Should you drive or ship your car to Anchorage?
What you need to know about driving and parking in Anchorage
What you should see with your car in and around Anchorage
Conclusion
Should you drive or ship your car to Anchorage?
If you are headed to Anchorage, Alaska and you want to take your car with you, you will have two options. You can drive it all the way there or you can ship it there. Driving there can take a while depending on where you are driving from.
Seattle would be one of the shortest drives would be from Seattle, Washington which typically takes just under two days if you drive non-stop. Driving to anchorage from Los Angeles would take about sixty hours if you drove non-stop. Obviously, these drives would take longer than the times we just listed because you must stop for rest along the way.
The other issue with driving to Alaska will be getting across the Canadian border. You will need to have your passport with you, and it will add some considerable time to your trip as well.
You can always ship your car to Anchorage from anywhere in the United States. It will take more time than driving it does, but it will take much less energy and will allow you to take a quick plane ride there yourself and simultaneously get your car to Anchorage. Shipping your car to Anchorage from Seattle will take between six and eight days. From Los Angeles, shipping your car to Anchorage will take between eight and ten days.
What you need to know about driving and parking in Anchorage
Once you have your car in Alaska, you will need to know a few things about driving and parking there. Driving is pretty typical. There is the most traffic that there is anywhere else in Alaska. But that is to be expected because Anchorage has the highest population of any city in Alaska. The traffic we are referring to is a high number of cars, there are rarely traffic jams in Anchorage.
Driving can be a bit more difficult when there is winter weather. The same goes for anywhere else in the world. However, winter weather in Anchorage can be particularly harsh. So, be sure that you keep your car winterized when winter months approach and always keep your eye on the forecast.
Then there is parking. Parking will likely be more of an issue than traffic itself will be in Anchorage. Free parking can be pretty scarce in Anchorage at times. So, if you cannot find parking for free, you can look for a paid option. Anchorage does have some garages where you can pay for a spot.
What you should see with your car in and around Anchorage
Having your car in Anchorage will allow you to do and see a few things that you will not want to miss.
- Anchorage Museum
- The Northern Lights
- Kincaid Park
- Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Conclusion
The most convenient and least stressful way to get your car to Anchorage, Alaska is to ship it there. Driving is an option but it will take several days, require stays in hotels and that you have your passport and spend time at the Canadian and American borders because you have no choice but to travel through Canada. Once you do get your car to Alaska, be ready for driving in some more serious winter weather conditions as well as a limited amount of parking in Anchorage. When you are there, do not miss the opportunity to see some of the states best attractions and sights.
