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Anchorage to Homer: Plan Your Alaska Vacation

Writer's picture: Donna HallDonna Hall


Anchorage to Homer Alaska

Traveling from Anchorage to Homer before the completion of the Sterling Highway in 1950 was an entirely different adventure from what we know today.


The journey was rugged and lengthy in those early days, challenging even the most intrepid travelers. The primary mode of transportation involved either rough dirt paths suited more to dog sleds and supply wagons or the sporadic sea route that required good weather and a reliable boat.


Several people traveling in Alaska, including a child, on a stagecoach hitched to four horses.  Behind the coach is a building with a sign reading "Social Hall" under a rack of moose antlers. 1913-1939
Traveling Through Alaska in Style in the 1930's

The journey offered unparalleled opportunities to witness Alaska's raw beauty. Towering mountains and volcanos, turquoise rivers, beautiful beaches, sprawling wildlands, and the occasional sighting of wildlife like bears, moose, and eagles provided a backdrop that few places could match. The sense of adventure and the bond with nature were palpable, giving travelers stories and experiences that would last a lifetime.


Your trip from Anchorage to Homer will be faster and far more comfortable than that of those early adventurers but just as beautiful and thrilling.


Whether flying over glaciers, driving past volcanoes, or cruising the majestic Alaskan coastline, traveling from Anchorage to Homer is an experience you won't forget.


View from a RAVN Alaska Plane flying from Anchorage to Homer Alaska
Capture Beautiful Views Flying from Anchorage to Homer

Flying from Anchorage to Homer Alaska: Spectacular Views from the Sky​​

Flying is the way to go for travelers who want to get to Homer quickly without sacrificing the thrill of Alaska's landscapes. Daily flights from Anchorage on Ravn Alaska and Aleutian Air take about 40 minutes. Those 40 minutes offer some of the most stunning views you'll ever experience from an airplane. Soar over the Chugach Range, the rugged Kenai Peninsula, and the towering volcanoes along Cook Inlet.


Tip: If you fly Alaska Airlines to Anchorage, you may be able to check baggage through to Homer on Ravn Alaska and Aleutian Air. Be sure you have connecting flight numbers available when you check in with Alaska Airlines.


Fly & Drive

To shorten your drive time, fly into Kenai Airport, about 90 minutes from Homer. Once there, you can rent a car and enjoy a scenic drive along the Kenai Peninsula—a great way to combine air travel with fun road trips, and it shortens the drive by about 3 hours.


Anchorage to Homer: Alaska's Most Scenic Road Trip

For those who love the open road, the drive from Anchorage to Homer is widely regarded as one of Alaska's most beautiful road trips. This isn't just a drive—it's a five-hour, 225-mile journey through mountain passes, historic communities, past active volcanoes, and following the glistening waters of Cook Inlet.


You'll leave Anchorage on the Seward Highway. You can head directly to Seward or stop there on your way back to Anchorage.


A moose stands in lush green foliage, gazing forward. The setting is vibrant with dense greenery. Signature "Donna Hall" visible.
Keep Your Eyes Open for Moose!

Tip: Stay up to date about weather and driving conditions.


The split of the Seward Highway to the Sterling Highway occurs at Tern Lake Junction, Milepost 37 on the Seward Highway. Here, you turn onto the Sterling Highway (Alaska Route 1) to continue towards Soldotna, Homer, and other destinations on the Kenai Peninsula. This junction is well-marked and is a significant turning point for travelers heading to the western parts of the peninsula.


Anchorage to Homer: Travel by Bus

Two bus companies provide bus service to Homer:


Volcano View from the Sterling Highway on a road trip from Anchorage to Homer Alaska. Snow-capped mountains under a clear sky, with grassy fields in the foreground.
Volcano Views from Anchorage to Homer are Amazing!

Alaska Volcano Views from Anchorage to Homer

The Kenai Peninsula sits on the Ring of Fire. When the weather is clear, keep an eye out for these stunning volcanoes (Volcanoes are on the Map):


  • Mount Redoubt: Visible around mile markers 65-75 of the Sterling Highway. Mount Redoubt is an active stratovolcano and one of the most prominent in the range. It last erupted in 2009, and its snowy peak and impressive stature are visible on clear days.


  • Mount Iliamna: This volcano can be seen around mile markers 111-125, especially near the stretch closest to Ninilchik and Clam Gulch. It is another active stratovolcano known for its steaming vents, sometimes visible even from a distance.


  • Mount Spurr:  Views of Mount Spurr are best around mile markers 60-70 as you approach Anchorage. This volcano is the closest to Anchorage and has a history of eruptions, with the most recent significant activity occurring in the mid-1990s.


Anchorage to Homer: Stops Along the Sterling Highway


  • Potter Marsh: This wildlife viewing area is just south of Anchorage. It's a birdwatcher's paradise and a perfect spot to see migratory birds, waterfowl, and moose from April through September. A .5-mile accessible boardwalk through the marsh starts in the parking lot, and an accessible bathroom is also there.

  • Beluga Point: This iconic lookout offers stunning views of Turnagain Arm. In the summer, it is one of the best places to spot beluga whales.

  • The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: At this sanctuary, you can get up close and personal with Alaskan wildlife, including bears, moose, and bison.


Top Towns on the Drive from Anchorage to Homer

Girdwood, Alaska, what a gem! 40 miles southeast of Anchorage, this little town is more than just a pit stop—it's a full-on adventure packed into one scenic spot.


Be sure to gas up and use the facilities at Girdwood! The next gas station is located in Cooper Landing.


Cooper Landing is full of scenic treats and a laid-back adventure perfect for the whole family. Located at the confluence of Kenai Lake and Kenai River, it isn't just a spot on the map—it's a gateway to the kind of pristine wilderness that postcards are made of.


Soldotna: Soldotna is a shopping area on the Kenai Peninsula. Fred Meyers, Safeway and Petco are here, so it's the perfect place to stock up. Known for its fishing, Soldotna sits on the Kenai River, where King Salmon reign supreme. It's a great place to grab a bite, stock up on supplies, or take a fishing detour.


Russian Orthodox Church, Ninilchik, Alaska
Russian Orthodox Church, Ninilchik, Alaska

Ninilchik: A historic Russian settlement on the Kenai Peninsula, Ninilchik is a charming stop with a rich cultural heritage. Be sure to visit the Transfiguration of Our Lord Russian Orthodox Church, perched on a hill overlooking the village. Built in 1901, the church offers panoramic views of Cook Inlet and stands as a reminder of Alaska's Russian past.


Anchor Point: This is the home of the Anchor River State Recreations Area. The Halibut Campground is the westernmost point on the North American highway system. Enjoy panoramic views of Cook Inlet, swarms of eagles feasting at low tide, and, on a clear day, the sight of volcanoes rising from the horizon.


Sign reading "Anchor Point, AK: North America's Most Westerly Highway Point" with ocean and trees in the background.
Halibut Campground, Anchor Point, Alaska

This journey culminates in Homer, where the road ends—giving way to the Homer Spit and Kachemak Bay's vast, shimmering waters.


Seward to Homer Alaska

Seward, Alaska, is a picturesque town perched on the edge of Resurrection Bay. It offers stunning vistas, a rich history, and a gateway to the incredible wilderness of the Kenai Peninsula. Established in 1903, Seward is named after William H. Seward, the U.S. Secretary of State who orchestrated the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.


Seward is also famous for its proximity to Kenai Fjords National Park. Here, glaciers meet the ocean, and visitors can the awe-inspiring process of glacial calving.


Seagulls swarm above a group of surfacing whales in a calm blue sea on Resurrection Bay in Seward Alaska with distant rocky mountains under a clear sky in the background.
Whale Watching on Resurrection Bay, Seward Alaska

Boat tours departing from Seward offer breathtaking journeys around the park. The park showcases spectacular fjords and abundant marine life, including whales, seals, and otters.


This scenic town is a historic site and a vibrant community. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and as a hub for marine wildlife enthusiasts. The Alaska Railroad serves it, and it is a cruise ship destination. You can rent a car in Seward, drive to Homer, or take a bus.


Seward to Homer

Head up the Seward Highway to the split with the Sterling Highway. This occurs at Tern Lake Junction, Milepost 37 on the Seward Highway. Turn onto the Sterling Highway (Alaska Route 1) towards Homer.


The drive from Seward to Homer is approximately 170 miles (274 kilometers) and typically takes about 4 hours without significant stops. However, with the scenic views and potential wildlife sightings along the way, you may want to allow extra time.


This route connects two of Alaska's most charming towns and offers a journey filled with spectacular natural beauty. Be sure to have your camera ready and enjoy the diverse landscapes and the quintessential Alaskan experience along the way!


Whittier to Homer

Whittier Alaska, is a cruise port and an Alaska Marine Highway port. It is a unique and remote small town on the Kenai Peninsula, southeast of Anchorage. Known for its picturesque setting surrounded by mountains, it is accessible primarily through a single, long tunnel—the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.  


Take a cruise excursion down the Kenai Peninsula to Homer, rent a car or bring your vehicle on the Alaska Ferry. Just head through the tunnel and turn left onto the Seward Highway to continue down the Kenai Peninsula.


Two people walk along a rocky shoreline at Bishop Beach Homer Alaska with snow-capped mountains and a blue sky in the background, evoking a calm, majestic mood.
Walking Bishop Beach at Low Tide in Homer Alaska

Traveling the Alaska Marine Highway: A Slower, Scenic Adventure

This is one of my favorite ways to travel to Homer. I've traveled between Bellingham, Washington and Whittier 5 times, and every trip has been a unique adventure.


If you love taking your time and soaking in the scenery, and are not looking for cruise amenities, traveling by ferry with the Alaska Marine Highway System is a fantastic way to reach Homer. The ferry departs from Bellingham, Washington, and sails through breathtaking coastal landscapes, stopping before reaching Whittier, Alaska. From there, it's a four-hour drive to Homer along the stunning Sterling Highway.


Alaskan Cruises

Many Cruise itineraries for ships docking in Whittier or Seward include bus excursions to Homer. These bus tours wind through the scenic landscapes of the Kenai Peninsula, offering views of volcanoes, glaciers, and wildlife en route to Homer. Once in Homer, visitors can enjoy various activities such as halibut fishing, bear viewing tours in nearby Katmai or Lake Clark National Parks, and visiting local peony gardens.


Cruise ship and boats docked in Seward Alaksa marina with snow-capped mountains in the background under cloudy skies. Peaceful and scenic maritime view.
Cruise Ship in Port, Seward Alaska

The combination of sea and land-based travel enriches the visitor experience, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of South Central Alaska's diverse ecosystems and cultural highlights.


No matter how you get here, the journey to Homer is part of the adventure. Whether flying high above glaciers, taking in the stunning coastal views by ferry, or driving along one of Alaska's most beautiful highways, every mile brings you closer to the incredible town of Homer. So, start planning, pack your sense of adventure, and explore one of Alaska's most unique and awe-inspiring places!


Travel Insurance - Purchase Piece of Mind

Traveling to Alaska is an incredible adventure. It offers breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences, from exploring glaciers to spotting wildlife. While the rugged wilderness is part of the allure, it's wise to be prepared with travel insurance.


Since many of Alaska's most stunning spots are far from major medical centers, having medical evacuation coverage can ensure that you're taken care of even in the rare event of an emergency.


It's a small step that lets you thoroughly enjoy the thrill of exploring remote, beautiful destinations with complete peace of mind.


Alaska Driving Laws

Driving in Alaska offers unique challenges and experiences, underscored by the state's vast landscapes and often unpredictable weather.


One crucial aspect of driving etiquette here, essential on the less-traveled, winding roads, is the courtesy of moving over if you have more than five cars behind you.


This practice is not just courteous but a legal requirement on Alaska's scenic byways, where slower-moving vehicles must use pullouts to let others pass. He ensures smoother traffic flow and minimizes potential frustration among drivers.


Additionally, drivers should always be prepared for variable conditions and have emergency supplies, especially in remote areas.


Watch for wildlife crossing roads, which is common in rural Alaska. t is vital to show respect for other drivers by signaling early for turns and maintaining a safe following distance.


Patience and preparation are key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey through the Last Frontier's majestic terrains.


Impaired Driving

DUI laws in Alaska are strict and enforced rigorously to curb alcohol- and drug-related accidents. The penalties for a first DUI offense include a minimum of 72 hours in jail, a fine of at least $1,500, and a 90-day driver's license revocation. Have a designated driver, and enjoy your vacation!



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Homer by the Bay is about my explorations of Homer, Alaska, and the Kenai Peninsula.  This unique and beautiful place is full of surprises and delights.  I hope you'll visit soon and discover the magic.  Donna Hall

 

Donna Hall - Author

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