Alaska's Marine Highway
Visitor Services

Elevator access is available on all vessels.

All Marine Highway ships are ADA compliant and can handle all manner of physically challenged passengers. All but the smallest, most remote ports -- which have only a minimal terminal facility -- are also ADA compliant.

All ships are equipped for a range of vehicles including large tour buses and RVs. The crews are fully prepared to work with groups since each voyage is essentially a group event. All of the larger port communities have paved roads that can easily handle tour buses. Some of the smaller communities have gravel roads that might, in wet weather, be unsuitable for larger tour vehicles. In almost all communities there are group transportation services available, even on gravel roads. Many ports see cruiseship docking and are thus well practiced in managing groups and providing guided tours.

Service	Description	Service	Description
	Fees Check with the Alaska Marine Ferry for up-to-date prices.		Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities All ferries accommodate bicycles and walk-on travelers. All vehicles must be parked on the car deck. Access to the deck is prohibited while under way except for escorted trips, periodically...
	Camping There are places to camp along this byway.		Food Hot meals, snacks and beverages are available for purchase on all vessels.
	Gasoline Gasoline is available.		Information The byway provides information three ways. First, scheduling and community information is provided at the Marine Highway website (www.ferryalaska.com) and the Alaska Scenic Byways website...
	Lodging Cabins are available on some ferries, most with a private bath. Passengers without cabins will find recliner chairs or spaces to roll out sleeping bags. Pillows and blankets may be...		Phone Ship-to-shore radio telephone service is available for emergency use only.
	Restrooms Public showers are available on most vessels.		Retail There are places to shop along this byway.

NOTE: The America's Byways® website is federally funded and cannot promote commercial businesses. This data may not be complete or up to date. The National Scenic Byways Program is not responsible for the quality of your travel experience. See the right column on the Byway Overview page for local contact information.

Special Considerations

All Marine Highway vessels are equipped to accommodate any type of passenger vehicle including bicycles, motorcycles, two-wheel drive cars, RVs and tour buses. Passengers can also be 'walk-ons' without a vehicle. Where travelers intend to disembark with their vehicles, the road conditions vary from four lane interstates to packed-gravel country roads. All ports, with the exception of three very small communities, have roads that can accommodate a two-wheel drive vehicle in their community. Not all communities have roadways that link to the rest of America.

Restrictions

Smoking is limited to outer decks.

There are no restrictions on the types of vehicles that are allowed along this route.

U.S. citizens traveling to Canada should be aware of new International Travel restrictions. As of February 2007, U.S. citizens must present their U.S. passport in order to re-enter the United States.

Seasons

Best Time to Drive

One can best experience the byway between May and September when the days are long, the wildlife is abundantly visible, and the weather is mild.

High Season

The most crowded months on the Alaska Marine Highway are July and August.

Off Season

The ferry runs throughout the year. The only limitation during the winter months is the frequency of trips to some communities is reduced. This is specified in the Marine Highway schedule.

Winter

While the Alaska's Marine Highway functions throughout the year, the number of sailings to the more remote locations does decrease in the winter. The ferry sailing schedule provides a clear picture of the sailing frequencies throughout the year.

Road Conditions

To find up to date information about the road conditions along Alaska's Marine Highway, please visit the FHWA listing of web sites for more information.

Alaska