Train from Whittier to Anchorage

[Kathy0418]

I saw on a website that there is a train to go to Anchorage from Whittier. We want to spend a night in Anchorage after our cruise and thought it would be more enjoyable than a bus ride. Has anyone done this recently? When does the train leave? Are there many throughout the day or is there a chance of missing it if the ship arrives late? Thanks for any help.

[LHP]

Lots of folks take the train and love it. Everyone we talked to on our cruise in 2005 took the train TO the port...I have not talked with folks that took it FROM the port.

 

I would post this question on the PORTS - Alaska and you may get some better first hand advice.

 

Enjoy Alaska...it was our best cruise ever!!

[Chat Noir]

If you take the train to Anchorage, you'll want to plan something for Whittier, as the train doesn't depart until after 6pm. Whittier offers some great day cruises of Prince William Sound with close up viewing of College Fjord Glaciers. The day cruise will be back in time to catch the train. Store luggage with the day cruise company.

If you decide not to do a tour out of Whittier, consider transportation such as shuttle/limo/cruise-transfer to Anchorage as soon as possible, and rent a car for the rest of the day and overnight until your departure. You'll have time to take in some wonderful highlights in the Anchorage area. If you can possibly add extra time, it's well worth doing so - for touring inland Alaska!

[Kathy0418]

thanks for the info about the train. We are staying over one night in Anchorage and then have a late night flight so we have about a day in half we can do things. Any recommendations for close to Anchorage? We will probably rent a car.

[Budget Queen]

If you are not planning on a glacier boat tour out of Whittier, I would never consider the regular run of the Alaska RR. There also can be a cruise contracted train that goes to the airport, more costly.

 

With your timeframe, a consideration is to go direct to Seward with a costly one way rental with Avis and a superb Kenai Fjords boat tour. A winner for varied wildlife and close up glacier viewing. If organized can be out the 9am tunnel with no problem. A boat tour that day, overnight, then a drive back to Anchorage, with stops along the way. Allow at least 3 hours. With a late night flight, some time to see some of Anchorage as well.

[Kathy0418]

Thanks for all the info.