Alaska's Marine Highway
Driving Directions

Driving the Byway

Alaska's Marine Highway consists of over 3500 miles of coastal ocean routes connecting 31 port communities throughout Alaska. Two additional ports are located outside of Alaska - one in British Columbia and the other in the state of Washington. All the driving directions you need to know are how to get from a major transportation hub to one of the ports.

First, check the Marine Highway schedule to plan a trip. Once your vehicle is loaded onto a Marine Highway ship, relax and enjoy the scenery. The Marine Highway system also allows walk-on travelers, bicycles and commercial vehicles.

Upon arrival at a port, travelers can drive, ride, walk, jog, or bicycle off and explore the community or countryside. Many of the port communities also link to other Alaska Scenic Byways.

Boarding the Ferry

Travelers can walk, drive or ride on to the ferries, which accommodate walk-ons, bicycles, motorcycles and automobiles. The mainline ferries provide food service. Some vessels have staterooms, but travelers often rest in sleeping bags or, in some cases, tents.

Three Main Routes

The Alaska Marine Highway System has historical significance as the main transportation link between many of Alaska's small, isolated coastal communities. In many of these towns, there is no road in or out, and the only way to travel is by boat or airplane. There are three main systems: Southeast Alaska (the Inside Passage), and Southcentral Alaska (Prince William Sound and Kenai Peninsula), and Southwest Alaska (Kodiak and the Aleutians).