Welcome To Alaska's Inter-Island Ferry Authority

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IFA part of the Alaska Marine Highway?

No. The Inter-island Ferry Authority is a public, non-profit Corporation, organized under Alaska's Municipal Port Authority Act and governed by a Board of Directors. One Director from each community of Craig, Klawock, Hydaburg, Thorne Bay, Coffman Cove, Wrangell, Petersburg and one At-Large.

Are there connecting transportation services from Ketchikan or Hollis?

Yes, In Ketchikan there are regularly scheduled Gateway Borough buses which travel north to WalMart, Shoreline area and the Ward Cove industrial site, and south to downtown, Saxman and the Fawn Mountain School. Ketchikan has many Taxi operators listed in their phone directory. Some hotels offer shuttles. Ketchikan also has Car Rental businesses. There is a cab/shuttle business on Prince of Wales Island for transportation from Hollis. Call 907-401-1414 for rates and reservations.

Is there a Toll-Free number for reservations?

Yes, Call 866-308-4848 for reservations, Monday thru Friday 8:00 Am thru 7:00 PM, or Saturday and Sunday's from 5:30 PM thru 7:00 PM, Alaska time.

Do I need to make a reservation for the ferry?

Yes, to guarantee space, the IFA recommends making reservations. Reservations also speed up your checkin times at the terminals on the day of sailing.

If I purchase an OPEN ticket, how long is it valid? One year from the purchase date.

If I cancel, creating a credit balance, how long do I have to use the credit? One year from the first day of travel of the original reservation date.

Can I receive a refund for my paid reservation, if I decide not to travel? Yes. There is a $10.00 Refund

fee, if requesting a refund within 7 days of the first date of the reservation. Depending on the method of payment, an Agent can advise you how it will be refunded. (Refunded back to the original credit card used, or a check mailed to you from the Accounting Department)

Are there terminals or other places to purchase tickets ahead of travel?

Yes, The IFA has a counter located in the lobby of the Alaska Marine Highway Terminal in Ketchikan, and an IFA Terminal in Hollis. Ticketing can also be done online.

How big are the vessels?

The sister ships are 95 gross tons and 198' in length and 51' in breadth. The both have bow thrusters and twin 1500 horse power diesels. Their surface speed is 15 knots. The MV Prince of Wales has a capacity of 160 passengers and 30 vehicles and the MV Stikine has a capacity of 190 passengers and 30 vehicles. (figuring 20 feet per vehicle)

What are the limitations of my vehicle?

The height limit is 14.6 and the overall length is 55 feet. Longer vehicles can be accomodated by calling the IFA Operations Manager with information on the wheel base. The width limit is 9 feet but wider can be accomodated by calling the IFA Operations Manager and additional charges may apply. 60,000 lbs is the vehicle limit and one per sailing. More may be accomodated by calling the IFA Operations Manager. Fares for towed vehicles or trailers are calculated at combined connected length of both vehicles. Vehicles may not be disconnected for travel at separate rates on the same sailing.