To get between your Whittier cruise ship and the Anchorage airport, the most convenient and cost-effective options are the Pacific Alaska Tours direct motorcoach transfer or the transfer with tour, both timed with cruise ship schedules and including luggage handling. Other reliable transportation choices include renting a car for flexibility on the Seward Highway or taking the Alaska Railroad for a seasonal, scenic, narrated ride, each offering different advantages depending on timing, budget, and travel preferences.
In this post we talk about:
- How to get from your cruise ship in Whittier to Anchorage.
- How to get to your cruise ship in Whittier from Anchorage.
- Alternative options for you to get to and from Whittier from your cruise ship.
How do I get from my cruise ship in Whittier to Anchorage?
Travelers heading from Whittier to Anchorage with Pacific Alaska Tours can choose between a direct cruise transfer or a transfer paired with a cultural tour experience. The direct motorcoach option (currently $75 per person) provides a comfortable, one-and-a-half-hour ride along the Seward Highway, with views of Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains. Light narration on history, wildlife, and culture is included, and schedules are coordinated with cruise ship arrivals for a smooth connection. For those who want to add extra value to the trip, the transfer with tour (currently $79 per person) includes a Cultural Exploration Tour on the way to Anchorage. This option highlights Alaska’s heritage and communities while still ensuring luggage handling and on-time arrival.
How do I get from Anchorage to my cruiseship in Whittier?
For passengers traveling from Anchorage to Whittier, Pacific Alaska Tours offers similar flexibility with both direct and tour-enhanced transfers. The direct service ($75 per person) follows the same scenic highway, providing a reliable, comfortable ride scheduled around cruise ship departures to ensure travelers reach the port on time. The transfer with tour upgrade ($79 per person) includes a Wildlife Adventure Tour en route to Whittier, giving guests a chance to spot Alaskan animals and enjoy the landscapes beyond the highway itself. Both options remain cost-effective alternatives to private transport, combining convenience with the chance to experience Alaska’s natural beauty and culture along the way.
Other options for travel between Anchorage and Whittier
Travelers looking for alternatives to motorcoach transfers between Anchorage and Whittier often consider renting a car or taking the Alaska Railroad, each offering a unique way to experience Alaska’s scenery. Driving the Seward Highway provides maximum flexibility, with the opportunity to stop at points of interest such as Portage Glacier or Bird Point while enjoying sweeping views of Turnagain Arm, rugged peaks, and possible wildlife sightings like beluga whales or Dall sheep. The route takes about 90 minutes but requires passing through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which operates on a timed schedule; planning ahead is essential. Rental cars are only available in Anchorage, not Whittier, and drivers should be prepared for shifting weather conditions and the challenges of mountain highway travel. For those who prefer a more relaxed option, the Alaska Railroad operates seasonally from May through September, aligned with cruise ship departures and arrivals. The train offers spacious seating, panoramic windows, and live narration about Alaska’s history, culture, and natural environment. With no need to worry about traffic, tunnel schedules, or parking, the rail journey transforms transportation into a scenic experience in itself, though departures are limited to once daily and require advance reservations.
Choosing the Best Way to Travel Between Anchorage and Whittier
| Option | Travel Time | Luggage Handling | Scheduling | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Alaska Tours Direct Transfer | ~1.5 hours | Yes | Once per week, coordinated with cruise ship schedules. | Adult~$75 |
| Pacific Alaska Tours Transfer with Tour | ~3 hours | Yes | Once per week, coordinated with cruise ship schedules. | Adult~$79 |
| Rental Car | 2–5 hours depending on stops and driving speed. | No | Flexible, but vehicles may not be available. | $100–$600 depending on type of car. |
| Train | 3+ hours | No | Once per day | $111+ |
Each transportation method has its pros and considerations:
- Pacific Alaska Tours transfers are ideal for cruise passengers who want to turn their travel day into a sightseeing experience. The transfer handles all logistics, luggage handling, tunnel timing, and driving stress, and gives you a bonus “tour within a tour” before your next grand Alaskan adventure.
- Driving offers freedom and flexibility, but requires planning, and confidence behind the wheel, and may be expensive.
- The train is comfortable, scenic, and informative but limited to one schedule per day and does not make stops between cities.
Compared to alternatives such as private car services, taxis, or one-way rental cars, which often involve steep fees and more complex logistics, the direct transfer is typically both faster and more affordable. By handling luggage, schedules, and the one-way route seamlessly, Pacific Alaska Tours provides an easy, reliable, and lower-stress option for connecting Anchorage and Whittier.