The Cost of Driving From Anchorage, Alaska to Juneau, Alaska

Driving from Anchorage to Juneau, two beautiful cities in Alaska, might seem like a daunting task. However, with a little planning, this scenic road trip can become an unforgettable adventure. Before hitting the road, it's important to consider the cost of the trip, especially when it comes to gas prices and toll fees. In this blog post, we'll explore different routes, their distances, travel times, and the estimated expenses for each route.

Option 1: The Marine Highway Route

If you're looking for a unique and picturesque journey, the Marine Highway Route is a fantastic choice. This route combines driving with a ferry ride, allowing you to experience the stunning natural beauty of Alaska both on land and at sea.

Distance: The drive from Anchorage to Haines, where you can catch the ferry, is approximately 608 miles. From Haines, the ferry ride to Juneau covers around 340 miles.

Time: Driving from Anchorage to Haines will take you roughly 12 hours, depending on stops and road conditions. The ferry ride from Haines to Juneau takes about 5 hours.

Cost: Gas prices in Alaska can vary, but let's estimate that you will need to fill up twice both ways during the entire journey. With an average gas price of $2.80 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle has a 20-gallon tank, the round-trip gas cost from Anchorage to Haines and back would be approximately $224. The ferry fare from Haines to Juneau varies depending on the vehicle and the season, but expect it to be around $100 per vehicle and $50 per person. So, the total ferry cost for a round trip would be roughly $650.

Option 2: The Glenn Highway and Alaska Marine Highway Combo

Another exciting route to consider involves driving on the Glenn Highway and then hopping onto the Alaska Marine Highway. This route offers a mix of highway driving through picturesque landscapes and the breathtaking views offered by the ferry ride.

Distance: The drive from Anchorage to Haines Junction, where you can catch the ferry, covers approximately 577 miles. The ferry ride from Haines Junction to Juneau spans around 340 miles.

Time: The drive from Anchorage to Haines Junction usually takes about 10 hours, allowing for breaks along the way. The ferry ride from Haines Junction to Juneau, as previously mentioned, takes about 5 hours.

Cost: Considering the same gas and ferry prices as mentioned in Option 1, the round-trip gas cost from Anchorage to Haines Junction and back would be approximately $224. The ferry fare from Haines Junction to Juneau would be around $650 for a round trip.

Option 3: The Haines Highway and Alaska Marine Highway Combo

If you're interested in exploring Haines, a charming town in Alaska, you can incorporate it into your road trip by taking the Haines Highway before boarding the Alaska Marine Highway. This route provides a unique opportunity to soak up the local culture and experience more of Alaska's hidden gems.

Distance: The drive from Anchorage to Haines covers approximately 767 miles. From Haines, the ferry ride to Juneau spans around 340 miles.

Time: The drive from Anchorage to Haines typically takes about 15 hours. This journey allows for various stops along the way to enjoy scenic vistas. The ferry ride from Haines to Juneau remains the same at about 5 hours.

Cost: With the cost of gas the same as before, the round-trip gas cost from Anchorage to Haines and back would be approximately $336. The ferry fare from Haines to Juneau would still amount to $650 for a round trip.

Regardless of the route you choose, the drive from Anchorage to Juneau is an unforgettable adventure. The fantastic views, along with the experiences gained from driving and ferrying through Alaska, make this journey worth every penny. Plan your trip wisely, consider the cost of gas and ferry fares, and get ready to embark on an extraordinary road trip through the Last Frontier. Safe travels!