Anchorage to Seward transfer options

[queenkathryn]

Arriving into Anchorage on the train from Fairbanks.   Then a shuttle to Seward to catch the ship.   Instead of taking the bus, has anyone ever taken a private van or taxi to Seward?      Do you know the cost?  Also, how long does it take to go from Anchorage to Seward?

Thank you so much.

 

Edited June 5, 2022 by queenkathryn

[queenkathryn]

On the Niew Amsterdam.   I think that sails from Whittier, not Seward.   Sorry.  

[strickerj]

I can't answer your main question, but yes, HAL switched from Seward to Whittier in 2021 in order to share facilities with Princess. (Both are owned by Carnival.) The one-lane tunnel is neat, but remember you'll need to get there when it opens for your direction or it could be a half hour wait.

Edited June 5, 2022 by strickerj

[KansCocoa]

We are doing a private car with a guide, who will stop along the way for a tour & photo ops…it’s an all-day tour for us, with lunch somewhere. We used ToursByLocals for this. I know that you can find several companies that will arrange for a car to transfer you.

[AKStafford]

I would plan at least a couple of hours from the depot to Whittier, plus any time for stops. Bear Valley Road Runner is one shuttle that I know of. For a private car, contact BAC or Aurora Limousines. 

[don't-use-real-name]

The Denali Star from Fairbanks arrives Anchorage 8 pm or so - there is no connection

train or bus taxi airplane that is going to get you to Seward for a sailing that evening.

You will need to overnight (hotel) in Anchorage and then take the Coastal Classic

train the next day - 6:45 am leaving Anchorage arriving Seward 11:oo am.

There are buses and shuttles later in the day from Anchorage to Seward trip that

will arrive timely before any evening sailing.

Simply you do not travel Fairbanks to Seward all in the same day unless by a private

outfit.

 

[GTJ]

2 hours ago, don't-use-real-name said:

The Denali Star from Fairbanks arrives Anchorage 8 pm or so - there is no connection

train or bus taxi airplane that is going to get you to Seward for a sailing that evening.

You will need to overnight (hotel) in Anchorage and then take the Coastal Classic

train the next day - 6:45 am leaving Anchorage arriving Seward 11:oo am.

There are buses and shuttles later in the day from Anchorage to Seward trip that

will arrive timely before any evening sailing.

Simply you do not travel Fairbanks to Seward all in the same day unless by a private

outfit.

The Nieuw Amsterdam departs from Whittier, not Seward, usually at 10:00 p.m. Even if the train from Fairbanks arrived on time, at 8:00 p.m., it would likely be impossible to travel timely from Anchorage to Whittier for a same day connection with a departing vessel, as the travel time under ideal conditions is just under 1-1/2 hours. Given that the tunnel into Whittier operates on a timetable (from Portage, one hour from Anchorage under ideal conditions, the tunnel is open on the half-hour), and the cruise lines requires passengers to be onboard in advance of scheduled departure time, it would be exceptionally risky to attempt a same day transfer from Anchorage to Whittier. At best, one could travel on a "shuttle" service early morning from Fairbanks (departing between 5:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.) to Denali National Park, then boarding the Denali Express train at the park, for its 8:00 a.m. departure, direct to Whittier for a same-day connection with a departing vessel. Or, "shuttle" service from Fairbanks to any of several lodgings surrounding Denali National Park, then boarding the Park Connection motorcoach at one of those lodgings, departing at various times between 7:00 a.m. and 7:55 a.m., depending on the specific lodge, for same-day travel to Whittier (possibly changing coaches enroute at Anchorage).

 

Otherwise, you will need to spend an overnight in Anchorage, departing Fairbanks the day prior to the vessel departure date, and then traveling Anchorage to Whittier on the day of vessel departure.From Anchorage to Whittier there are buses (Alaska Cruise Transportation, Park Connection), a train (Alaska Railroad "Glacier Discovery"), and private vans and taxis (for which you should plan on two hours for the 60-mile trip).