Getting Here

There are three ways to get to Eielson Air Force Base: drive your vehicle up the Alaska Highway, ride the Alaska Marine Highway ferry, or fly.

Both the driving and ferry options might be considered vacations in themselves and could be one of the highlights of your career. Because there are several unique ways to travel to Alaska, contact the transportation management office before making travel plans. The local TMO office can explain each mode of travel and its specific monetary entitlement to you. You are encouraged to contact the Eielson TMO office for information on the most current official policies and regulations to assist you in deciding how to get to Eielson.

The Alaska Highway
www.alaska-highway.org
If you've ever dreamed of driving the Alaska Highway, known as the ALCAN, get ready for the trip of a lifetime. Traveling from the Lower 48 through Canada, into the Yukon Territory and finally into Alaska is nothing less than spectacular. The trip takes you through some of the most remote and wild expanses left in North America, with snow-covered mountain ranges of majestic peaks and glacial streams, countless crystal-clear, fish-filled lakes, and forests filled with wildlife and big game. It is truly nature at its finest. You are also likely to experience good, old-fashioned hospitality along the way from some of the friendliest folks you'll ever meet.

Driving the Alaska Highway is easy. Unlike many bases in the United States, the directions to get here are fairly simple. Once you reach the start of the Alaska Highway at Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada, just point your vehicle north and 1,500 miles later you'll reach the main gate! There are several major routes leading to Dawson Creek, including roads from Seattle, Wash., Great Falls, Mont., and the eastern United States via Canada. Once you reach Dawson Creek, grab a travel guide for a list of scenic attractions, the best places to spot wildlife, mileage between towns, and the locations of restaurants, hotels and gas stations along the highway. Given the remoteness of the area, knowing this information is critical to both your enjoyment and safety—even more so in the winter when most businesses close and traffic on the road noticeably declines.

Preparing for the drive
Most people who decide to drive the Alaska Highway choose to do so during the late spring through early fall. Although the entire road is completely paved, several hundred miles each year must be refurbished to keep it in good condition. Expect to drive on temporary gravel detours—often running 20 to 50 miles at a stretch—during the summer road construction season. Unfortunately, the gravel on these detours can damage windshields, headlights, radiators, tires and gas tanks. Many people find it prudent to install protective equipment beforehand, such as plastic headlight covers, grill/radiator deflectors, and some type of hard covering over the gas tank. Be sure to carry a spare tire.

Winter Travel
PCS travelers are authorized to drive the Alaska Highway year round, including the winter months (mid-October to mid-April). Be aware when the summer tourist season ends, many facilities along the highway close for the year, including gas stations. Alaska-Canada travel guides indicate which facilities will be open during the winter. Winterize your vehicle prior to the trip. A block heater, oil pan heater, transmission pan heater and a battery pad or battery blanket are the standard items. Studded snow tires should be considered, and tire chains should be carried for winter trips. Finally, be sure to carry appropriate cold-weather emergency equipment, including warm clothing, extra blankets or sleeping bags, a small folding shovel, safety flares, flashlight, matches, food, a signaling device and a first aid kit.

Driving through Canada
It's important to remember Canada has unique import and export laws and regulations. Be aware while crossing into Canada and while traveling through the entire Canadian region, you must comply with several Canadian firearm regulations and restrictions. For the most up-to-date information and required forms go to www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/index-eng.htm. Pets require a current health certificate which must be less than 30 days old. Also, be sure to carry a birth certificate and government issued ID for each individual. Passports are now a requirement for military dependents and civilians driving through the Canadian border. For more information about driving to Alaska, visit your Airman & Family Readiness Center.

Driving with Family members
Military members with dependents are authorized to drive one vehicle and ship another at government expense. Single members are authorized to drive one vehicle or ship another at government expense. Special rules apply if you will be utilizing the Alaska Marine Highway ferry, check with TMO for more information. During the drive, you will collect travel pay and per diem for each authorized travel day. Travel pay includes mileage. Current per diem and travel pay rates are available at www.defensetravel.dod.mil. You can also drive and collect travel pay to Seattle, ship your vehicle from there and then fly to Fairbanks using a government travel request. Whether you drive all the way, or part of the way and then use the ferry system, your mode of travel must be authorized on your PCS orders. Keep a good record of the dates and times associated with your trip to Alaska, especially when you change modes of transportation and cross the Canadian border. You will need this information when you file your travel voucher.  read more...

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