Getting to Whittier from Anchorage

[COliveira]

We are taking our first Alaskan cruise on Princess in September, and I'm so confused about the getting to the Port. Please share what you've done in the past and our best options. We are arriving two days prior to the cruise and staying in Anchorage. TIA

[ARRTrain]

Whittier is about 50 miles from Anchorage with a One Way Tunnel for traffic.

 

Princess has transfers from Downtown Anchorage & the Airport. Several private companies have transfers.

 

Alaska Railroad has  Daily Train to Whittier.

Edited April 14, 2022 by ARRTrain

[erber]

We have used Alaska Cruise Transfer company multiple times for Princess cruises. They have been very dependable and are less expensive than the Princess transfer. Check them out. They also have an option to add an hour long stop at a wildlife center on the way to the cruise ship. I think they have an even more comprehensive tour package for the day as well.  

 

Alaskacruisetransfer.com

 

We have booked them for our June 1 Southbound cruise ! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 14, 2022 by erber

[RNRcruisers]

We have done both ways. When we were transferring from Whittier to Anchorage we purchased the Princess transportation. When we went from Anchorage to Whittier we purchased an independent excursion that picked us up at our hotel and dropped at the ship with some sight-seeing stops on the way. I don't remember the name but I think a quick google search gave us several options.

[leck57]

Princess have shuttles from the Convention Centre in town and they set up there a few days before the cruise. Check there when you arrive, but personally I would contact them and see what you have to do to make arrangements. Our transfer arrangements were included in our package at the time.

[alanasgpa]

Look into the Alaska railroad!!!

[GatorGirl1313]

You can also easily get an Uber from Anchorage to Whittier although it may be pricey.  Plenty of drivers would take that long fare.

 

For anyone reading this who is wondering about the inverse, or Uber from Whittier to Anchorage, that is unlikely.  

 

Also if you take a bus or shuttle transfer sit on the right side from Anchorage to Whittier to have incredible water views.  

[Buckeye10640]

7 hours ago, alanasgpa said:

Look into the Alaska railroad!!!

This! It is not the lowest price alternative but IMHO well worth the price, especially if you have not taken it before. 

[DougandEric]

Double check where the transfer leaves from.  Our docs said the convention center.  When we were dropped off, we were told it was moved to the Sheraton and we had to get another cab.

[disneyochem]

We like taking the railroad but have also used Alaska Cruise Transportation (ACT).

 

If you're staying at a major hotel, ACT will pick you up at the hotel.  When you book with them, they will list a number of places where they pick up:  hotels, downtown convention center, airport.  Three tours provided:  a direct to port; a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Center then port; and a full-day (lunch included) tour that goes to AWC, Girdwood and the tram (weather permitting) and then port.  Their buses are pretty comfortable and you get dropped off right at the ship.

 

For the railroad, you have to get to the Anchorage Depot from your hotel independently to catch the Glacier Discovery Train at 9:45 a.m.  You arrive in Whittier at around noon.  You need to tote your own luggage across the street to the ship.  Not for problem for us since we travel light.  We prefer the train--much better seats and one is able to get up and move around.

 

On one trip, we took the train from Anchorage to Girdwood.  Spent a couple of nights at the Aleyska Resort and then caught the train to Whittier for our cruise. 

 

Edited to add:  We have booked the  ACT for a direct transfer from Whittier to Anchorage for our June cruise.  We want to get to Anchorage as soon as possible.  The train doesn't depart from Whittier to Anchorage until after 6 p.m.!

Edited April 15, 2022 by disneyochem

[Torfamm]

We are booked with Salmonberry Tours for a tour starting at 10 am in Anchorage and ending in Whittier at 4 pm

 

https://www.salmonberrytours.com/tour/anchorage-to-whittier-transfer-and-tour/

[geocruiser]

Never used them.  But here is a web site.

https://www.anchorage.net/plan-your-trip/transportation/cruise-transfers/