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Looking for cheap flights to St. Marys, Alaska? You are heading to the crossroads of the Yukon and Andreafsky rivers! Known locally as Algaaciq, St. Marys is a bustling sub-regional hub that serves as the gateway to the lower Yukon Delta. Whether you are traveling for subsistence fishing, government work, or to explore the pristine Andreafsky Wilderness, CompareWings helps you navigate the unique logistics of bush travel.
St. Marys offers a unique blend of modern logistics and traditional Yup'ik culture. Situated on the rolling hills overlooking the confluence of two great rivers, it provides access to some of the best salmon fishing in the state.
Unlike many smaller villages, St. Marys has a larger runway and more infrastructure, making it a reliable jumping-off point for adventurers heading to Pilot Station, Mountain Village, or into the Andreafsky River wilderness area.
If you’re looking for a flight deal for St. Marys, it’s recommended to look for departures on Monday. Sunday tends to have higher prices.
Historically, December has been the cheapest month for flights to St. Marys. On the other hand, the most expensive months tend to be May.
Flying to rural Alaska is expensive, but there are ways to manage the cost. Here are the best tips for booking flights to St. Marys:
Book the Trunk Route (ANC-KSM): The most direct way to reach St. Marys is the "trunk" flight from Anchorage. These flights are often operated by larger turboprops and can be cheaper than connecting through Bethel. Book this leg as early as possible.
Check Connection Hubs: Compare prices between flying directly from Anchorage (ANC) versus connecting through Bethel (BET). Sometimes the connection via Bethel offers more schedule flexibility.
Be "Weather Aware": Flights to St. Marys can be delayed by fog or wind. If you are connecting to a smaller village like Pitkas Point or Pilot Station, leave plenty of buffer time in your itinerary.
Watch Baggage Allowances: If you are bringing hunting gear or planning to fly home with a box of frozen fish, check the baggage fees for regional carriers like Grant Aviation or Ryan Air, as they charge by the pound for excess weight.
St. Marys is accessible only by air (and river boat in summer). It serves as the primary aviation hub for the surrounding villages:
Accommodation options in bush Alaska are functional and limited. You typically won't find chain hotels, but rather local hospitality.
St. Mary's Lodge: The primary lodging option for contractors and visitors. It typically offers simple rooms and meals, which are essential as restaurants are scarce.
Bed & Breakfasts: A few local families operate B&Bs. These are often the best way to learn about the local lifestyle and get tips on river conditions.
School District Housing: If you are visiting for educational purposes, coordinate with the St. Marys City School District, as they sometimes have housing for visiting staff.
Note: St. Marys is a "damp" community (sale of alcohol is prohibited, but importation for personal use is allowed with permits). Always check current local ordinances before traveling.
Service is provided by regional Alaskan carriers specializing in rugged terrain:
St. Marys is the jumping-off point for the Andreafsky and Yukon river adventures.
The Andreafsky River: A designated Wild and Scenic River. It is world-renowned for its runs of King and Chum salmon and offers incredible remote float trips.
The Yukon River: Witness the sheer scale of Alaska's largest river. In summer, the river is the highway, busy with skiffs traveling between villages.
Berry Picking on the Tundra: In late summer (August/September), the hills around St. Marys turn purple and orange with blueberries and cloudberries (salmonberries). It's a favorite local pastime.
Winter Potlatch: If you visit in winter, you may be lucky enough to witness a traditional Potlatch, a gathering of dancing, drumming, and gift-giving that celebrates Yup'ik culture.
Here’s why travelers trust CompareWings for booking flights to the Alaskan Bush:
Ready to experience the heart of the Yukon Delta? St. Marys welcomes you. Let us help you find the best way north.
Compare, book, and save on flights to St. Marys today — only at CompareWings!
The most common route is to fly from Anchorage (ANC) to St. Marys (KSM). The flight takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Bethel (BET) and take a smaller connecting commuter flight.
No, St. Marys is not connected to the contiguous road system. There is a local road connecting St. Marys to the nearby village of Pitkas Point and Andreafsky, but access to the outside world is only by plane or boat.
Summer (June to August) is the best time for fishing and boating. September is excellent for berry picking and hunting. Winter offers snowmachine travel and cultural festivals, but temperatures can be extreme.
Yes, GCI provides mobile service in St. Marys. AT&T and other carriers may have limited or roaming coverage, but GCI is the primary provider for the region.
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