Route Briefing: Washington D.C. to Anchorage
Trading the historic halls of the nation's capital for Alaska's wilderness is a 7-hour-and-30-minute cross-country journey covering 3,320 miles. United Airlines and Delta connect the DC metro area (DCA, IAD, BWI) with Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).
Anchorage is an outdoor adventurer's wonderland surrounded by the dramatic peaks of Chugach State Park and the waters of Cook Inlet. Walk or bike the scenic 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to spot beluga whales and grazing moose, or explore indigenous culture at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. In downtown Anchorage, sample fresh Alaskan halibut, wild salmon, and king crab legs, followed by handcrafted local ales and reindeer pizza at the legendary Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria along Old Seward Highway.
Scoring a roundtrip economy fare under $260 is an exceptional deal on this route, where standard summer tickets usually range from $380 to $540+. June through August is peak season during the magical midnight sun, making early booking 2 to 4 months in advance essential for the best flight and car rental rates.