The Homer Stage Line works to offer timely and affordable freight and passenger transportation prices, and guarantees the option of taking the scenic route rain or shine.
“Why fly when you could enjoy the most beautiful drive on earth?” asks Alecia Claunch, owner and part-time driver.
The year-round business sees an influx of passenger and freight demand during the summer and offers round-trip service Monday-Friday from Homer to Anchorage, leaving at 8:30 a.m., and Monday, Wednesday and Friday round-trip service from Homer to Seward.
Claunch, a lifelong Alaskan, said the Stage Line was originally a taxi service from downtown Homer to the Homer Spit. Since then, the services have grown. Claunch purchased the business from Don Krueger in 2008.
The two Ford E350 15-passenger vans make stops at various locations during the drives, including the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center and Wildman’s in Cooper Landing. The trips also can be tailored to accommodate other requested stops along the main highway route.
“Our freight service is quick and affordable,” Claunch said. “If someone calls me at 9 a.m. and needs to send something we try our best to do same day delivery.”
The stageline charges $18-$58 for parcels under 100 pounds and 30 cents per additional pound over 100. Large items incur a 20 percent bulk fee.
Claunch says the vans run the routes rain or shine and that there is often wildlife spotted during the drives.
“Pretty much nothing stops us, except when the road closes,” she said.
That came in handy for passengers of canceled flights when ash from Mount Redoubt stopped aircraft from flying in March of 2009, Claunch said.
“We always beat the airlines,” said Claunch referring to the Stage Line’s passenger prices.
One-way passenger price is $97 from Homer to Anchorage, $90 from Anchorage to Homer, and $90 between Homer and Seward. Tickets for 12-year-olds and younger are half the adult price.
One carry-on and two check-in bags are allowed, with an extra charge for additional bags, pets and large items like surfboards and bikes.
Claunch used to drive buses for the Anchorage School District and placed second in the Alaska State School Bus Safety Competition in 2003 where the winners of local competitions gathered to compete in maneuvers like parallel parking and backing up.
The Stage Line is stationed at 1242 Ocean Drive in the parking lot of the old Quicky Mart across from Gig’s Beads ‘N Things.
Reservations are encouraged. Call 235-2252 for the Homer office or 907-868-3914 to reach the Anchorage location. Charters are available for private parties.
Homer Stage Line
Driving Routes June 1-Aug. 31 (except July 4): One-way and roundtrip options from Homer to Anchorage, Monday-Friday
Homer to Seward, Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Fees: Between $90-$97 passenger one way, $18-$58 for freight parcels under 100 pounds. Heavier items are additionally charged 30 cents per pound. Large items incur a 20 percent bulk fee.
