If you are boarding a cruise ship in Whittier both Alaska Railroad and bus service is available. The railroad departs in the morning from Anchorage, while the bus departures leaves in the afternoon. Either way you are sure to enjoy the scenic trip along the Turnagain Arm to Whittier. If you are ending a cruise in Whittier we generally recommend that you take the transfer available from the cruise line. Alaska Railroad and bus service is available from Whittier to Anchorage, but facilities for storing your luggage during the day are limited.

Relax and view the scenic beauty of a ride on the Alaska Railroad, the last full-service railroad in the United States. Sit back and enjoy the comfortable seating and large picture windows. The train features informative tour guides, and diner cars offer a casual and relaxed atmosphere.

The route between Anchorage and Whittier is very scenic, and the rail schedule works well for passengers boarding cruise ships in Whittier. After traveling through Anchorage you will descend through the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. This area, also commonly known as Potter's Marsh, is a good place to spot migratory birds, water fowl and moose. Your trip continues along the Turnagain Arm, a body of water featuring the world's second highest tides at over 30 feet. Beluga whales can often be seen following salmon on the incoming tide, and Dall sheep frequent rocky mountain sides. After passing Girdwood and Portage Glacier you will travel through a two mile tunnel before reaching Whittier.
Length: 2 Hours

Departure Information:
10:00 AM depart Anchorage Depot, arrive Whittier 12:20 PM

Your trip to Whittier will depart from the Anchorage Museum of History and Fine Art at 3:00pm. The Museum is located in downtown Anchorage at the corner of 7th & "A" Streets. A Park Connection representative will be available at the Museum anytime after 12:00pm to check your luggage and provide you with a complimentary pass to the Museum. Please be prepared to board the coach 15 minutes prior to departure. You will travel the 60 miles to Whittier in a quality 20-plus passenger coach with large windows and plenty of leg room. On peak days, a 55-passenger highway quality deluxe motorcoach may be used. Your trip between Anchorage and Whittier is a nice 90 minute drive along a scenic byway. Picture stops are made as time allows. Luggage is limited to two bags per passenger. Extra or oversized luggage will be taken on a space available basis for a fee. Gratuities have not been included in your tour price. A driver gratuity of $1 to $3 per person is customary depending on the length of your trip and the level of service received.

This service runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer and is a great option for passengers departing on cruise ships from Whittier. Connecting service from Denali Park is also available on the Park Connection so a trip from Denali Park or the McKinley Princess Lodge to Whittier is possible on the same day. This service is provided by The Magic Bus, a small Alaska owned and operated bus line.
Length: 90 Minutes

Departure Information:
3:00 PM depart Anchorage Museum 7th & A, arrive Whittier 4:30 PM