Is there a direct flight?

No, you must connect through Seattle or another major hub.

How long is the ferry?

The ferry to Bellingham takes approximately 38 hours.

Only if you take the ferry to the road system in Bellingham.

What is the best airport?

Dane County Regional Airport is the closest to downtown Madison.

Amtrak serves Madison via bus connection from Milwaukee.

Ketchikan

Madison

Flight Ship

Ketchikan to Madison

Updated: 30 May 2026

Traveling from Ketchikan to Madison requires a multi-modal approach starting with the Alaska Marine Highway System. You must first take a ferry to Bellingham or Prince Rupert before connecting to a major airport. From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, you can fly directly or with one stop to Dane County Regional Airport. The total distance exceeds 3,000 miles, making air travel the only practical final leg. Expect a journey duration of at least 18 to 24 hours depending on layovers.

Total Distance: Driving distance 4,800 km, straight-line air distance 3,200 km.

Fastest Way

Flight from Ketchikan International Airport to Seattle, then connecting to Madison.

Cheapest Way

Ferry to Bellingham followed by a budget airline flight from SEA to MSN.

Compare Ketchikan to Madison Routes

	Flight Connecting	Ship Direct
Duration	8 hours	38 hours
Avg Price	$400 - $900	$300 - $600
Operator	Alaska Airlines	Alaska Marine Highway
Route	SEA to MSN via MSP or ORD	Ketchikan to Bellingham Ferry Terminal
Tip	Check baggage weight limits strictly for regional connecting flights.	Book your vehicle space months in advance as ferry capacity is limited.

Travel Tips

Ferry Booking
Use the Alaska Marine Highway website to reserve your cabin early.
Airport Transit
Use the Ketchikan ferry to reach the airport island.
Packing
Layer your clothing as temperatures vary significantly between Alaska and Wisconsin.
Time Zones
Prepare for a four-hour time difference when moving east.
Connectivity
Download offline maps as cell service is spotty on the ferry route.