Alaska Marine Highway

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History of AMHS

The story of the Alaska Marine Highway System starts with three men who had a dream to provide dependable marine transportation between Alaska’s coastal communities. That dream expanded to become the only marine route recognized as a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road. The system currently extends across 3,500 miles of scenic coastline and provides service to over 30 communities, each with its own unique intrinsic qualities.

The mission of the Alaska Marine Highway System is to provide safe, reliable, and efficient transportation of people, goods, and vehicles among Alaska communities, Canada, and the ‘Lower 48’, while providing opportunities to develop and maintain a reasonable standard of living and high quality of life, including social, education and health needs.