Anchorage to Whittier for Alaska Cruise Passengers

Anchorage to Whittier is a popular transfer route for Alaska cruise passengers, located approximately 60 miles apart. Travel options include shuttle services, rental cars, and the Alaska Railroad, which offers scenic views through Turnagain Arm and mountain tunnels. The journey takes 1.5-2.5 hours depending on transportation method chosen.

Quick Facts

Want to know more about Alaska cruise departure ports and their unique characteristics?

The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel: Your Gateway to Whittier

Here’s something most people don’t realize until they’re stuck waiting: the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel operates on a one-way-at-a-time schedule. This 2.5-mile tunnel is shared by both trains and vehicles, so cars head one direction for 15 minutes, then the other direction gets their turn. Miss your window and you could be cooling your heels for half an hour.

The tunnel opens at 5:30 AM for the first batch of eager cruise passengers and runs until about 11:15 PM during summer. Check the schedule before you leave because showing up at the wrong time means watching the clock tick while your cruise ship waits for nobody.

Transportation Options Breakdown

The Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery Train

Taking the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Whittier is the most relaxing option if you have time and don’t mind spending a bit more. The train departs from the Anchorage depot downtown and winds through some of the most spectacular scenery in Alaska.

What makes this special:

• Dome-car seating with panoramic windows
• Outdoor viewing platforms between cars
• Wildlife spotting opportunities (beluga whales, Dall sheep, eagles)
• Direct drop-off at the cruise terminal
• Zero stress about driving or tunnel schedules

The catch? You’re on the train’s schedule, not yours. It typically departs mid-morning, so if your ship boards early or you want to explore Whittier before departure, this might not give you the flexibility you need.

Shuttle Services

Shuttles pick up from major Anchorage hotels and deliver you straight to the cruise terminal. They’re the middle ground between cost and convenience. Most services handle your luggage and know the tunnel schedule like the back of their hand.

Book these at least a week in advance during peak season. The best operators sell out fast because cruise passengers figured out this secret years ago.

Rental Cars

Driving yourself offers maximum flexibility and can be cheaper if you’re traveling as a family or group. You can stop at scenic pullouts along Turnagain Arm, grab breakfast in Girdwood, and move at your own pace.

The elephant in the room: what do you do with the car once you reach Whittier? Most cruise passengers arrange one-way rentals, dropping the car at the port before boarding. This typically adds $50-$100 to your rental cost, but some companies waive the fee during busy season when they need cars shuttled back to Anchorage anyway.

Long-term parking exists in Whittier but it’s limited and costs around $10-$15 per day. For a week-long cruise, you’re looking at similar costs to that one-way fee.

The Route: What You’ll Actually See

The drive along Seward Highway (which you’ll take whether by car, bus, or train) ranks among the most scenic in America. Turnagain Arm stretches alongside you with the Chugach Mountains rising dramatically on both sides.

Notable stops if you’re driving:

• Beluga Point – Best whale-watching spot (summer months)
• Bird Point – Excellent photo opportunity with interpretive signs
• Girdwood – Charming ski town with great restaurants if you have time
• Portage Glacier turnoff – Worth a quick detour if your schedule allows

Pro tip: the drive heading toward Whittier puts you on the water side of the highway, which means better views and easier pullout access. This is one small advantage of driving over the train.

Timing Your Journey

Most cruise lines recommend arriving at the port two hours before departure. Here’s what that actually means for your Anchorage departure time:

• By train: You need the departure that arrives at least 2 hours before sailing (limited daily departures)
• By shuttle: Book pickup 4 hours before ship departure to account for drive time and potential delays
• By rental car: Leave 3-3.5 hours before sailing to cover driving, tunnel wait, parking, and check-in

The tunnel is your wildcard. During peak traffic times (8-10 AM when cruise passengers are all heading to Whittier), expect longer waits even with the schedule.

Planning Your Anchorage Stay

Most passengers spend at least one night in Anchorage before heading to Whittier. This gives you buffer time for flights to Alaska that might run late and lets you adjust to the time zone.

If you have extra time, check out activities and attractions in Anchorage that make the stay worthwhile. The city offers museums, wildlife viewing, and excellent restaurants that give you a taste of Alaska before your cruise.

For accommodations, consider hotels in Anchorage that offer shuttle partnerships or easy access to the railroad depot if you’re taking the train.

Bonus Tips Nobody Tells You

• Pack layers in your carry-on: Whittier averages 20 degrees cooler than Anchorage and gets significantly more rain. You might leave sunny skies and arrive in drizzle.
• The tunnel is cold: If you’re driving with windows down, roll them up before entering. It’s literally carved through a mountain and feels like driving into a refrigerator.
• Cell service is spotty: Download offline maps before leaving Anchorage. The route has dead zones.
• Bathroom strategy: The last reliable restrooms before Whittier are in Girdwood. Use them. Whittier is tiny and facilities near the port can get overwhelmed when multiple cruise ships are boarding.
• Trains run late sometimes: Wildlife on the tracks or mechanical issues happen. Build extra buffer time if choosing the railroad.
• Bring snacks: Food options are limited once you leave Anchorage until you reach your ship.
• The train sells out but shuttles don’t: If the Glacier Discovery Train shows sold out, shuttle services usually have availability since there are multiple companies.
• Tuesday and Saturday are busiest: These are peak cruise departure days from Whittier, meaning more tunnel traffic and longer waits.

Weather Considerations

Alaska weather is unpredictable even in summer. The route from Anchorage to Whittier can experience fog, rain, or brilliant sunshine all in the same trip. Whittier holds the distinction of being one of the wettest places in Alaska, receiving over 200 inches of precipitation annually.

What this means practically: even if Anchorage is gorgeous, pack rain gear in your day bag. That stunning waterfront boarding experience could be soggy.

The Whittier Factor

Whittier itself is wonderfully weird. Most of the town’s 200-ish residents live in a single building (Begich Towers), and the whole place has an end-of-the-world vibe that’s oddly charming. If you arrive early, the small museum and waterfront walk are worth exploring, though don’t expect much in terms of shopping or dining.

The cruise terminal is efficient but basic. Check-in moves quickly compared to major ports, which is a pleasant surprise for most passengers.

Common Questions and FAQ

Can I store luggage in Anchorage and pick it up after my cruise?

Yes, several services near the airport and downtown offer luggage storage for returning cruise passengers. This works well if you’re doing a post-cruise land tour. Book ahead as storage space is limited during peak season.

Is the drive dangerous or difficult?

Not at all. The Seward Highway is well-maintained and straightforward. The tunnel might feel odd if you’ve never driven through one before, but it’s perfectly safe. Just follow the traffic signals and don’t stop inside.

What happens if I miss the tunnel opening?

You wait for the next cycle, which runs every 30 minutes during busy times and every hour during slower periods. The schedule is posted online and at the tunnel entrance. This is why building buffer time matters.

Can I take a taxi or Uber from Anchorage to Whittier?

Technically yes, but it’ll cost $200-$300 each way since drivers need to return empty. Rideshare availability to Whittier is spotty at best. Shuttles are much more economical.

Are there any gas stations between Anchorage and Whittier?

There’s a gas station in Girdwood, but that’s about it until you backtrack after your cruise. Fill up in Anchorage if you’re driving. Whittier has no gas station.

What if my flight arrives late and I miss my shuttle or train?

Contact your transportation provider immediately. Most shuttles can accommodate later pickups for a fee. If you miss the last train, you’ll need to arrange a private shuttle or rental car. This is why cruise lines recommend arriving the day before.

Is the train worth the extra money over a shuttle?

If scenery and experience matter to you, absolutely. The elevated viewing position and lack of windshield glare make for better photos and wildlife spotting. But if you’re budget-focused or need schedule flexibility, shuttles get you there just fine.

Personal Experience

Getting from Anchorage to Whittier for our cruise was easier than I expected, though I wish I’d known all my options beforehand. We ended up taking the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery Train, which runs daily during cruise season and takes about two and a half hours. The scenery along Turnagain Arm was absolutely stunning – we saw mountains, glaciers, and even spotted a few beluga whales from the comfort of our seats. The train drops you right at the cruise terminal, so there’s no stress about finding your way or dealing with luggage. It cost around $95 per person, but honestly, the views made it worth every penny.

If you’re looking to save money or have more flexibility with timing, driving yourself is totally doable. The drive takes roughly an hour and a half, and you’ll travel through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel – the longest highway tunnel in North America, which is pretty cool. Just know that the tunnel alternates directions, so you’ll need to check the schedule before you go. There are also several shuttle services that run between Anchorage hotels and the Whittier port for about $65-75 per person, which splits the difference if you want someone else to handle the driving but don’t need the full train experience. Whatever you choose, just make sure to book ahead during peak summer months since spots fill up quickly.