The Alaska Marine Highway is one of the most unique transportation systems in North America. Rather than roads connecting Southeast Alaska’s coastal communities, ferries serve as the primary link between islands, towns, and the mainland.
For travelers visiting Ketchikan, understanding how the Alaska Marine Highway System works can make arrival and departure days far smoother, especially if you’re arriving by ferry, continuing onward to another community, or combining ferry travel with flights.
This guide breaks down how the Alaska Marine Highway ferry works, what to expect at the Ketchikan ferry terminal, and how to plan your trip efficiently.
The Alaska Marine Highway System (also referred to locally as AMHS) is a state-run ferry network that connects more than 30 coastal communities across Southeast Alaska, Southcentral Alaska, and the Aleutian Islands.
Instead of highways, ferries serve as the main transportation corridor.
The system transports:
For many towns, including Ketchikan, the ferry is not a novelty, it’s daily infrastructure.
Ketchikan plays a major role in the Alaska Marine Highway network.
The Ketchikan ferry terminal is one of the busiest in Southeast Alaska, serving as:
Because of this, ferry schedules, arrival times, and departures are a key part of travel logistics in the city.
The Ketchikan Alaska ferry terminal sits just north of downtown along Tongass Avenue.
It includes:
Right next to the AMHS terminal is the Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA), offering daily service to Prince of Wales Island. It operates independently from the Alaska Marine Highway but is located adjacent to it, giving travelers two major ferry options within steps of one another.
The Landing Hotel is located just across the street, giving travelers an easy place to stay before or after using the AMHS or IFA, as well as a convenient spot to grab a meal during a layover. With The Diner and The Portside Pub & Grill only steps from the terminals, many passengers choose to unwind and enjoy a meal here while waiting for their next sailing.
The Alaska Marine Highway ferry routes connecting Ketchikan vary seasonally, but commonly include:
Some travelers use the ferry as a one-way experience, while others combine ferry travel with flights.
For the right traveler, yes.
The Alaska Marine Highway ferry is ideal for:
It’s less ideal for travelers on tight schedules or those needing fast point-to-point travel.
Currently, the primary southern access point for the AMHS is Bellingham, Washington.
Many travelers choose this option if they are bringing a vehicle or prefer a slower, immersive journey through Alaska’s coastal waterways.
Because ferry schedules often involve early mornings or late arrivals, where you stay in Ketchikan matters.
The Landing Hotel is located:
This proximity eliminates the need for taxis, early alarms, or complicated logistics on travel days.
For guests using the Alaska Marine Highway in Ketchikan, The Landing Hotel offers practical advantages that are hard to match.
Guests appreciate:
Whether you’re arriving by ferry, departing early, or connecting onward, staying nearby removes unnecessary friction.
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