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Real drive times on the main highways, when you need 4WD, and why the speed limit is not the speed you will average.
Quick answer
Driving in Alaska
Real drive times on the main highways, when you need 4WD, and why the speed limit is not the speed you will average.
The main highways
Parks (AK-3): Anchorage to Fairbanks, 360 miles. Seward (AK-1): Anchorage to Seward, 125 miles. Glenn (AK-1): Anchorage east toward Valdez, 300 miles. Richardson (AK-2/AK-4): Valdez to Fairbanks, 365 miles. Denali (AK-8): Paxson to Cantwell, 135 gravel miles.
Honest drive times
Add 25% to what your map tells you. Alaska speed limits are mostly 55 to 65 mph and the roads have curves, frost heaves, and wildlife. A 240-mile drive takes 5 hours, not 4. Add an hour for stops.
When you need 4WD
Most of the paved road system is fine in a 2WD summer rental. 4WD matters for: the Denali Highway, the Dalton, winter on any highway, shoulder-season (mid-September onward) north of Anchorage. Rent a 4WD if your itinerary touches those.
Gas, food, signal
Gas gaps of 60 to 100 miles are common north of Fairbanks and east of Glennallen. Fill up when you are at half. No cell signal for long stretches between towns. Download offline maps before you leave the last big town.
Wildlife and weather
Moose collisions kill people in Alaska every year, especially at dawn, dusk, and after dark. Snow and freezing rain are possible any month above the Arctic Circle. Carry a blanket and water in the trunk as a baseline.
People also ask
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive to Alaska?
Yes, via the Alaska Highway through British Columbia and Yukon. Expect 4 to 6 days of driving from Seattle. Most travelers fly instead.
Do I need 4WD in Alaska?
Not for paved summer highways. Yes for the Denali Highway, Dalton Highway, winter driving, or shoulder season north of Anchorage.
Are gas stations common in Alaska?
On population corridors yes. Between towns, gaps of 60 to 100 miles are common north of Fairbanks and east of Glennallen. Fill up at half tank.
How fast can I drive in Alaska?
Speed limits are 55 to 65 mph. Real average is 50 mph due to curves, frost heaves, and wildlife. Add 25% to what your map estimates.
Can I hit wildlife in Alaska?
Yes, most commonly moose. Alaska has 500+ moose-vehicle collisions per year. Drive slower at dawn, dusk, and after dark.
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