Overview
Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and the natural gateway to the state's glaciers, national parks and wildlife. Hemmed in by the Chugach Mountains and the tidal waters of Cook Inlet, it pairs an easy-going urban base with genuine wilderness on its doorstep. For UK travellers it is the logical starting point for a Kenai Peninsula road trip, the Alaska Railroad to Denali, or a summer cruise. Use the price charts on this page to see how fares to Anchorage move through the year.
Best time to fly to Anchorage
Peak season is June to August, with long daylight hours, temperatures in the mid-teens to low 20s Celsius and the best wildlife viewing. May and September are the sweet spot for value, thinner crowds, autumn colour and the first chance of the northern lights. Winter (roughly October to March) is cold and dark but rewards visitors with aurora, skiing at Alyeska and the ceremonial start of the Iditarod in Anchorage in early March. The When to book chart above shows how prices shift by month.
Airlines and routes
There are no non-stop flights from the UK to Anchorage, so every routing involves at least one connection. Most travellers change at a US hub: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, United and American Airlines link Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh with cities such as Seattle, Chicago, Dallas, Newark and Minneapolis, with the final leg operated by Alaska Airlines or Delta. Seattle to Anchorage takes about three and a half hours. Icelandair offers an alternative via Reykjavik. Allow roughly 13 to 16 hours in total from London including the layover.
Things to do in Anchorage
Anchorage works well as a two or three day stop before heading deeper into Alaska.
- Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: an 11-mile walking and cycling path along Cook Inlet with moose, Beluga sightings and mountain views.
- Anchorage Museum: strong collections on Alaska Native cultures, art and the far north.
- Alaska Native Heritage Center: traditional dwellings, storytelling and dance just outside the centre.
- Flattop Mountain: the city's most popular hike, in Chugach State Park, with panoramic summit views.
- Turnagain Arm drive: a scenic coastal route to Girdwood, Portage Glacier and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
At Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
The airport sits about 6 miles (10 km) southwest of downtown, a drive of around 15 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing are the quickest option, the People Mover route 40 bus runs into town cheaply, and many hotels offer shuttles. All the major car hire firms have desks at the terminal, and a hire car is well worth having for day trips beyond the city.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Anchorage
- Book summer travel around two to five months ahead and watch the price charts on this page for dips.
- Fly midweek and consider shoulder season in May or September for noticeably lower fares.
- Keep your dates flexible; a connection through Seattle is often the cheapest gateway.
- Compare British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta and United, checking the price of the onward Alaska Airlines leg as part of the whole journey.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa but must hold an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Programme for stays of up to 90 days, and this applies even if you are only connecting through a US airport. The currency is the US dollar; cards are accepted almost everywhere, so budget in pounds and tell your bank you are travelling. No special vaccinations are required. Pack warm, waterproof layers whatever the season, and follow local guidance on bears and wildlife.
