Traveling To Alaska
Traveling to Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula is quite simple—especially compared to reaching more remote parts of the state. All you need to do is fly into Anchorage. From there, you can either rent a car and enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive south to Soldotna, or take a short 20-minute commuter flight from Anchorage to the town of Kenai. Once in Kenai, you can rent a car and reach Soldotna with just a 20-minute drive.
Now that you are here it is time to get serious about the reason you came: ALASKA FISHING!
Getting to the Kenai Peninsula
Traveling to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula is simple and rewarding—especially compared to reaching more remote areas of the state. Whether you choose to drive or fly, your journey from Anchorage to the Kenai is full of breathtaking scenery and classic Alaskan experiences.
Option 1: Scenic Drive from Anchorage
Route: Highway 1 South (also known as the Seward and Sterling Highways)
Distance: ~140 miles
Drive Time: Approximately 2.5 hours to Sterling / 3 hours to Soldotna
From Anchorage, follow Highway 1 south onto the Kenai Peninsula. The drive offers stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and coastal waters—making it one of Alaska’s most scenic routes.
Highlights Along the Way
Turnagain Arm
Just outside Anchorage, you’ll drive between the Chugach Mountains and the shimmering waters of Turnagain Arm. Keep your eyes peeled for Dall sheep on the rocky cliffs and, at low tide, watch for beluga whales offshore.
Portage Glacier
About 52 miles from Anchorage, you’ll reach Portage Glacier, one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers. The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center provides exhibits, films, and an incredible view of the glacier and its surrounding ice field—a must-stop for travelers heading south.
Turnagain Pass
Continuing south, you’ll cross Turnagain Pass at 988 feet—an alpine stretch rich in wildflowers, mountain streams, and sweeping vistas. From here, the highway winds through the rugged Kenai Mountains before splitting into two scenic directions:
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Sterling Highway (Highway 1): Leads toward Sterling, Soldotna, and Homer.
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Seward Highway: Continues toward the coastal town of Seward.
Following the Kenai River
After taking the Sterling Highway, you’ll soon arrive at the headwaters of the legendary Kenai River. This turquoise river begins at Kenai Lake—a glacier-fed jewel surrounded by snowcapped peaks.
The highway parallels the river through Cooper Landing, where the Russian River joins the Kenai. This area is world-famous for its salmon runs and offers some of Alaska’s most iconic fishing and sightseeing opportunities.
Beyond Cooper Landing, the highway climbs a small pass before descending into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Dense spruce forests, open wetlands, and meandering streams make this a haven for wildlife. Watch for moose, eagles, and—if you’re lucky—bears or wolves.
Arriving in Sterling and Soldotna
Roughly 30 minutes after leaving the mountains, you’ll reach Sterling, followed by Soldotna, just 11 miles farther.
These two towns form the heart of Kenai River salmon fishing and serve as a convenient base for exploring the entire peninsula. With modern stores, lodging, and restaurants, you’ll enjoy all the comforts you need surrounded by Alaska’s wild beauty.
Option 2: Quick Flight from Anchorage
If you prefer to fly, you can take a 20-minute commuter flight from Anchorage to the town of Kenai. From there, it’s an easy 20-minute drive to Soldotna. Rental cars are available at the Kenai Airport.
There are two primary airlines that provide service between Anchorage and the town of Kenai:
Grant Aviation:
www.flygrant.com
888-Fly-Grant or
888-359-4726
Kenai Aviation:
www.kenaiaviation.com
888-50-Kenai or
888-505-3624
The Best Way to Explore the Kenai Peninsula
Renting a car and driving the Kenai Peninsula is one of the best ways to experience Alaska. Without dependable ride share services and public transportation, renting a car is actually the only dependable way to get around and is considered a must for anyone visiting the Kenai Peninsula.
Many visitors spend their entire vacation exploring the Kenai Peninsula and still only scratch the surface of what it has to offer. Chances are, by the time you leave, you’ll already be planning your next trip back to Alaska.
Car Rentals in Anchorage:
From Ted Stevens International:
Enterprise: 855-266-9289
Hertz: 800-654-4173
Budget: 800-218-7992
Off airport site Anchorage car rentals:
Midnight Sun Car Rentals: 907-243-8806