Alaskan Travel Pass Available in Winter

AlaskaPass, which offers unlimited travel via train, ferry and bus from gateways in Washington and British Columbia, as well as Alaska, and was previously offered only during the summer months, is now available year-round through a separate off-season pass. This pass is good through April 30. The 1992 summer pass will run from May 21 through Sept. 14.

Depending on the itinerary, travelers can save anywhere from $80 to $500 off regular rates for travel in the Alaska area with the off-season pass. Among participating companies are the Alaska Railroad, Alaska Marine Highway System, BC Rail, BC Ferries, Greyhound Lines of Canada and Island Coach Lines. A one-way flight between Juneau and Anchorage on Alaska Airlines also comes with the pass.

The off-season pass comes in eight- and 15-day blocks. For eight days, the price is $449; for 15 days, $529. During the summer months, there are more options in the length and flexibility of the pass. Two new services for 1992 include: a Greyhound bus ride from Vancouver or Prince George, B.C., to Whitehorse, Alaska, and a BC ferry from Prince Rupert to the Queen Charlotte Islands, B.C. In addition, there’s bus service from Anchorage to Seward, Whittier and Valdez--all ferry connection points--via Alaskon Express.

An eight-day summer pass costs $479; 15 days, $569; 22 days, $699, and 30 days, $799.

Travelers can also choose a pass that allows travel on any 12 days out of a 21-day period for $589, or any 21 days out of a 45-day period for $849.

Children 3-11 travel at about one-third the regular price.