Transportation
Getting here
Sitka is settled on Baranof Island, located on the outer coast of Alaska's Inside Passage. Like most Southeast Alaska communities, Sitka is accessible only by air and by sea. Once in Sitka, visitors can travel by foot, bicycle, rental car, shuttle, transit bus or taxi for those not bringing their car or RV via the ferry. The downtown area is centrally located and most points of interest are within walking distance of one another. Whether you're cruising, ferrying and/or flying to Alaska, be sure your itinerary includes Sitka.
By Air Sitka is served by one of the country's most highly-rated airlines, Alaska Airlines (1-800-426-0333, www.alaskaair.com). Scheduled daily jet service links Sitka directly with Seattle, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Ketchikan. Shuttle service, (907) 747-5800, from the airport to/from local accommodations is available May through September. Visitors can also enjoy incredible sightseeing by chartering smaller commuter air carriers that connect Sitka with outlying areas.
By Sea Sitka is a year-round port of call for the Alaska Marine Highway System (1-800-642-0066, www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/). These state-operated ferries provide an extraordinary opportunity to navigate the Inside Passage at a leisurely pace. Passengers can embark - with or without their vehicle - at Bellingham, Washington (just north of Seattle) and Prince Rupert, B.C. from the south, and in Skagway or Haines, Alaska from the north. A ferry shuttle provides daytime transportation to/from the Sitka Ferry Terminal by reservations (907) 747-5800 or contact a local taxi company in advance.
The protected waterways of the Inside Passage also offer a profound adventure for those who prefer to hoist their own sails and set their own pace with a private boat. For independent mariners, contact the Sitka Harbormaster, (907) 747-3439, for information on Sitka's harbors and transient moorage.
Sitka is also a popular port of call for many cruise lines that sail the Inside Passage. During the months of May through September, there are cruises to suit almost anyone's tastes... from cruise lines that specialize in luxury, to small-ship enterprises that offer more intimate, adventure-oriented expeditions. Make sure Sitka is on your next itinerary!
