Alaska Railroad to Whittier for Cruise Passengers

Quick Facts

Want to know more about Alaska cruise departure ports and how to choose the right one for your journey?

Why This Train Ride Beats Flying or Driving

Sure, you could rent a car and drive the Seward Highway to Whittier. But you’d miss half the scenery while watching the road and dealing with that notorious 2.5-mile single-lane tunnel that alternates directions every half hour. The train goes through the same Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, but you get to relax with a drink in hand while someone else handles the logistics.

The Whittier cruise departure experience becomes instantly more memorable when you arrive by rail instead of sitting in tunnel traffic. Plus, parking your rental car in Whittier for a week or two gets expensive fast.

Booking Your Train Journey

Timing matters more than you’d think. Morning trains fill up quickly during peak cruise season because most ships board in the afternoon. The railroad releases its schedule months in advance and coordinates with cruise line sailing times.

Here’s what smart passengers do:

• Book as soon as you have your cruise confirmation
• Choose Adventure Class for the full Alaska experience with open-air platforms
• Skip GoldStar Service for this short route unless you really want the dome windows and meal service
• Check if your cruise line offers a direct transfer package that might cost less
• Consider spending a night in Anchorage before your cruise rather than flying in the same day

The direct Anchorage to Whittier rail connection eliminates rental car hassles and lets you start your vacation mode the moment you board.

What Makes This Journey Special

This isn’t just transportation. The route passes through Chugach National Forest with views that change every few minutes. You’ll wind along Turnagain Arm where Captain Cook literally had to turn his ships around when he realized it wasn’t the Northwest Passage.

Wildlife spotting opportunities include:

• Beluga whales in Turnagain Arm during summer months
• Dall sheep clinging to seemingly impossible cliff faces
• Bald eagles perched along the shoreline
• Black bears occasionally visible near Portage Glacier
• Mountain goats on higher elevations

The train slows down at scenic points and the conductor announces wildlife sightings over the intercom. It’s like having a guide who actually knows where to look.

Understanding the Service Classes

Adventure Class gives you everything you need without the premium price. You get comfortable seating, access to outdoor viewing platforms, and a café car selling sandwiches, snacks, and beverages including beer and wine. The seats don’t face forward in all cases so arrive early to snag your preferred spot.

GoldSar Service costs roughly twice as much and includes assigned seating under glass-dome windows, a hot meal, and two complimentary alcoholic drinks. For a 2.5-hour journey, most passengers find Adventure Class perfectly adequate.

The Anton Anderson Tunnel Experience

At 2.5 miles, this is the longest combined rail and vehicle tunnel in North America. It’s also the only land route to Whittier. The tunnel was built during World War II when the military needed a secret ice-free port.

Fun tunnel facts:

• The tunnel alternates between train and vehicle traffic on a strict schedule
• Temperature inside stays around 32-38°F year-round
• Massive fans clear vehicle exhaust before trains enter
• It takes about 6.5 minutes to pass through by train
• The tunnel portal at Whittier gets hit by avalanches regularly

Practical Tips for Train Day

The Anchorage depot sits right downtown, making it easy if you stayed at one of the best hotels in Anchorage within walking distance. Arrive 30 minutes early for boarding and luggage check-in.

Pack these items in your carry-on:

• Light jacket or fleece for outdoor platforms
• Binoculars for wildlife watching
• Phone or camera with full battery
• Snacks if you’re picky about food
• Cruise documents and photo ID
• Motion sickness medication if you’re sensitive

The train allows two checked bags per passenger that go directly to the cruise terminal. Keep anything valuable or needed during the journey with you.

What Nobody Tells You About Whittier

Whittier might be the strangest town in Alaska. Nearly the entire population of about 220 people lives in a single 14-story building called Begich Towers. It rains an average of 197 days per year. The town was essentially a secret military installation until relatively recently.

If you arrive early, there’s not much to explore. The town has a small museum, a couple of restaurants, and gift shops. That’s about it. Some passengers walk to the harbor to watch sea otters, but keep your expectations modest.

Combining Your Trip with Other Experiences

Many passengers extend their Alaska adventure before or after their cruise. If you have extra time in Anchorage, there are plenty of things to do in Anchorage from visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center to hiking Flattop Mountain.

The railroad also offers routes to Seward, another popular cruise port, with the Alaska Railroad to Seward considered one of the most scenic train journeys in North America. Consider railway excursions during your cruise as well, since several ports offer spectacular train tours.

Bonus Tips

• Download photos before you enter the tunnel because cell service disappears
• The café car accepts credit cards but bring small bills for tipping
• Bathrooms are located at the end of each car and can get busy so plan ahead
• Ask conductors about the “bore tide” in Turnagain Arm if you’re traveling during the right tidal conditions
• Window seats on the water side (left heading to Whittier) book up first but aisle seats give you flexibility to move around
• The outdoor platforms between cars provide the best photo opportunities but get crowded at scenic spots
• Pack hand sanitizer since you’ll be touching railings on outdoor platforms
• If traveling in shoulder season bring gloves because those metal railings get cold
• The train rocks more than you’d expect so secure loose items and don’t fill drinks to the brim
• Train staff can answer questions about your cruise ship if you’re uncertain about terminal logistics

Weather Considerations

Alaska weather changes fast and the train route passes through multiple microclimates. Summer temperatures range from 50-70°F but can feel colder with wind on the outdoor platforms. Rain happens frequently so a small umbrella or rain jacket makes sense even on sunny mornings.

The good news? Rainy days often produce dramatic lighting along Turnagain Arm with clouds hanging low over the mountains. Some passengers actually prefer the moody atmosphere to bright sunshine.

Common Questions and FAQ

Can I bring my luggage on the train or does it go separately?

You can check up to two bags that arrive at the Whittier cruise terminal separately while you keep carry-on items with you during the journey. Make sure bags are clearly tagged with your cruise information.

What happens if the train is delayed and I miss my cruise departure?

The Alaska Railroad coordinates schedules with cruise lines and delays are rare. However, this is why booking a train that arrives at least three hours before boarding time is crucial. Cruise ships won’t wait for late passengers regardless of the reason.

Is the train wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Alaska Railroad provides wheelchair-accessible cars and staff assistance. Notify them when booking if you need special accommodations. The outdoor viewing platforms may be challenging for mobility-impaired passengers.

Can I bring food and drinks on board?

Absolutely. You can bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. The café car sells food and drinks including alcohol if you prefer to purchase onboard.

Do children need tickets?

Children under two ride free on a parent’s lap. Kids two and older need their own ticket. The train journey captivates most children with wildlife spotting and the tunnel experience.

What if I need to return to Anchorage after my cruise?

The railroad runs in both directions daily during cruise season. Book your return trip when you purchase your initial ticket. Most cruise passengers fly out of Anchorage after their voyage so the return train is typically less crowded.

Are there power outlets to charge devices?

GoldStar Service has outlets at each seat. Adventure Class has limited outlets in the café car area. Bring a portable charger to avoid fighting for outlet access.

How early should I book my train ticket?

Book 2-3 weeks minimum during peak season. Popular departure times on cruise embarkation days sell out quickly. Booking earlier gives you better seat selection and peace of mind.

Personal Experience

Taking the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Whittier before our cruise turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. We booked the morning train about three weeks in advance through the Alaska Railroad website, which gave us plenty of time before our 5 PM ship boarding. The key is checking the cruise ship schedule first – you want to arrive in Whittier at least three hours early to account for any delays and still have a relaxed embarkation. The train ride itself is only about 2.5 hours, but those views are absolutely worth planning your whole day around.

Sitting on the left side of the train heading toward Whittier gives you the best mountain and water views, especially once you pass through the Spencer Glacier area. The outdoor viewing platform between cars gets chilly even in summer, so bring a light jacket. We watched for Dall sheep on the rocky slopes and spotted a few bald eagles near the water. When you arrive in Whittier, the train drops you off super close to the cruise terminal – literally a five-minute walk with your luggage. Just make sure you have all your cruise documents ready because there’s not much to do in tiny Whittier while you wait, though the bagel shop near the tunnel entrance makes a decent lunch if you arrive early.