Great Vacation in Alaska Home: Whittier to Anchorage
Finding Transportation From Whittier to Anchorage
Many north-bound Alaskan Cruises end in Whittier.
If you arrive by one of these cruises then you will need transportation from Whittier to Anchorage.
It is a beautifully scenic 60 mile (96.5 km) drive to Anchorage and you have several options to consider.
This map shows the route that you will be traveling from Whittier to Anchorage. The route is marked in blue. (A) is Whittier, of course, and (B) is Anchorage.
Whittier to Anchorage Map
Seating Consideration
I had a question asked of me, recently, about seating considerations. Here it is.
"When one heads from Whittier to Anchorage, whether by train, bus or van, on which side of the vehicle should I sit on?"
My response: You really can't go wrong with either side. The 60 mile ride to Anchorage is scenic no matter which side you are seated on. But the common concensus would be to sit on the left hand side if you are heading to Anchorage. Then, if headed south from Anchorage, be seated on the right.
If seated on the left, while headed north to Anchorage, you will have views of the Cook Inlet. The Cook Inlet is beautiful, and you may even spot a white Beluga whale along the way.
But don't despair if seated on the right. You'll have views of some very beautiful mountains, and if you time it right you might get a good look at the many "resident" Dahl Sheep. They are often right down near the road.
New Video
This entire video is very good, but the first half shows the port of Whittier and the surrounding scendary, including the entrance to the Whittier tunnel.
It gives a very accurate look at what you'll see when departing or arriving into Whittier for your cruise.
You'll also see some shots of the trip, along the Seward Highway, to Anchorage.
By Train
The Alaska Railroad has a train that goes straight to Anchorage. But if you have extra time they offer some optional day tours. Train fares can be booked through your cruise ship operator or online.
Note: I've seen many who arrive in Whittier with very little time to catch a flight at the Anchorage Airport. If time is going to be critical, after your arrival in Whittier, the train may not be your best option. It is probably one of the slowest ways to get from Whittier to Anchorage.
The ride will take about an hour and a half.
An adult fair will cost you about $65. The Alaska railroad booking number is 1-800-544-0552.
Discounts are offered for senior citizens, Alaskan residents and military.
Whittier to Anchorage By Bus or Van Service
In most cases, vans and shuttle services are not private. That is not a bad thing, though. Shared services are usually cheaper. At least with the three services provided below, their driver's are local Alaskans who know the area well. They can provide answers to a lot of your questions, along the way!
Alaska Shuttle. When I worked for Alaskan Splendor Limousine & Transportation, we relied a lot on AK Shuttle, out of Eagle River Alaska, to be our backup...when schedules got too tight. Owner's name is John.
Whittier to Anchorage by Private Vehicle
Update Nov 2011
Alaskan Splendor has changed ownership. After nearly ten years, Crissy and Desmon sold their business. The new owners are very dedicated though too!
Alaskan Splendor is owned by Crissy and Desmon Butts. They've been operating since 2001 and they regularly provide transporation from Whittier to Anchorage. I recommend them highly.
This is one of the quickest options, for getting out of Whittier. You walk out of the cruise ship terminal, your driver will be holding a sign with your name on it. They'll get your luggage loaded and get you quickly through the Whittier tunnel...and on to your destination.
Alaskan Splendor's local Alaskan drivers can give you a tour of any of the surrounding parts of
Alaska, if you have the time. Just ask them for a quote by filling out
the form on the linked page.
Beware The Whittier Tunnel!
Get this! The only way to reach Whittier (or get of Whittier, if you prefer) is to leave by water (via the Prince William Sound) or to travel through a two and a half mile (4.02 km), one lane, tunnel that doubles as a train tunnel.
Inbound, outbound and train travel is regulated, leaving or entering Whittier every half hour.
This Whittier Tunnel link will give you more information
This Whittier Tunnel link has some pretty cool photos.
Whittier Tunnel Video
This video is about 6 minutes long and shows what it is like to pass through the Whittier tunnel, as you make your way from Whittier to Anchorage. (Actually, this video shows heading toward Whittier).
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