Ferry The Alaska Marine Highway
The Alaska Marine Highway System is the only way to reach many Southeast Alaska communities with no road connection at all - a real highway, just one that runs on water.
How the State Ferry Works
Unlike a cruise, the AMHS is public transportation - no entertainment or included dining, just a way to get between towns, with the option to bring your vehicle.
Get in TouchInside Passage Route
Sailing from Bellingham, WA, through Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Juneau, with connections on to Haines, Skagway, and Sitka.
Cross-Gulf Route
In summer (June through September), the M/V Kennicott runs a less-frequent route from Prince Rupert, Ketchikan, and Juneau to Whittier, stopping in Yakutat along the way.
Book Ahead
Peak season (June through August) books out one to three months in advance, especially for vehicle space and cabins - this isn't a walk-up ferry in summer.
Cabins vs. Recliner Seats
A multi-night passage like Bellingham to Juneau runs roughly $350-500 per person for a berth cabin, versus about $100-200 for a reclining chair - budget travelers can also pitch a tent on the solarium deck.
The Alaska Marine Highway by the numbers
A state-run ferry system, not a cruise line: it exists to connect towns the road can't reach, and it happens to run through some of the best scenery in North America.
Where the ferry goes
The system is organized into three regions with hubs in Ketchikan, Juneau, Whittier, and Homer. Most travelers ride one region; connecting between them takes planning, and the cross-Gulf link only runs in summer.
Southeast: the Inside Passage
The mainline runs Bellingham, WA to Ketchikan (about 38 hours), then Wrangell, Petersburg, and Juneau (Petersburg to Juneau is about 8 hours), with connections to Haines, Skagway, and Sitka and day boats to Hoonah, Gustavus, Angoon, Kake, Tenakee, and Pelican. Prince Rupert, BC is served in summer only.
South Central: Prince William Sound and Kachemak Bay
Whittier, Valdez, and Cordova across Prince William Sound, plus the small communities of Tatitlek and Chenega Bay, and a short Homer to Seldovia run. Whittier and Valdez connect to the road system, so this is the region for combining a ferry leg with a drive.
Southwest: Kodiak and the Aleutian Chain
From Homer to Kodiak, then on the M/V Tustumena out along the Alaska Peninsula: Chignik, Sand Point, King Cove, Cold Bay, False Pass, Akutan, and Dutch Harbor. In winter, weather limits service beyond Kodiak, Ouzinkie, and Port Lions.
Cross-Gulf: Juneau to Whittier
The only link between Southeast and the rest of the system: the M/V Kennicott crosses the open Gulf of Alaska between Juneau and Whittier by way of Yakutat, in summer only. The state's winter 2026-27 schedule has no cross-Gulf, Yakutat, or Prince Rupert sailings.
The mainline ferries
M/V Columbia (built 1973, 499 passengers, 104 cabins, the largest and fastest in the fleet, with a sit-down dining room), M/V Kennicott (1998, 499 passengers, cabins and roomettes, a children's play area), M/V Matanuska, and M/V Tustumena (1964, 160 passengers, the Aleutian boat). All have a covered, heated solarium and a cafeteria.
The day boats
M/V Aurora, LeConte, Lituya, Hubbard, and Tazlina run shorter hops between neighboring towns, mostly in Southeast and Prince William Sound. No cabins, and the Lituya has no food service, so bring your own for that one.
Schedules, fares, and booking the Alaska ferry
The practical questions, answered from the Alaska Marine Highway System's own published policies. Schedules and fares change by season, so confirm the specifics for your dates before you build a trip around them.
How do I find the ferry schedule?
The state publishes a Sailing Calendar you can sort by month, port, or vessel, plus color-coded schedule grids that show a whole route at a glance, both at dot.alaska.gov/amhs. To see actual dates, availability, and prices in one place, use the Sailing Search tool at bookamhs.alaska.gov. You can also call reservations at 1-800-642-0066, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm Alaska time.
How far ahead should I book?
For June through August, one to three months, and earlier if you need a cabin or vehicle space, which sell out first. Reservations close four hours before sailing at staffed terminals and 15 minutes before at unstaffed ports. Changes are free until 28 days before departure. Cancellation penalties scale from 5% more than 30 days out to 40% within 24 hours or for a no-show; a booking cancelled within 24 hours of making it carries no penalty.
How much does the Alaska ferry cost?
Fares are priced per segment and add up from three parts: a passenger fare, a vehicle fare based on overall length if you bring one, and a cabin, which is sold per trip rather than per person or per night. The Sailing Search tool is the state's pricing widget and will quote your exact combination. As a rough guide, a multi-night passage like Bellingham to Juneau runs about $350 to $500 per person with a berth cabin, or $100 to $200 in a reclining seat.
Do I need a cabin?
No. Recliner lounges double as sleeping areas where you can roll out a sleeping bag, every vessel has a covered, heated solarium on the upper deck that's a popular place to sleep, and small tents are allowed on the upper decks. Cabins are worth it on the two- and three-night legs if you want a door that closes and a shower of your own; all the mainline ferries have public showers either way.
Can I bring my car or RV?
Yes, and it's the main reason people ride the ferry instead of cruising. Vehicles are charged by overall length measured to the furthest extensions, so include bike racks and hitches. The car deck is closed while the vessel is underway, so you can't use an RV for sleeping or meals on board. Pets travel on the car deck in a carrier or in your vehicle, and animals entering Alaska need a health certificate. Service animals ride free on every route.
When do I check in, and how much luggage can I bring?
Walk-on passengers check in two hours before departure in Bellingham and Juneau and one hour before at other ports. Vehicles check in earlier, up to three hours in Bellingham. Walk-on passengers can carry up to 100 pounds of hand baggage.
Do I need a passport for the ferry?
Bring one. The Prince Rupert, BC sailings cross into Canada and require a passport for U.S. citizens. The Bellingham route stays in U.S. waters, but a passport is still the document that works in every situation, and if you're combining the ferry with a cruise you'll want it anyway, since every Alaska cruise calls in Canada.
Is there food on board?
Every vessel except the day boat M/V Lituya has a cafeteria with hot and cold food, plus vending machines. The M/V Columbia and M/V Tustumena also have sit-down dining rooms. Prices are reasonable but bringing snacks and a refillable bottle for a 38-hour leg is a good idea.
Is the ferry a good alternative to an Alaska cruise?
It's a different trip. The ferry gets you the same Inside Passage scenery for less money, lets you bring a car, and stops in towns cruise ships skip, but there's no entertainment, no included meals, and you plan every hotel and connection yourself. It suits independent travelers with time. If you'd rather have someone else handle the logistics, or you're deciding between the two, take our two-minute quiz or get in touch and we'll help you compare.