When people daydream about Alaska, they usually imagine the vast wilderness, towering mountains, and endless, rugged beauty. But there’s one thing most visitors overlook when planning their adventure: the sheer size of this state. To put it simply, Alaska is enormous.
How about some perspective? You could fit Texas into Alaska more than twice! And because of its size, Alaska’s infrastructure isn’t exactly built for the car-free traveler. You can only access Juneau, the state capital, by boat or plane! But fear not — there are still ways to experience the magic of Alaska without a set of wheels.
While exploring the whole state without a car is all but impossible, getting an authentic Alaskan experience in and around Anchorage is incredibly easy. That’s where we come in! Whether you fly directly to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport or take a bus or train after your cruise docks in Seward or Whittier, we’ll make sure you see the best of what our city and its surroundings have to offer on our guided Anchorage tours.
So, let’s take a closer look at how you can tour Alaska without a car. If you have any questions for our team at any point, please feel free to contact us for the answers you need.
Experience Alaska on Our Guided Anchorage Tours
Anchorage is the most populous city in Alaska and the heartbeat of our state. If you’re looking to explore the Land of the Midnight Sun without a car, this is the best place to be. At Alaskan Sights & Bites we can help you get a taste of Anchorage in every possible way! Our range of walking food tours immerse you in the local culture, history, and culinary scene — and all with no rental car required!
Anchorage is a walkable city, especially downtown, where you’ll find a blend of modern restaurants, historic landmarks, and stunning views of the Chugach Mountains. One of our most popular offerings is the Anchorage Walking Tour – Downtown Food & History. Your guide will take you back through time with stories about the colorful folk who have lived here over the decades.
It’s a three-hour guided walking tour around the heart of the city at a relaxed pace. And best of all, we stop off at carefully selected eateries that serve authentic Alaskan cuisine. From fresh-caught seafood to local craft beers, you’ll get a true taste of Alaska without ever stepping into a vehicle.
But when we need to travel further afield, we have a comfortable, spacious, air-conditioned van to transport guests around in. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, look no further than our Anchorage Wildlife Tour with Lunch. This half-day excursion includes a drive along the picturesque Seward Highway, a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, wildlife-watching, and a Girdwood Culinary and Beer Sampling Experience.
And there’s plenty more besides! Our Anchorage City Tour includes local sightseeing and mouthwatering food by van, and our Chocolate and Wine Tasting Experience in Anchorage, Alaska ensures carless travelers can enjoy a unique, delectable treat for the tastebuds.
With our Anchorage tours, Alaskan culture, history, landscapes, and wildlife are easily accessible to everyone! And with our guides’ famous storytelling skills, you’ll leave us with a newfound appreciation for and knowledge of our city and state.
Ride the Alaskan Railroads!
If you want to explore beyond Anchorage but are still car-free, the Alaska Railroad is your best bet. Running for 470 miles from Seward in the south to Fairbanks in the north, the Alaska Railroad provides an incredible way to see the state without having to drive. There are three primary routes to choose from:
- Denali Star: Typically used to travel between Anchorage and Denali, or Denali and Fairbanks
- Coastal Classic: Usually used to travel between Anchorage and Seward
- Glacier Discovery: Mainly used for day trips into Prince William Sound or roadless wilderness areas
There is a fourth rail route too: Hurricane Turn. However, it only operates on certain days of the week and makes just two stops at Talkeetna and Hurricane.
The train routes offer some of the most scenic views in Alaska, passing through pristine wilderness, beside towering mountains, and along glacial rivers. The Anchorage to Denali stretch, which takes you through the heart of Alaska’s rugged interior and right up to Denali National Park, is especially popular. From there, you can hop on park shuttles or buses (more on those later) to explore the park itself.
The Anchorage to Seward journey is definitely worth your consideration too. It takes you along the breathtaking Turnagain Arm and through lush forests before reaching the coastal town of Seward, where you can board a cruise or explore the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park. You don’t need a car to experience Alaska’s grandeur when you’ve got the Alaska Railroad!
If you have any safety concerns about traveling in Alaska without a car, we think you’ll appreciate our blog How Safe is Alaska to Travel as a Tourist? It’s filled with local insights and tips to help put your mind at ease.
Hop Aboard an Alaskan Cruise!
For those arriving by sea, cruises are a popular way to explore Alaska’s coastal regions. If you want to test your sea legs, you will typically have two cruise options:
- Cross Gulf Cruise
- Inside Passage Cruise
Inside Passage cruises are typically round-trip journeys from Vancouver or Seattle. They head up the coast, stopping at three or four coastal towns, like Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and one of Haines, Sitla, or Victoria, B.C. As a round-trip, the cruise then returns to the original port. Of course, this has the downside of doubling back.
On the other hand, Cross Gulf cruises are one-way trips traveling either northbound or southbound. Whichever direction you take, you will need to fly the other way. This kind of experience has the benefit of maximizing new experiences as there is no return journey to make. Cross Gulf cruises typically sail between Seattle or Vancouver and Anchorage, via the port towns of Seward or Whittier. Generally speaking, the stops on these itineraries are the same as Inside Passage cruises, plus places like Valdez, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, and another gulf town.
While on a cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy whale watching, glacier viewing, and other quintessential Alaskan experiences without needing a car. And once you’re in Anchorage, Alaskan Sights & Bites can show you the best of the area, from the city’s cultural landmarks and food scene to the nearby wilderness. Check out our picks for five unforgettable Alaskan desserts to help you get in the mood!
Make the Most of Bus and Shuttle Services in Alaska
For those who want to travel between towns and destinations on a budget, there are bus and shuttle services available that connect Anchorage with other key locations around the state. The Park Connection Motorcoach is one of the most popular options, offering a scheduled summer service between Anchorage, Seward, Denali, and Talkeetna. While it’s not as fast as driving yourself, these motorcoach services provide comfortable rides with plenty of opportunities to soak in the scenery.
During the busy summer season, buses run twice a day, with convenient morning and afternoon departures. There’s even a special cruise transportation option to both Seward and Whittier on ship days.
In Denali National Park, private vehicles are not allowed past a certain point, but the park offers its own shuttle services to take you deep into the wilderness. These shuttles are a great option for car-free travelers, providing access to hiking trails, wildlife viewing areas, and some of the park’s most remote regions. You can also hop on guided bus tours of the park, which include narration from knowledgeable guides who will point out the park’s wildlife and natural landmarks.
Even without a car, you can easily explore some of Alaska’s most famous sights with the help of these buses and shuttles. And when you’re back in Anchorage, Alaskan Sights & Bites is here to ensure you get the full experience of our vibrant city — whether through a walking tour, a van ride, or a food crawl.
Book Your Spot on Our Guided Anchorage Tours!
We hope this blog has given you ideas and inspiration for how to tour Alaska without a car! Now plan even more adventures here in the Land of the Midnight Sun by browsing our guided Anchorage tours. Let us show you around the place we call home.
If you have any pre-booking queries about our Anchorage excursions, please just contact us. We’re here to help however we can.
