenery is another example. It’s just $210 per person, with a stop along the way.

Air service providers can be local to the area you’re visiting, making it difficult to make recommendations. The best options are to visit the area’s tourism website, use Google Flights, or consider Viator, which offers several options, including flights within Denali National Park and Preserve.

Whether you want to travel between towns or add a sightseeing flight to your Alaska itinerary, consider a bush plane or seaplane experience.

3. The Alaska Railroad

You won’t find a more relaxing way to see Alaska than a journey on the Alaska Railroad, and every Alaskan journey should include a ride on the railroad. Whether in GoldStar Service (equivalent to first class) or Adventure class, the experience will be one you won’t soon forget in one of the state’s most beautiful areas and a relaxing environment.

The Alaska Railroad route runs from Fairbanks in the north to Seward in the south. You can book the entire journey or sections of it. Popular routes include the Denali Star route from Fairbanks to Denali National Park (4 hours), Denali to Anchorage (8 hours), and the Coastal Classic from Anchorage to Seward (4.5 hours).

I have experienced the Fairbanks to Anchorage route twice, once in Adventure Class on my dime and once hosted by the Alaska Railroad in GoldStar Service. GoldStar Service was a treat I’ll forever remember.

The 12-hour route from Fairbanks to Anchorage in Adventure Class costs approximately $285 in the peak summer season, while GoldStar Service costs around $532. I would do either of them again, as each experience is good value.

You can reduce the total cost by selecting a shorter route, such as Anchorage to Seward on the Coastal Classic. Prices will vary depending on the date and class of service. May and September shoulder months offer rates lower than those in the summer peak season. Additionally, check the website for special offers. For example, this summer, kids 12 and under rode for free on select routes.

Another way to reduce costs is to book one section of your journey in GoldStar Service and another in Adventure Class. For example, book the Fairbanks to Denali (a 4-hour journey) in Adventure Class and the 8-hour Denali to Anchorage portion in GoldStar Service. Spending a night or 2 in Denali National Park and Preserve is always a good option, as well.

You can book routes and learn more about what’s included on the Alaska Railroad website.

The service in GoldStar class is superior. Meals are served in a separate dining car and plated at every meal. If you’re on the Fairbanks to Denali route, breakfast is served. On the Denali to Anchorage route, both lunch and dinner are served. There are 2 complimentary adult beverages included, and nonalcoholic beverages are complimentary.

If you don’t experience GoldStar Service, Adventure Class is still comfortable and fun. You’ll have a viewing car with plenty of windows, a dining car to purchase food and beverages, and comfortable seating with large windows. I completed the 12-hour route between Fairbanks and Anchorage in Adventure Class and had an enjoyable experience.

Either way you travel, GoldStar Service or Adventure Class, you’ll have an incredible time.

4. A Northern Lights Adventure in Fairbanks

Fairbanks is one of the premier locations in the world to witness the northern lights. Once you arrive, viewing the aurora is easy, although the phenomenon can be unpredictable.

Traveling to Fairbanks

Fortunately, all the major domestic airlines fly to Alaska from the lower 48.

Here are some of the options for using points and miles to travel to Fairbanks.

• Redeem 15,000 United MileagePlus miles to fly economy one-way from San Francisco (SFO) to Fairbanks (FAI).
• Redeem 25,000 Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points to fly one-way in first class from Seattle (SEA) to Fairbanks (FAI).
• Redeem 30,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles to fly one-way in first class or 12,500 miles in economy from Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), or Los Angeles (LAX) to Fairbanks (FAI).
• Redeem 34,500 Delta Air Lines SkyMiles to fly one-way in first class non-stop from Seattle (SEA) to Fairbanks (FAI).

These are just sample fares based on results for flights in October found on roame.travel. Your results will vary based on your selected dates and availability.

To view the northern lights, visit from early fall to late spring, when there is sufficient darkness. Seasonal flight schedules can affect availability, so be sure to book in advance.

You can save money on flights by having a card that earns flexible rewards that can be used to book award flights. We like that the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card allows transferring points to partner airlines, where award flights can be booked. Flights can also be booked through Chase Travel using points at a value of 1.25 cents each.

Additionally, the card offers excellent travel insurance, providing you with peace of mind during your travels.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel^SM, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel^SM
• 10% anniversary points boost – each account anniversary you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Lodging You Can Book With Hotel Loyalty Points

When using Fairbanks as your base for seeing the northern lights, you’ll have several options for booking lodging with hotel loyalty points.

Springhill Suites Fairbanks, a Marriott property, offers a great location in downtown Fairbanks with the added perk of complimentary airport shuttle transportation. There are plenty of restaurants, parks, and the river nearby. Rooms can be booked starting at 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

With a complimentary airport shuttle and free breakfast, Hampton Inn and Suites Fairbanks is a value proposition. The property also offers complimentary service to the Alaska Railroad station. Located 7 miles from the airport and 2 miles from downtown, you can book rooms starting at 48,000 Hilton Honors points.

Hyatt Place Fairbanks offers a complimentary breakfast and is conveniently located within walking distance to shopping, restaurants, and the waterfront. Book their modern rooms starting at 9,000 World of Hyatt points.

Candlewood Suites Fairbanks by IHG is an extended-stay property featuring full kitchens, making it ideal for families. The property sits along the bike trail leading to downtown Fairbanks. Suites can be booked starting at 29,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Lodging costs can be minimized if you have a hotel-branded credit card that earns rewards you can use for hotel nights. Plus, your trip can become more comfortable with elite-style card benefits. See our tips for finding the best hotel credit card, along with examples of how easy it is to earn free hotel nights.

Viewing the Northern Lights from Fairbanks

If you’re renting a car, you can easily drive out of the city lights for the best view. Even without a vehicle, you can view the lights from your hotel. Many properties offer wake-up calls to increase your chances of catching the light show. You can also track the aurora on your own.

One of the best ways to view the northern lights is on a tour. Special high-elevation lodges offer comfortable waiting areas where you can savor hot cocoa and wait for premium viewing opportunities.

Viator offers several northern lights tours, including those that focus on photographing the aurora.

The best time to see the northern lights is from late August to late April. According to Travel Alaska, if you stay at least 3 nights in Fairbanks during that time, you will have a 90% chance of seeing the aurora.

Hot Tip:

Another great option for viewing the northern lights from Fairbanks is to hop on the Alaska Railroad. The Aurora Winter Train to Denali National Park takes approximately 4 hours and offers an excellent opportunity to view the northern lights, the Alaskan wilderness, and various wildlife.

5. The Alaska Marine Highway

Lodging can be pretty expensive in Alaska. However, there is a way to reduce the overall cost while having an incredible experience. The Alaska Marine Highway system is a ferry route that features vessels with cabins and limited camping facilities.

You can utilize the ferries to see parts of Alaska you’d otherwise be unable to visit by vehicle or commercial flight, though you can take a car with you on the ferry. The Alaska Marine Highway covers over 3,500 miles of Alaska coastline from Bellingham, Washington, in the south to Dutch Harbor, Alaska, in the north.

Here are some sample travel times from the Alaska Marine Highway System:

• Bellingham to Ketchikan: 38 hours
• Ketchikan to Wrangell: 6 hours
• Wrangell to Petersburg: 3 hours 30 mins
• Petersburg to Juneau: 8 hours
• Juneau to Haines: 4 hours 30 mins
• Haines to Skagway: 1 hour
• Juneau to Sitka: 9 hours 30 mins
• Juneau to Hoonah: 3 hours 30 mins
• Ketchikan to Metlakatla: 45 minutes

The ferry is also very comfortable. Although not luxurious, like a cruise ship, everything you need is on board. There’s a restaurant, a cinema, a camping area, interior viewing areas, outside decks, and sleeping cabins. In the mornings, travelers often gather for coffee in the restaurant, telling tales of their journeys. I experienced this on 3 separate excursions.

Once you decide on a route, you can book a ticket and add a cabin. As an example, I selected the Juneau to Ketchikan route, with stops in Sitka, Wrangell, and Petersburg, for $138. I added a 2-bed cabin with full facilities for 2 nights for an additional $178. Of course, prices vary based on the route, capacity, and number of nights. Bikes, cars, kayaks, and canoes incur an additional cost.

Considering hotel rooms can reach more than $400 per night during peak season in Alaska, the Alaska Marine Highway is an excellent alternative for lodging, transiting between 2 areas of Alaska, and a fun adventure.

Final Thoughts

One of the great things about these options for seeing Alaska is that you can combine some of the experiences. For example, you could spend the night in Fairbanks to enjoy the northern lights, take the Alaska Railroad to Anchorage, and then book the Milk Run to Ketchikan.

Or, you could fly to Anchorage, book the Milk Run to Ketchikan, then take the Alaska Marine Highway to Bellingham, Washington. Another option is to fly to Juneau, take the Alaska Marine Highway to Haines or Skagway, then take a float or bush plane back to Juneau. This was one of my favorite trips.

The possibilities are endless, limited only by your priorities. With points and miles for hotels and major carrier flights, the trip can be much more affordable than paying cash for everything.

Before booking an epic trip to Alaska, consider a travel rewards card to help offset the expenses and add some perks you’ll enjoy on your journey.