Oregon to Alaska (Valdez, Cordova, Whittier: rent, travel, job)

[Imperial1904]

I'm trying to get a job in (Cordova) Alaska. Has anyone driven from the Pacific Northwest to Alaska? I want to compare airfare costs to driving. I don't mind the long drive. So far, it seems driving would be a little cheaper but not by much.

[tablemtn]

I've done the reverse commute (Alaska to Oregon). Driving is a lot more fun, especially if you take some time to explore the areas around the Alcan Highway. Canadians are very helpful and welcoming in BC and Yukon.

[losercore]

I've driven a number of times and also taken the Ferry a few times. The Ferry can be a blast.

Driving is great too. Parts of the Yukon and Norther BC are things most people well never see and it's amazing. I still have many vivid pictures in my mind.

I have driven back and forth to California a number of times.

I'll try to help if you have any questions

Enjoy

[warptman]

I just drove from Alaska to Montana via Kamloops/Kelowna/Peachland/ and Okanoga BC. This by far is my favorite border crossing because of the scenery. I spent around 900 on gas/lodging. Met a lot of friendly people on the drive. I took my parents along this trip. We're heading back up to Alaska next week thru Alberta on the east route. Just drive up, you will have fun!

[Metlakatla]

I think flying might be cheaper in the short term but you're probably going to want your car up there.

[FishTAxi]

You can't drive to Cordova. You can drive to Valdez and take the ferry.

[Marylandkitten]

Originally Posted by Imperial1904

I'm trying to get a job in (Cordova) Alaska. Has anyone driven from the Pacific Northwest to Alaska? I want to compare airfare costs to driving. I don't mind the long drive. So far, it seems driving would be a little cheaper but not by much.

I've heard from everyone everywhere that you shouldn't miss out on the drive up there. But financially speaking, when I got down to the nitty gritty, I was looking (myself) at paying 1400 (at least) in gas just to get up there. Not including lodgings, food, possible mid-route emergency car repair. And the first flight I looked up landed at $252. ...

Hope this helps, metlakatla is right, you might want your car up there.. but there are ways around that. Either way you go let us know

[Imperial1904]

Thanks for all the replies, I really appreciate it.

I've looked into flights from Seattle and Portland and are both between $400-$550. With the mileage I get from my car, I usually get somewhere in the mid-30's per gallon (pretty good for a '91) for highway driving. Even when I estimate gas prices higher than it really is (as I always do on a trip) driving to Alaska would run anywhere between $400-$500, which is about the same or cheaper depending on how you look at it. I would have to drive to these airport with Portland being the closest at about 6 hours away.

FishTaxi, is there a ferry that holds cars?

[Marylandkitten]

Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System Reservation and Ticketing Agent

Is somewhere you would want to start looking. When I called them, they estimated about $900 from Bellingham to Whittier, for the car, and it was another 400 (?) for the driver.. but said during the winter months, the drivers ride free. (you would still need to plan financially for food and boarding while on the trip, it can be a few days at sea, and you can visit your car everytime the ship docks/ports.

I would try calling, because the prices I mentioned above are off the top of my head. I wrote them down, but have no idea where I put it. - the part about driver riding free though, is for the business aspect. Generally all fights, chartered or international, travel-by-sea, or car-transport services are much cheaper in the wintertime, for overal gas prices.

[Imperial1904]

Originally Posted by Arctic Kitten

Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System Reservation and Ticketing Agent

Is somewhere you would want to start looking. When I called them, they estimated about $900 from Bellingham to Whittier, for the car, and it was another 400 (?) for the driver.. but said during the winter months, the drivers ride free. (you would still need to plan financially for food and boarding while on the trip, it can be a few days at sea, and you can visit your car everytime the ship docks/ports.

I would try calling, because the prices I mentioned above are off the top of my head. I wrote them down, but have no idea where I put it. - the part about driver riding free though, is for the business aspect. Generally all fights, chartered or international, travel-by-sea, or car-transport services are much cheaper in the wintertime, for overal gas prices.

Well now that I see the prices, I'm thinking flying in would be the way to go. Thanks for the link.