This is an updated version of a post originally published in 2018.
Alright, so you've decided that you're going to do it. You're actually coming to Alaska for the Iditarod. But how are you getting here and where are you going to stay? We'll focus on getting to Anchorage/The Start in this post and will do Nome separately. If you're worried about the Fairbanks ReStart, we'll do that separately too so that it is only relevant in for sure Fairbanks years (hopefully never, but it's up to Mother Nature for that).
I am in no way a travel planner or expert, most of my opinions come from my experiences or tips I've gotten from others on the subject. I do not get a kick back or perks.
Airlines
While it is possible to drive to Alaska, and the Al-Can Highway is an amazing adventure (I do NOT recommend driving it in a uhaul with two other people in the cab), it's not recommended. So your best option is to fly.
Anchorage has one airport (not counting the small plane airport, and other air strips). The Ted Stevens International Airport services flights from all major domestic airlines - but not all year. Domestic airlines that fly to Anchorage in winter are as follows: Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines. International flights seem to be a little trickier, I can't seem to find any that come through in March - so your best bet might actually be to fly to a major hub in the United States and transfer to a domestic flight from there to Anchorage.
It's worth noting that if you go to the airline websites and apply for their credit card you will often see a huge signing bonus with airmiles that could easily cover the round trip fare. Always shop around and don't just look at round trip fare, sometimes you can save a few miles or bucks by booking two one ways.
Be aware that if you fly United or American Airline you will most likely transfer to an Alaska or Delta flight when you reach a hub like Seattle or Portland. This is not always the case, but if you are coming from the East Coast this has more of a chance of happening.
Ground Transportation
With Anchorage being the major hub for all of Alaska, there are plenty of options for transportation in and around the city. They have a fairly decent public transportation system with the People Mover, which are buses that service all over the city and run right by the major spots for the Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod. Several cab companies are available, as are the popular ride sharing apps. Walking can also be an option - but it can be chilly, and in a new city do you really want to hope you don't get lost?
The People Mover runs seven days a week with Monday - Friday starting at 6am and ending between 8pm-10:30pm depending on the route, Saturdays from 8am to 8pm, and Sundays from 8am to 6pm (subject to change, and again depending on the route, some close up much earlier). Most routes have a bus stopping every 15 minutes at any given bus stop. They have an app that you can download to track your particular route, purchase bus fare, and check schedules. Fares begin at $2.00 a ride or $5.00 for a day pass. If you're planning to use this system for more than 6 days, there is an option to purchase a week pass for $26. The week pass must be used consecutively, so price it out accordingly when budgeting. If you are 60 and over, or you have a child aged 5 years to 17 years old, you can get what is called a Half Pass, which just means your fair is half the cost of the regular fare. You must have proof of age with you when you board. You must also complete an application ahead of time which you can find on their website.
For cabs there are three major players in Anchorage. There's AK Checker Cab, whose cars are orange with a black and white checkered strip on the sides. Base fare is $2.75, with $3.00 per mile after that. Their phone number is 907-276-1234. They have cabs running all hours day and night, every day of the year. The other is Alaska (or Anchorage) Yellow Dispatch, which you can guess is a bright yellow cab. Base fare is $2.75, with $3.00 per mile. Phone number is 222-2222.
Uber runs in Anchorage, and can range from 15 - 40 dollars (or more) depending on how far you have to go. I know in the states for the same distance/time it's less, but, welcome to Alaska. Lyft, also, runs in Anchorage and the fares are the same as Uber. Both services are wonderful IMO, but it's my understanding that there are more Uber drivers in Anchorage than Lyft. I typically have my own vehicle, so my experiences with either company are not in Anchorage but are outside of Alaska (I prefer Lyft).
Speaking of driving your own car, there is always the option of rental cars. All major rental car companies operate in Anchorage. I won't go through the list as they're fairly standard. You can typically get a good deal through Expedia, Orbitz, or other travel sites... or by contacting the local rental car offices directly.
Hotels
Anchorage is one of the major hubs for tourism so there are a lot of lodging options. Hotels range from Hostel to Five Star. There are many great options for every budget and I'll highlight the ones that make the most sense for Iditarod and I'll warn you about the ones to stay away from no matter what the savings are. These are, again, my own opinions and experiences unless otherwise noted. I do not get any perks for recommendations, and I am not trying to be malicious when I state which hotels I would avoid at all cost.
The Wildbirch Hotel (jdv by Hyatt) - The new Iditarod HQ during the race, the Wildbirch is located in the old Aviator Hotel. Rennovations were still underway during the 2026 Iditarod, but the main parts of the hotel and most of the rooms were updated. It is a different beast than the old location, and some long time fans and volunteers missed the open lobby/fireplace where they could all gather. One of the biggest pluses going for this hotel is location. You step outside and you're right in the action. You're just a hop skip and jump away from the Fur Rondy Carnival and the Starting line of the Iditarod. Rooms range from $287-$380 per "most nights" looking at the rates for the week around the 2027 Iditarod Start.
It's worth noting that if you go to the airline websites and apply for their credit card you will often see a huge signing bonus with airmiles that could easily cover the round trip fare. Always shop around and don't just look at round trip fare, sometimes you can save a few miles or bucks by booking two one ways.
Be aware that if you fly United or American Airline you will most likely transfer to an Alaska or Delta flight when you reach a hub like Seattle or Portland. This is not always the case, but if you are coming from the East Coast this has more of a chance of happening.
Ground Transportation
With Anchorage being the major hub for all of Alaska, there are plenty of options for transportation in and around the city. They have a fairly decent public transportation system with the People Mover, which are buses that service all over the city and run right by the major spots for the Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod. Several cab companies are available, as are the popular ride sharing apps. Walking can also be an option - but it can be chilly, and in a new city do you really want to hope you don't get lost?
The People Mover runs seven days a week with Monday - Friday starting at 6am and ending between 8pm-10:30pm depending on the route, Saturdays from 8am to 8pm, and Sundays from 8am to 6pm (subject to change, and again depending on the route, some close up much earlier). Most routes have a bus stopping every 15 minutes at any given bus stop. They have an app that you can download to track your particular route, purchase bus fare, and check schedules. Fares begin at $2.00 a ride or $5.00 for a day pass. If you're planning to use this system for more than 6 days, there is an option to purchase a week pass for $26. The week pass must be used consecutively, so price it out accordingly when budgeting. If you are 60 and over, or you have a child aged 5 years to 17 years old, you can get what is called a Half Pass, which just means your fair is half the cost of the regular fare. You must have proof of age with you when you board. You must also complete an application ahead of time which you can find on their website.
For cabs there are three major players in Anchorage. There's AK Checker Cab, whose cars are orange with a black and white checkered strip on the sides. Base fare is $2.75, with $3.00 per mile after that. Their phone number is 907-276-1234. They have cabs running all hours day and night, every day of the year. The other is Alaska (or Anchorage) Yellow Dispatch, which you can guess is a bright yellow cab. Base fare is $2.75, with $3.00 per mile. Phone number is 222-2222.
Uber runs in Anchorage, and can range from 15 - 40 dollars (or more) depending on how far you have to go. I know in the states for the same distance/time it's less, but, welcome to Alaska. Lyft, also, runs in Anchorage and the fares are the same as Uber. Both services are wonderful IMO, but it's my understanding that there are more Uber drivers in Anchorage than Lyft. I typically have my own vehicle, so my experiences with either company are not in Anchorage but are outside of Alaska (I prefer Lyft).
Speaking of driving your own car, there is always the option of rental cars. All major rental car companies operate in Anchorage. I won't go through the list as they're fairly standard. You can typically get a good deal through Expedia, Orbitz, or other travel sites... or by contacting the local rental car offices directly.
Hotels
Anchorage is one of the major hubs for tourism so there are a lot of lodging options. Hotels range from Hostel to Five Star. There are many great options for every budget and I'll highlight the ones that make the most sense for Iditarod and I'll warn you about the ones to stay away from no matter what the savings are. These are, again, my own opinions and experiences unless otherwise noted. I do not get any perks for recommendations, and I am not trying to be malicious when I state which hotels I would avoid at all cost.
The Wildbirch Hotel (jdv by Hyatt) - The new Iditarod HQ during the race, the Wildbirch is located in the old Aviator Hotel. Rennovations were still underway during the 2026 Iditarod, but the main parts of the hotel and most of the rooms were updated. It is a different beast than the old location, and some long time fans and volunteers missed the open lobby/fireplace where they could all gather. One of the biggest pluses going for this hotel is location. You step outside and you're right in the action. You're just a hop skip and jump away from the Fur Rondy Carnival and the Starting line of the Iditarod. Rooms range from $287-$380 per "most nights" looking at the rates for the week around the 2027 Iditarod Start.
The Lakefront Anchorage - The former location for the Iditarod HQ, the Lakefront is just minutes away from the Airport (and has a free shuttle to and from). It's a quick drive to Downtown Anchorage where the Start is. Some Iditarod functions still happen at the Lakefront, including the "Return Dogs" program. Dogs that are flown off of the Iditarod trail for one reason or another are brought to the Lakefront because it rests on the Float Plane lake (that is frozen over and small planes land on it using skis). There are a few other logistical offices continuing to work out of the Lakefront. Rooms for the week of Iditarod 2027 start at $160 and go up to $347 a night depending on the room type.
The Hilton Anchorage - is just one street down from the start, in fact you'll probably exit your hotel to find dog teams setting up for the race. The Hilton also offers great views of Anchorage, the Inlet, and the mountains. The Hilton holds a bar and a cafe inside, but is within walking distance of some great places to eat as well. According to the website, rooms start at $220 a night (depending on the night).
Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa - A little further away from the starting line is the Sheraton on 6th avenue. The hotel is close to where the teams turn off of 4th avenue onto Cordova. That area of the trail is a great spot to watch the teams go by, watch teams make the sharp corner is exciting and fun and the barricade is loosened more there. Rooms start at $243 and go up to $367 a night.
Comfort Inn Ship Creek - Further out of the way on Ship Creek is the Comfort Inn. While not right where the action is, you're close to the Ulu Factory and it's not too terribly far for a walk to downtown Anchorage (if I can make the walk, anyone can). This hotel sits across from the Anchorage Railroad depot, but there shouldn't be too much noise in March. A few mushing teams typically stay here (Comfort Inn has sponsored SPKennel in the past, for example). No restaurant on site, but there are many within walking distance and you can always uber it OR you can order in.
The Westmark Hotel and The Hotel Captain Cook are also a little out of the way and a little spendy, but if you're looking for a very nice stay either one of those could do the trick.
Hotels to Avoid
Please note that I do not do this maliciously. I have nothing against the employees or owners. Just my experience, the experience of others, and... well... news and police reports.
Mush Inn Motel - Yeah, the name is PERFECT for the Iditarod, but do not be fooled. Just looking at the building could make you contract some sort of parasite. This is a well known establishment that has rooms you can rent by the hour if you get my meaning. I mean, if that's your thing, then go for it I suppose, but not if you're wanting a good night sleep. The TripAdvisor reviews back me up - and are actually pretty entertaining to read should you be looking for a few laughs.
Puffin Inn - I have friends that swear by this hotel, but guys they have another shooting or knifing in the parking lot every other night it seems. Just not a very safe place. Another one that has a lot of ladies of the night and drugs going on. Of the hotels that I say not to use, this one is probably the one I worry about least, but if you DO stay at the Puffin, don't let me know. The TripAdvisor reviews are all over the map, but most agree that this isn't the best option.
Black Angus Inn - The midtown version of the Mush Inn. So much crime here, how do they even stay open?! Bed bugs are reported, and I bet those aren't the only infestation you'd get. There are bars on the outside of the windows, my guess is to make the repeat offender criminals feel at home. TripAdvisor reviews are terrifying for this one. Don't book there. Just, don't.
There are many other hotel options in Anchorage. I went with ones that make most sense for getting to the Iditarod events. I left off a few from my original blog post as they have become less budget friendly or they simply do not exist as hotels anymore (I miss my Inlet Tower room!) Lately we've been using the Motel 6 in Midtown. Nothing fancy but the rooms are clean (if not a bit worn).
Have a favorite hotel I didn't put on my list - or one that should be on the AVOID list? Let me know in the comments.
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I can put in a good word for Jewel Lake Bed and Breakfast. I've stayed there and found it to be very cozy, with access to a full kitchen and laundry facilities if you need it. It's easiest if you have a rental car, but I suppose an Uber or cab could work too.
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