Alaska Highway on a budget. You may be wondering, “How much does it cost to travel Alaska Highway?”, “How much does it cost to do Alaska Highway on a motorcycle?”, “How to travel on a budget (Alaska Highway)”. In this post, I will answer these questions.
The Alaska Highway, also known as the Alcan Highway, is a scenic route that runs from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska. Traveling the Alaska Highway on a budget can be done by planning ahead, being flexible, and being willing to rough it.
How much does it cost to travel Alaska Highway?
The cost of traveling the Alaska Highway can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the mode of transportation, the time of year, and the length of the trip. And, yes, you can travel on a budget!
- Gas: The cost of gas can vary depending on the location and the current market price. However, you should budget for higher gas prices than you may be used to, as some parts of the highway are quite remote and gas stations are few and far between.
- Lodging: The cost of lodging can also vary depending on the location, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 per night for a hotel room. Camping is a budget-friendly option, but be sure to research campground fees in advance.
- Food: Food costs can vary widely depending on where you choose to eat, but you can expect to pay more for meals in the remote areas of the highway.
- Car rental: If you don’t have your own vehicle, car rental can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $50 to $150 per day.
Overall, a rough estimate to travel the Alaska Highway can be around $1000 per person for a two-week trip, but it can also be much more expensive depending on the level of comfort and luxury you desire.
It’s important to note that these are approximate estimates, and costs can vary greatly depending on your individual circumstances. It’s always a good idea to research the costs of different options in advance and budget accordingly.
“How much does it cost to do Alaska Highway on a motorcycle?”
The cost of traveling the Alaska Highway on a motorcycle can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of motorcycle, the time of year, and the length of the trip. However, there are some general cost considerations to keep in mind. Anyway, you can travel on a budget.
- Gas: The cost of gas can vary depending on the location and the current market price. However, you should budget for higher gas prices than you may be used to, as some parts of the highway are quite remote and gas stations are few and far between. It’s also important to consider that a motorcycle may have lower gas mileage than a car.
- Lodging: The cost of lodging can also vary depending on the location, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 per night for a hotel room. Camping is a budget-friendly option, but be sure to research campground fees in advance.
- Food: Food costs can vary widely depending on where you choose to eat, but you can expect to pay more for meals in the remote areas of the highway.
- Motorcycle rental: If you don’t own a motorcycle, renting one can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $50 to $150 per day.
- Insurance and other motorcycle-specific costs: Traveling on a motorcycle also involves some specific costs such as insurance and maintenance. Make sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm that your coverage applies while traveling abroad.
Overall, a rough estimate to travel the Alaska highway on a motorcycle can be around $3000- $5000 per person for a two-week trip, but it can also be much more expensive depending on the level of comfort and luxury you desire. As always, it’s important to research the costs of different options in advance and budget accordingly.
Alaska Highway costs
The costs of traveling the Alaska Highway can be broken down into several categories, including:
- Transportation: This includes costs for gas, rental car or motorcycle rental, insurance, and any other transportation-specific costs. Gas prices can vary depending on the location and market prices, so it’s important to budget for higher prices than you may be used to. If you don’t have your own vehicle, car or motorcycle rental can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $50 to $150 per day.
- Lodging: This includes costs for hotels, campgrounds, or RV parks. Hotel prices can vary depending on the location and level of comfort, with prices ranging from $50 to $200 per night. Camping is a budget-friendly option, but be sure to research campground fees in advance.
- Food: Food costs can vary widely depending on where you choose to eat, but you can expect to pay more for meals in the remote areas of the highway.
- Activities: This includes costs for any activities you may want to do while on the road such as guided tours, fishing, hiking, etc.
- Miscellaneous: This category includes costs for any other expenses that may come up such as souvenirs, parking, tolls, and any unexpected expenses like car repairs or medical costs.
It’s important to research the costs of different options in advance and budget accordingly to make sure you have enough money for all the expenses. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate depending on the season, so it’s good to have a cushion for unexpected expenses.
Alaska Highway on a budget BEST TIPS:
To travel on a budget on the Alaska Highway, consider the following tips:
1. Take advantage of free or low-cost activities
Alaska Highway has many beautiful natural parks, hiking trails, and fishing spots that are free to access. This will help you travel on a budget (Alaska Highway).
2. Be flexible with your itinerary
If you’re not tied to a strict schedule, you may be able to take advantage of last-minute Alaska Highway deals or specials.
3. Plan your Alaska Highway trip in advance
Research costs for transportation, lodging, and activities and make reservations in advance to take advantage of any discounts or deals.
4. Research
Research campgrounds and RV parks along the way and make reservations in advance. Try to find places that fit your low budget.
5. Consider alternative lodging options
Camping is a budget-friendly option, and many campgrounds and RV parks have affordable rates. You can also look into staying in hostels or renting a cabin or yurt.
6. Pack your own food
Eating out can be expensive, so consider packing your own meals or cooking your own food while on the road.
7. Look for discounts and deals
Many places and activity providers offer discounts for groups, military, veterans, and senior citizens, so be sure to ask about any available discounts when making reservations. Many local businesses offer discounts for visitors, so be sure to ask about any available deals when making reservations or purchasing tickets.
Check my list of the best free attractions and activities along the Alaska Highway: Alaska Highway – TOP 10 FREE Things & Activities To Do On ALCAN
8. Be prepared
Bring your own camping gear if you plan on camping. Be prepared for unexpected expenses like car repairs or gas price fluctuations.
9. Consider traveling during the shoulder season
The peak tourist season on the Alaska Highway is typically from mid-June to mid-August. Traveling during the shoulder seasons, such as May or September, can help you save money on lodging and activities. This is a great tip to travel on a budget on the Alaska Highway.
10. All in one
Look for campsites that offer amenities such as showers, toilets, and fire rings to save money on facilities. Look for group camping options to split costs with friends or family.
By keeping these tips in mind and being flexible with your plans, you can have a great time in Alaska without breaking the bank. Enjoy your Alaska Highway trip on a budget!
👍 Find out more:
Discover the best stops along the Alaska Highway in my travel guide, “Alaska Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops”, which is available on Amazon. This is the ultimate travel guide and pocket reference for anyone wishing to experience the adventure and wonder of THE ALASKA HIGHWAY! MUST-HAVE for all Alaska Highway travelers. Visit 202 places on the ALCAN with “Scan QR and go” for easy navigation.
Author:
Mark Watson is a California-based member of a Los Angeles Motorcycle Club and a keen traveler. He’s traveled the entirety of U. S. Route 66 seven times on his Harley-Davidson. He strives to interest others in the historic drive to keep the legendary Route 66 alive. He also traveled through the Alaska Highway. He is an author of bestseller books on Amazon: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places” and “Alaska Highway – 202 Best Stops”.