USA Guide
Alaska
Getting around
Getting around Alaska on the cheap can be tough; public transportation is limited, and many areas are only accessible by boat or plane, which is invariably pricey. With the exception of the ferry system, Anchorage is very much the hub of Alaska, with several bus companies running to major destinations: Seward with The Park Connection ( 
1-800/266-8625, 
www.alaskacoach.com ; $56); Homer with Stage Line ( 907/868-2607, www.thestageline.net ; $65); Talkeetna with Talkeetna Shuttle Service ( 907/733-1725, www.denalicentral.com ; $65) and Denali ($65) and Fairbanks ($91) with Alaska/Yukon Trails ( 1-800/770-7275, www.alaskashuttle.com ). The expensive Alaska Railroad ( www.akrr.com ) runs nearly five hundred miles from Seward north through Anchorage to Fairbanks, with a spur to Whittier for cruise liners and ferries to Valdez and Juneau. One-way summer fares from Anchorage are: Denali $135, Fairbanks $194, Whittier $60, and Seward $69.
Driving around Alaska in summer requires no special skills, though minor routes are often gravel, requiring caution. Wildlife, especially moose, can be a danger any time, even on city streets. In spring and fall you should be prepared for snow, and it is wise to carry a survival kit, particularly in winter, as traffic can be sparse even on major routes. Road conditions can change rapidly – call 511 or 1-866/282-7577 or see 511.alaska.gov .
Travel by plane is not always more expensive than other methods. Alaska Airlines flies to most major communities and uses partners such as ERA Aviation ( 1-800/866-8394, www.flyera.com ) and PenAir ( 1-800/448-4226, www.penair.com ) to get to smaller towns. Chartering a plane might sound extravagant but can be inexpensive for groups of four or more, and may be the crowning glory of an Alaska vacation. To arrange this, contact any ‘bush plane' operator (every town has at least one). ERA Aviation and PenAir are good starting points, though they may refer you to another company.