Cruise to Alaska Like a Local - On the Ferry

Alaska Ferry vehicle space and sleeping accommodations sell out quickly for the summer months. Make reservations many months in advance by calling 800-642-0066 or 907-465-3941 or visiting Alaska Marine Highway Sailing Search.

Costs for travel on the Alaska Marine Highway from Bellingham vary depending on destination, size of vehicle, sleeping accommodations on board, date of ticket purchase, and availability. Vehicle and passenger fares are sold separately. The new dynamic pricing system encourages passengers to book as early as possible for the best rates.

Learn more here. 

All passengers must have some kind of government-issued photo identification to board the Alaska Ferry, such as a driver's license, passport, military ID, or equivalent. For more details, see the full list of Alaska Marine Highway Travel Policies.

If traveling in Canada, a passport or other acceptable ID is required. Crossing the border also entails specific restrictions regarding food, goods, weapons, and criminal records.

Learn more here. 

All vehicles are required to have current license plates and up-to-date registration. All drivers must carry a valid drivers license and current proof of vehicle insurance as required by U.S. state laws.

Learn more here. 

The answer depends on where you’re going. The Alaska Ferry runs 24 hours a day. It takes 36 hours from Bellingham, WA to reach the first stop at Ketchikan. Visitors often disembark in a variety of towns, stay a few nights on land, then continue on the ferry. The full route reaches from Bellingham all the way to Dutch Harbor and Unalaska in the Aleutian Islands, with vistas that appear as untouched as the Galapagos.

Visitors also enjoy spending the night in Bellingham and exploring Whatcom County before and after their journey. With plenty of things to do in Bellingham, from hiking and kayaking to sampling one of our award-winning breweries, think of it like a mini vacation before your epic Alaskan getaway. 

Accommodations on the Alaska Ferry include 100 cabins and roomettes. Cabins are clean and comfortable, but not lavish. Sleeping options include:

• 4-berth cabin with a private head (restroom)
• 2-berth cabin with communal restrooms
• Roomette - a cozy yet private spot resembling a camper with a table that converts into a bed
• The deck! Rooms are not required on the ferry. Many passengers choose to sleep on the deck, with or without a tent. Lockers are available for securing belongings.

Learn more about cabins and facilities here.