How to Get from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port: A Guide for First-timers

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

How to Get From Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port

Whittier, Alaska is a small town located about 60 miles south of Anchorage. It’s a popular port of call for cruise ships, and for good reason. Whittier offers stunning scenery, including the Chugach Mountains, Prince William Sound, and the Harding Icefield. It’s also home to the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which is the longest highway tunnel in North America.

If you’re planning a cruise to Whittier, you’ll need to decide how to get from Anchorage to the port. There are a few different ways to do this, and the best option for you will depend on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different ways to get from Anchorage to Whittier, including driving, taking the train, and taking a bus. We’ll also provide tips on how to make your journey as smooth as possible.

So whether you’re looking for a quick and easy trip or you want to experience the Alaskan wilderness along the way, read on for all the information you need to know about getting from Anchorage to Whittier.

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Method Time Cost
Car 4 hours $100
Bus 5 hours $50
Train 6 hours $75

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How to Get From Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port by Car

Whittier Cruise Port is located in the small town of Whittier, Alaska, about 65 miles south of Anchorage. The drive from Anchorage to Whittier takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Driving Directions

To drive from Anchorage to Whittier, take the Glenn Highway (AK-1) south. The highway will take you through the Chugach Mountains and past the town of Girdwood. Just past Girdwood, you will take a right onto the Seward Highway (AK-9). The Seward Highway will take you through the Kenai Peninsula and past the towns of Moose Pass and Portage. Just before Portage, you will take a left onto the Whittier Tunnel Highway. The Whittier Tunnel Highway will take you through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which is the longest highway tunnel in North America. The tunnel is 2.5 miles long and it is open 24 hours a day.

Once you exit the tunnel, you will continue on the Whittier Highway until you reach Whittier Cruise Port. The total distance from Anchorage to Whittier is 65 miles.

Road Conditions

The road conditions between Anchorage and Whittier are generally good. The Glenn Highway and the Seward Highway are both paved and well-maintained. The Whittier Tunnel Highway is also paved, but it is narrower than the other two highways. The tunnel is also subject to traffic delays during peak tourist season.

Traffic

Traffic on the Glenn Highway and the Seward Highway can be heavy during peak tourist season. The Whittier Tunnel Highway is also subject to traffic delays during peak tourist season.

Parking

There is plenty of parking available at Whittier Cruise Port. The parking lot is located right next to the cruise terminal.

Tolls

There are no tolls on the Glenn Highway, the Seward Highway, or the Whittier Tunnel Highway.

Other Considerations

If you are driving from Anchorage to Whittier, you should allow plenty of time for your trip. The drive is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, but it can take longer if there is traffic. You should also make sure that your vehicle is in good condition and that you have plenty of gas.

How to Get From Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port by Bus

Whittier Cruise Port is located in the small town of Whittier, Alaska, about 65 miles south of Anchorage. The drive from Anchorage to Whittier takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Bus Options

There are two bus companies that offer service between Anchorage and Whittier: Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) and Gray Line Alaska.

  • AMHS: The AMHS offers a ferry service between Anchorage and Whittier. The ferry ride takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The ferry departs from the Port of Anchorage and arrives at the Whittier Dock.
  • Gray Line Alaska: Gray Line Alaska offers a bus tour between Anchorage and Whittier. The bus ride takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The bus departs from the Gray Line Alaska office in Anchorage and arrives at the Whittier Cruise Port.

Ticket Prices

The ticket price for the AMHS ferry is $45 for adults and $22 for children. The ticket price for the Gray Line Alaska bus tour is $75 for adults and $55 for children.

Schedules

The AMHS ferry departs from the Port of Anchorage at 9:00 AM and arrives at the Whittier Dock at 11:15 AM. The ferry departs from the Whittier Dock at 1:00 PM and arrives at the Port of Anchorage at 3:15 PM.

The Gray Line Alaska bus tour departs from the Gray Line Alaska office in Anchorage at 9:00 AM and arrives at the Whittier Cruise Port at 11:30 AM. The bus tour departs from the Whittier Cruise Port at 1:00 PM and arrives at the Gray Line Alaska office in Anchorage at 3:30 PM.

Reservations

Reservations are not required for the AMHS ferry, but they are recommended during peak tourist season. Reservations are required for the Gray Line Alaska bus tour.

Other Considerations

If you are taking the AMHS ferry, you will need to bring your own car. The ferry does not have any vehicles on board. If you are taking the Gray Line Alaska bus tour, you will not need to bring your own car.

Driving and taking the bus are both viable options for getting from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port. The drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, while the bus ride takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

By Car

The drive from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port is about 120 miles and takes approximately 2 hours. The road is well-maintained and scenic, with views of mountains, glaciers, and lakes. The drive is mostly on the Glenn Highway, which is a four-lane divided highway. There are a few rest stops along the way, where you can stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat.

To get to Whittier Cruise Port from Anchorage, take the Glenn Highway south. Just past the town of Glennallen, take Exit 116 for the Richardson Highway. Follow the Richardson Highway west for about 20 miles to the town of Valdez. In Valdez, take the Whittier Tunnel Road south to Whittier. The Whittier Tunnel is a one-way tunnel that is 2.5 miles long. There is a toll of $12 to use the tunnel.

Once you exit the tunnel, you will be in Whittier. The Whittier Cruise Port is located on the waterfront. There is a parking lot at the port, where you can leave your car while you are on your cruise.

By Ferry

The Alaska Marine Highway System offers ferry service between Anchorage and Whittier Cruise Port. The ferry ride takes about 3 hours. The ferry departs from the Port of Anchorage and arrives at the Whittier Cruise Port.

The ferry is a good option for travelers who do not have a car or who do not want to drive the long distance from Anchorage to Whittier. The ferry is also a good option for travelers who want to see the scenery along the way.

The ferry fare is $50 for adults and $25 for children. The ferry schedule can be found on the Alaska Marine Highway System website.

By Plane

There are no direct flights from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port. However, there are flights from Anchorage to Valdez, which is about 30 miles from Whittier. The flight from Anchorage to Valdez takes about 30 minutes.

Once you arrive in Valdez, you can take a taxi or a shuttle to Whittier. The taxi fare is about $50 and the shuttle fare is about $30.

The flight fare from Anchorage to Valdez is about $100. The flight schedule can be found on the Alaska Airlines website.

The three main ways to get from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port are by car, ferry, and plane. The best way to choose which method to use depends on your budget, time constraints, and preferences. If you have a car, the drive is the most convenient option. If you do not have a car or do not want to drive, the ferry or plane are good options.

How do I get from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port?

There are a few different ways to get from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port. The most common way is by car, which takes about 2 hours. You can also take the bus, which takes about 3 hours, or the train, which takes about 4 hours.

What is the best way to get from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port?

The best way to get from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port depends on your budget and time constraints. If you are on a tight budget, the bus is the cheapest option. If you are short on time, the train is the fastest option. If you want to enjoy the scenery, the car is the best option.

How much does it cost to get from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port?

The cost of getting from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port depends on the mode of transportation you choose. The bus costs $45, the train costs $60, and the car costs $50.

How long does it take to get from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port?

It takes about 2 hours to drive from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port. The bus takes about 3 hours, and the train takes about 4 hours.

What is the best time to travel from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port?

The best time to travel from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port is during the summer months, from June to September. The weather is mild and there is less chance of snow or rain.

What are the stops along the way from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port?

There are no stops along the way from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port. The drive is direct and takes about 2 hours.

Is there anything I should know before I travel from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port?

Yes, there are a few things you should know before you travel from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port. First, make sure you have your passport and visa (if required). Second, be aware of the weather conditions. The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so it is important to dress in layers and be prepared for anything. Third, allow plenty of time for your journey. The drive from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port is about 2 hours, but there may be delays due to traffic or weather conditions.

How can I get help if I need it during my journey from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port?

If you need help during your journey from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port, you can call the Alaska State Troopers at (907) 456-5511. You can also call the Whittier Police Department at (907) 694-2526.

In this article, we have discussed the different ways to get from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port. We have covered the options of driving, taking the train, and flying. We have also provided information on the cost of each option and the approximate travel time.

The best way to get from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port depends on your budget and time constraints. If you are on a tight budget, the train is the cheapest option. However, it is also the slowest option, taking about 5 hours. If you are short on time, flying is the fastest option, taking about 45 minutes. However, it is also the most expensive option.

Driving is a good option if you want to have more control over your journey and stop along the way. It is also the most flexible option, as you can leave and arrive at your own convenience. The drive takes about 3 hours.

No matter which option you choose, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Alaska on your way to Whittier Cruise Port.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.