How to Reach Whittier, Alaska for Your Cruise: A Complete Guide

How to Get to Whittier, Alaska for a Cruise

Whittier, Alaska is a small town located at the end of the Prince William Sound, about 60 miles south of Anchorage. It’s a popular port of call for cruise ships, and for good reason: Whittier offers stunning scenery, plenty of outdoor activities, and a rich cultural heritage.

But how do you get to Whittier if you’re not on a cruise ship? There are a few different ways to get there, each with its own pros and cons. In this article, we’ll take a look at all of your options, so you can choose the one that’s right for you.

We’ll also provide some tips on how to make the most of your time in Whittier, so you can enjoy all that this beautiful town has to offer.

Method	Time	Cost
By Car	10 hours	$100-$200
By Bus	12 hours	$50-$100
By Plane	1 hour	$200-$300

How to Get to Whittier, Alaska for a Cruise

Whittier, Alaska is a small town located on the Kenai Peninsula, about 60 miles south of Anchorage. It is a popular port of call for cruise ships, as it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. There are two main ways to get to Whittier: by car or by plane.

By Car

The drive from Anchorage to Whittier takes about 2 hours. The road is well-maintained and scenic, and you will pass through several small towns along the way. The best way to get to Whittier by car is to take the Seward Highway. This highway will take you through the Chugach Mountains and past several glaciers.

Tolls

There are two tolls on the Seward Highway: one at Portage and one at the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. The Portage toll is $5, and the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel toll is $10.

Parking

There is a large parking lot at the Whittier Port, which is where most cruise ships dock. The parking fee is $10 per day.

By Plane

The closest airport to Whittier is the Anchorage International Airport (ANC). The flight from Anchorage to Whittier takes about 30 minutes. There are several airlines that fly to Whittier, including Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

Tolls

There are no tolls on the drive from the Anchorage International Airport to Whittier.

Parking

There is a small parking lot at the Whittier Airport. The parking fee is $5 per day.

Getting to the Cruise Ship

Once you arrive in Whittier, you will need to take a shuttle bus to the cruise ship. The shuttle bus leaves from the Whittier Port and costs $10 per person. The shuttle bus ride takes about 10 minutes.

Whittier is a beautiful town with stunning scenery. It is a great place to start or end a cruise. Whether you are driving or flying, getting to Whittier is easy and convenient.

Additional Information

• Driving Tips

• The Seward Highway can be busy during the summer months, so be prepared for traffic.
• There are several scenic pullouts along the Seward Highway, so be sure to take some time to enjoy the views.
• The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is a one-way tunnel, so be sure to follow the signs.
• Parking Tips

• The parking lot at the Whittier Port is large, but it can fill up quickly during the summer months.
• If you are arriving by cruise ship, you may want to consider parking your car at the Anchorage International Airport and taking the shuttle bus to Whittier.
• Flying Tips

• The Anchorage International Airport is the closest airport to Whittier.
• There are several airlines that fly to Whittier, so you should be able to find a flight that fits your budget and schedule.
• Parking Tips

• The parking lot at the Whittier Airport is small, so be sure to book your parking space in advance.
• The shuttle bus ride from the Whittier Airport to the cruise ship takes about 10 minutes.

By Car

Driving to Whittier, Alaska is a scenic and enjoyable way to reach your cruise ship. The drive takes about 5 hours from Anchorage, and you’ll pass through some of the most beautiful scenery in the state.

To get to Whittier, you’ll take the Seward Highway, which winds its way along the coast of Cook Inlet. You’ll pass through the towns of Girdwood and Portage, and you’ll get stunning views of Mount McKinley and the Chugach Mountains.

Once you reach Whittier, you’ll need to take the Whittier Tunnel to get to the port. The tunnel is 2.5 miles long and it’s the only way to get to Whittier by car. The tunnel is open 24 hours a day, but there is a toll of $15.

Once you’re through the tunnel, you’ll arrive at the port of Whittier. The port is small, but it’s well-equipped to handle cruise ships. There are plenty of parking spaces, and there are several restaurants and shops in the area.

By Ferry

Another way to get to Whittier is by ferry. The Alaska Marine Highway System operates a ferry from Valdez to Whittier. The ferry ride takes about 3 hours, and it’s a great way to see some of the scenery of Prince William Sound.

The ferry terminal in Valdez is located about 10 miles from the town center. There is a free shuttle that runs between the terminal and the town center.

The ferry terminal in Whittier is located right next to the port. There are plenty of parking spaces, and there are several restaurants and shops in the area.

By Cruise Ship

The most common way to get to Whittier is by cruise ship. There are several cruise lines that offer cruises to Alaska, and most of them stop in Whittier.

The cruise ships dock at the port of Whittier. The port is small, but it’s well-equipped to handle cruise ships. There are plenty of parking spaces, and there are several restaurants and shops in the area.

Once you’re off the ship, you can explore Whittier or take a day trip to one of the nearby glaciers. There are also several hiking trails in the area, and you can go fishing or kayaking in the bay.

Whittier, Alaska is a beautiful and scenic town that’s a great place to start your cruise to Alaska. Whether you’re driving, taking the ferry, or arriving by cruise ship, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.

How do I get to Whittier, Alaska for a cruise?

There are several ways to get to Whittier, Alaska for a cruise. The most common way is to fly into Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and take a shuttle or bus to Whittier. The drive takes about 2 hours. You can also take a ferry from Valdez to Whittier, which takes about 4 hours.

What is the best way to get to Whittier, Alaska for a cruise?

The best way to get to Whittier, Alaska for a cruise depends on your budget and time constraints. If you are on a tight budget, the ferry from Valdez is the most economical option. However, if you are short on time, the shuttle or bus from Anchorage is the fastest option.

What are the different transportation options to get to Whittier, Alaska for a cruise?

There are three main transportation options to get to Whittier, Alaska for a cruise:

• Air: You can fly into Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and take a shuttle or bus to Whittier. The drive takes about 2 hours.
• Ferry: You can take a ferry from Valdez to Whittier. The ferry ride takes about 4 hours.
• Car: You can drive to Whittier from Anchorage. The drive takes about 4 hours.

What is the cost of transportation to Whittier, Alaska for a cruise?

The cost of transportation to Whittier, Alaska for a cruise depends on the mode of transportation you choose. The following is a breakdown of the costs for each option:

• Air: The cost of a round-trip flight from Anchorage to Whittier starts at around $100.
• Ferry: The cost of a round-trip ferry ride from Valdez to Whittier starts at around $150.
• Car: The cost of driving to Whittier from Anchorage starts at around $200.

How long does it take to get to Whittier, Alaska for a cruise?

The amount of time it takes to get to Whittier, Alaska for a cruise depends on the mode of transportation you choose. The following is a breakdown of the travel times for each option:

• Air: The flight from Anchorage to Whittier takes about 45 minutes.
• Ferry: The ferry ride from Valdez to Whittier takes about 4 hours.
• Car: The drive from Anchorage to Whittier takes about 4 hours.

What are the best things to do in Whittier, Alaska?

Whittier, Alaska is a small town with a lot to offer visitors. Here are some of the best things to do in Whittier:

• Explore the Port of Whittier: The Port of Whittier is the largest natural ice-free port in Alaska. Visitors can take a cruise around the port, or go fishing or kayaking in the waters.
• Visit the Whittier Tunnel: The Whittier Tunnel is a 2.5-mile long tunnel that connects Whittier to the rest of Alaska. Visitors can take a guided tour of the tunnel, or walk or bike through it.
• Go hiking or camping in the Chugach National Forest: The Chugach National Forest is located just outside of Whittier. Visitors can go hiking, camping, fishing, or hunting in the forest.
• Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a zoo that houses animals that are native to Alaska. Visitors can see bears, moose, wolves, and other animals at the center.

Is Whittier, Alaska a good place to visit?

Whittier, Alaska is a beautiful and unique place to visit. The town is located in a stunning setting, and there are plenty of things to see and do. If you are looking for a place to experience the beauty of Alaska, Whittier is a great option.

Whittier, Alaska is a popular port of call for cruise ships due to its stunning scenery and proximity to some of the state’s most popular attractions. However, getting to Whittier can be a bit tricky, as it is not accessible by road. In this comprehensive guide, we have outlined all of the different ways to get to Whittier, so that you can choose the option that is best for you.

Whether you are flying, taking a train, or driving, getting to Whittier is an adventure in itself. But once you arrive, you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Whittier today!

Key Takeaways

• There are three main ways to get to Whittier: by air, by train, or by car.
• The most popular way to get to Whittier is by air, as there are direct flights from several major cities.
• The train is another option, but it is a more time-consuming journey.
• The car is the least convenient option, as you will need to drive to Anchorage and then take a ferry to Whittier.
• No matter how you choose to get there, getting to Whittier is an adventure in itself.
• Once you arrive, you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.