Ferry from Washington to Anchorage (Homer, Haines: how much, transfer, costs)

[GeorgiaPeach71]

Does anyone know about a ferry from Washington to Anchorage and how much it costs to ride with your vehicle? And about how long it takes?

[Metlakatla]

Run Alaska Marine Highway through a search engine; that'll give you the info you need.

[GeorgiaPeach71]

Does it run in the fall and winter? I found it on the web, but when I put in dates and ports, it says there is nothing scheduled. I've tried different dates and different ports, but still nothing.

[akck]

Here's the site:

Alaska Marine Highway System :: Official Site :: Alaska DOT&PF

Unless they change the schedule, you'll end up taking two ferries, with a transfer in Juneau. If you're having trouble, do a sailing from Juneau to Homer for this winter. I believe there are no north bound sailings in November and December. There's one in October and they have 2 in January. Service directly from Bellingham starts up in March.

http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/doc/...ssGulf_W13.pdf

Here's the fee schedule:

http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/doc/..._XGTariffs.pdf

Cost to Whittier is $1,481 for a 19' vehicle and $547 per passenger. Here's the cost of a berth:

http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/doc/...binTariffs.pdf

I'd personally go with a 4-berth outside cabin for the full facilities. At minimum, a berth of any size affords you some privacy for the long trip, plus you don't have to move your stuff you brought up with you from your vehicle.

[Alaskan Mutt]

Originally Posted by akck

I'd personally go with a 4-berth outside cabin for the full facilities. At minimum, a berth of any size affords you some privacy for the long trip, plus you don't have to move your stuff you brought up with you from your vehicle.

If you get an outside cabin be sure to request one that does not have an outside walkway running past it. Otherwise you will have people looking in at you all day long.

[warptman]

Just drive up. It's cheaper.

[GeorgiaPeach71]

Originally Posted by warptman

Just drive up. It's cheaper.

With those prices, I think I better! LOL

[akck]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaPeach71

With those prices, I think I better! LOL

If you don't want to drive the whole way, the cheapest alternative is to drive to Prince Rupert, take the ferry to Haines, and then complete the drive from there. The cost is close and you get to see the northern half of the Inside Passage, plus have a break from driving. You do end up making 2 additional border crossings.

But, I agree with warptman, just drive the whole way.

[Dakster]

Drive... and read up on what you need to do the drive. You'll need to know Canadian Customs requirements/prohibited items, bring a Milepost Magazine, no cell phone service in rural/northern Canada (rent a sat phone, if you're nervous about it) , fuel up often, don't drive at night especially between Lake Watson and Fort Nelson, etc... Ohh a stop at Liard Hot Springs is a must. In Southern Canada, BANFF National Park is a great drive too. Small toll to pay to drive the Canadian Ice Roads, but I thought it was WELL worth it.

It is an awesome drive that you will never forget. Not saying a sailing wouldn't be great - just not if you are trying to save $. And it is really cost prohibitive if you have more than 2 people and are pulling a trailer. Prices you were given are assuming you are by yourself driving a fairly small vehicle.

[Hawknest]

Drive it - you won't use $2500 worth of fuel or get sea-sick.