FerryConnect

USA (Alaska)

Ketchikan → Wrangell

The mainline leg north from Ketchikan up Clarence Strait to Wrangell near the Stikine River delta.

⏱ About 6h🚢 1 operator📅 Weekly mainline sailing each way🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
Book with Alaska Marine Highway System→

Ketchikan to Wrangell ferry at a glance

The ferry from Ketchikan to Wrangell takes About 6h across the Clarence Strait, operated by Alaska Marine Highway System. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: weekly mainline sailing each way.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: dot.alaska.gov · dot.alaska.gov · dot.alaska.gov · dot.alaska.gov · How we verify

Return crossing: Wrangell to Ketchikan

Alaska Marine Highway System also sails Wrangell to Ketchikan, taking About 6h. Southbound Wrangell → Ketchikan sailings run mostly on Wednesdays.

Ketchikan to Wrangell ferry timetable & sailing pattern

One northbound mainline sailing a week (on Sundays: five in October 2026 and January 2027)

Return: Southbound Wrangell → Ketchikan sailings run mostly on Wednesdays.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Alaska Marine Highway System timetable →Check prices & book on Alaska Marine Highway System →

Source: Alaska Marine Highway System schedule grids (Sep 2026 – Mar 2027). Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Ketchikan and Wrangell

📐 89 Nautical Miles
Ketchikan⇄Wrangell
⏱ About 6h · 📐 89 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚓ Operator website

Ready to cross from Ketchikan to Wrangell?

Book your crossing with Alaska Marine Highway System: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Book with Alaska Marine Highway System→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Alaska Marine Highway SystemAbout 6hColumbia, Kennicott

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

89 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Ketchikan terminal is at 3501 Tongass Avenue, 2 miles from town
  • Wrangell terminal is centrally located in town

Tips for the Ketchikan to Wrangell Crossing

  • Pets must stay on the car deck in a carrier or your vehicle; passengers cannot visit the car deck while under way
  • Vehicles check in 2 hours before departure at Ketchikan

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from KetchikanBellingham (Washington) → Ketchikan (Alaska)About 38h – 40h · Alaska Marine Highway SystemAlso sails from KetchikanKetchikan → Hollis (Prince of Wales Island)About 3h · Inter-Island Ferry AuthorityAlso sails from KetchikanKetchikan → JuneauAbout 20h · Alaska Marine Highway SystemAlso sails from KetchikanKetchikan → Metlakatla (Annette Island)About 45m · Alaska Marine Highway SystemOnward from WrangellPetersburg → WrangellAbout 3h 30m · Alaska Marine Highway SystemNearby alternative crossingJuneau → PetersburgAbout 8h · Alaska Marine Highway System
⚓ Ketchikan Ferry Terminal guide⚓ Wrangell Ferry Terminal guide⛴ All ferries from Ketchikan⛴ All ferries from Wrangell🗺 All ferries in United States🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Ketchikan to Wrangell?
The crossing typically takes About 6h. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Ketchikan to Wrangell ferry sail?
One northbound mainline sailing a week (on Sundays: five in October 2026 and January 2027). This is the pattern published in the Alaska Marine Highway System schedule grids (Sep 2026 – Mar 2027) (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Ketchikan to Wrangell?
Alaska Marine Highway System operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Ketchikan to Wrangell ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Ketchikan to Wrangell ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Ketchikan to Wrangell ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Ketchikan from Wrangell by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 89 nautical miles (roughly 165 km).