Wrangell Airport
Wrangell, US · 1 nmi NE of city center
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel or Lodge Transfers Shuttle · By reservation | 5–15 minutes depending on property | Often included with stay or modest fee |
| Local Taxi Services Taxi · On demand; advance booking recommended | 5–10 minutes to central Wrangell | Metered or flat local fare |
| Walking / Bike Bus | 20–30 minutes on foot to town | Free |
Insider notes
Allow extra time and schedule flexibility when flying to or from Wrangell, as Southeast Alaska’s frequent rain, low clouds, and coastal winds can cause IFR operations, delays, or diversions, especially in fall and winter.
Most long-distance trips use Alaska Airlines’ through-service via Ketchikan, Petersburg, Juneau, Anchorage, or Seattle, so book on a single ticket when possible to protect connections and simplify baggage handling.
The airport is only about 1–2 km from central Wrangell; many local lodgings can arrange rides in advance, and taxis are available, but services may be limited in the early morning or late evening, so plan ground transport ahead.
Wrangell Airport (IATA: WRG, ICAO: PAWG) is a state-owned public-use airport serving the city and borough of Wrangell in Southeast Alaska. Located roughly one nautical mile (about 2 km) northeast of the central business district, it is one of the community’s primary lifelines, since Wrangell has no road access to the rest of Alaska or Canada and depends on a combination of air service and the Alaska Marine Highway System. Scheduled passenger service here is supported under the federal Essential Air Service program, ensuring regular connectivity despite the airport’s small size and remote setting.
The airport features a single paved runway and a compact passenger terminal that handles a steady flow of regional traffic. Alaska Airlines is the primary scheduled carrier, operating mainline jet service that links Wrangell with nearby communities such as Ketchikan and Petersburg, as well as providing onward connections to Juneau, Anchorage, and Seattle. Historically, the introduction of jet operations in the late 1960s helped transform Wrangell’s access to the wider world, supporting tourism into the Tongass National Forest and along the Stikine River while also enabling reliable movement of residents, medical travelers, and time-sensitive cargo. Today, Wrangell Airport remains a critical node in Southeast Alaska’s aviation network, balancing essential transportation needs with the challenges of frequent rain, low ceilings, and coastal weather typical of the region.