Is there a direct flight?

No, you must connect through Vancouver.

How long is the drive?

It takes about 31 hours of driving time.

No, there is no passenger rail service to Surrey.

What is the best route?

The Alaska Highway to Highway 1 is the most direct.

Is it safe to drive alone?

Yes, but ensure your vehicle is well-maintained.

Tagish

Surrey

Flight Driving

Tagish to Surrey

Updated: 01 Jun 2026

The journey from Tagish to Surrey covers approximately 2,600 km. You must first travel to Whitehorse to access air travel or begin the long drive south. The driving route follows the Alaska Highway through British Columbia, eventually connecting to the Trans-Canada Highway in the Lower Mainland. Flying involves a flight from Whitehorse to Vancouver, followed by a short drive or SkyTrain ride to Surrey. This route takes you from the northern wilderness to the bustling urban environment of Metro Vancouver.

Total Distance: 2,600 km driving distance; 1,900 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying to Vancouver and taking the SkyTrain to Surrey takes about 5 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most cost-effective for multiple travelers.

Compare Tagish to Surrey Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	5 hours	31 hours
Avg Price	$400 - $800	$450 - $800 in fuel
Operator	Air North and Air Canada	Personal Vehicle
Route	YXY to YVR, then SkyTrain/drive to Surrey	Alaska Hwy to Hwy 1
Tip	The Canada Line and Expo Line make transit from YVR to Surrey easy.	The drive through the Fraser Canyon is spectacular.

Travel Tips

Traffic
Expect heavy traffic on Highway 1 entering the Lower Mainland.
Seasonal Gear
Pack rain gear, as the Lower Mainland can be quite wet.
Public Transit
Use the TransLink system to get around Surrey easily.
Accommodation
Book hotels in advance, especially during summer weekends.
Navigation
Use GPS but keep a paper map for remote stretches of the Alaska Highway.