Travel Within Alaska: By Plane
In a state defined by its vast size, airplanes are usually the fastest, most efficient way to get between communities in Alaska. For many towns, planes are the only way to get there!
Air is the best option for reaching remote Alaska Native communities, particularly those in the Far North, as well as some coastal communities. Jet service is available from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Ketchikan to the following communities:
- Adak
- Barrow
- Bethel
- Cordova
- Dillingham
- Dutch Harbor
- Glacier Bay / Gustavus
- King Salmon
- Kodiak
- Kotzebue
- Nome
- Petersburg
- Sitka
- Wrangell
- Yakutat
“Bush planes” offer access to hundreds of small villages in remote reaches of the state. Many of these communities do not have visitor infrastructure, though. A good way to see these areas is to visit on a day trip. Many companies offer flightseeing trips with short stops in Alaska Native villages. Some even offer the chance to go on the “mail run,” delivering mail and packages to remote locations with seasoned Bush pilots.
In fact, flightseeing is one of the most popular day trips in Alaska. You can also go flightseeing by helicopter. Helicopter tours often feature landings on mountaintops or glaciers, and many incorporate hiking, dog mushing or other adventurous activities.