• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Albom Adventures

Albom Adventures

  • New Zealand
    • Auckland
    • North Island Travel
    • South Island Travel
    • New Zealand Life
  • All Travel
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • Pacific Islands
    • Americas
      • Central America and Caribbean
      • North America
      • South America
    • Europe
      • Eastern Europe
      • Northern Europe
      • Southern Europe
      • Western Europe
    • Asia and Africa
      • Asia (China and South East Asia)
      • Middle East
      • Africa
    • Worldwide
    • Travel Planning and Tips
    • Travel Anecdotes
  • Cruising
    • Cruising Tips and Cruise Ships
    • Cruise Ports
  • About
    • Media – Work With Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy for Albom Adventures
    • Contact Albom Adventures

Inspiring travel through photography

Home » Travel » Americas » North America » Anchorage to Whittier: Enjoy Getting to Your Cruise

Anchorage to Whittier: Enjoy Getting to Your Cruise

Last Updated: March 31, 2022 // by Rhonda Albom // 42 Comments
We may earn a commission through links on this site at no extra cost to you.
Moose at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Anchorage Alaska
I wonder what this moose is thinking.
This moose was one of the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center stop when travelling from Anchorage to Whittier in Alaska.
PPortage Glacier in the Chugach National Forest of Alaska is one of many sites seen while driving from Anchorage to Whittier in Alaska.

Our Alaska cruise “from Anchorage” actually embarked from Whittier, Alaska nearly 100 km away. We opted to make the journey part of the adventure rather than taking direct transport from Anchorage to Whittier. Key sites between the two cities are a seaplane airport, wildlife conservation center, aerial tram, coastal bird refuge, national forest, glaciers, and a derelict building.

Traveling slowly from Anchorage to Whittier Alaska, we had time to explore the region more thoroughly. We did it with a private guide. This allowed us to focus our time on our interests, and to learn heaps.

Mountain goat on a rocky cliff seen in Alaska
Our guide was an expert at spotting wildlife, even as he drove. He frequently pulled over to point out Alaskan animals like this mountain goat in the rocky cliffs near the road.

How to get from Anchorage to Whittier

The direct transit options from Anchorage to Whittier are driving, bus, or train. Group and private tour options are also available. We will discuss each option in detail below.

Regardless of which transport method you choose, plan it in advance. Nearly everyone on your ship will need to get to the port. This could be several thousand people.

We earn from qualifying purchases through partnerships or affiliate programs.

Highlights and stops from Anchorage to Whittier

We opted for a private tour so we could stop and enjoy the highlights of the stunning drive between Anchorage and Whittier. The Chugach Mountains and the waters of the Turnagain Arm sandwich the drive.

1. Lake Hood Seaplane Base

The world’s busiest seaplane base is located near the Anchorage airport. This was our first stop with our private driver, and we watched two planes take off.

Lake Hood Seaplane Base in Anchorage Alaska
Lake Hood is home to the world’s busiest seaplane base.

2. Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge

The Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge runs for 16 miles from Point Woronzof to Potter Creek. We saw a variety of birds, including a fluffy Mew Gull chick. The Potter Marsh boardwalks are the most popular viewing area.

  • Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge
  • A fluffy mew gull chick at the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge in Alaska
  • Bird sits on the sign for the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge in Alaska

3. Alyeska Aerial Tram

We opted to skip the tram, but in retrospect wish we had taken it. Others described awe-inspiring views as the tram travels from Hotel Alyeska to the top of Mt. Alyeska (700 meters – 2,300 ft). Nestled against the mountains, the four-star Hotel Alyeska offers a retreat I wish we had taken time to enjoy.
⇒ Check hotel prices and reviews

Alyeska Aerial Tram
Photo by Scott McMurren. (CC BY 2.0)

4. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a non-profit organization doing great things to preserve Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, and quality animal care. This rescue and rehabilitation center is for Alaska’s wild mammals in their natural environment. It is home to elk, moose, muskox, caribou, bears, bison, and more.

Elk Grazing at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

We spent much of our time looking into the 17-acre brown bear enclosure that gives the animals plenty of space. While many visitors don’t see any bears, we were lucky to see all three of the brown bears. Later, we saw both of the black bears.

  • Brown bear swimming at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Anchorage Alaska
  • Alaska Brown Bear at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center outside of Anchorage
Moose at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Anchorage Alaska

5. Chugach National Forest of Alaska and the Portage Glacier

Portage Glacier is a nearly 10-kilometer (6 mile) long glacier that is retreating with global warming. Located inside the Chugach National Forest, its beauty is amplified by the surrounding greenery. It is aptly named as it sits on an old portage route between Prince William Sound and Turnagain Arm. It was our final stop before the Whittier tunnel.

Portage Lake and Portage Glacier in the Chugach National Forest of Alaska
Our guide took this family shot of us at Portage Lake with Portage Glacier in the background.
Blue glacial ice of the Portage Glacier in the Chugach National Forest of Alaska
A closer look at the blue glacial ice of Portage Glacier.

7. Derelict Buckner Building

The abandoned Buckner Building in Whittier was our final stop before boarding the ship. Built during 1953 and used by the US military, it was one of the largest buildings in Alaska at the time. Its nickname was “the city under one roof”. As bears inhabit it now, we didn’t enter.

An abandon derelict building in Whittier Alaska
The abandoned Buckner Building in Whittier.

If you like abandoned buildings, read next: Sheraton’s Cursed Derelict Buildings on Rarotonga

Anchorage to Whittier Transportation Options

If you don’t own a vehicle in Alaska, you will need some sort of transportation from Anchorage to Whittier. Be aware that there is a one-lane tunnel that changes directions every 30 minutes near the entrance to Whittier. Check the schedule before you travel.

Private Vehicle

Drive time is about 1.5 hours unless you have a full wait at the tunnel. If you own a car in Anchorage, you can drive yourself, but only if you are returning to Whittier. Rental cars can have the same issue, although some companies will let you drop off in Whittier for a fee.

Other private vehicles include taxis, Uber, or Lyft; however, all three of these will be expensive.

Private Tour

We hired a private guide through Tours by Locals who started our day with an Anchorage city tour that I only touched on above. Knowledgeable and interesting, together we turned our transit into a great day. While the guide we used, is no longer on the list, we have always had good luck with their guides. My best recommendation is to read the reviews before you choose a guide.

*If a private guide is your choice, don’t wait too long to contact the guide. There are a lot of cruise ship passengers, and only a few guides.  

Glacial silt spotted at the coastline as we drove from Anchorage to Whittier in Alaska
The glacial silt makes for an impressive-looking coastline as we left Anchorage. This is one of many small details pointed out by the private guide that we would have otherwise missed.

Small group tours

Pre-cruise transfer and tour from Anchorage to Whittier: This six-hour tour will pick you up at your hotel or the airport. You will ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram and visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center as well as make several photo stops. It’s covered by Viator’s Worry-Free Shore Excursion guarantee.
⇒ Check price and reviews.

Cruise transfer and private tour: This fully customizable 5-8 hour tour is priced by the group for up to nine passengers. Therefore, it is economical if you are traveling with others.
⇒ Check price and reviews

Shuttle from the cruise line

There is usually an Anchorage to Whittier shuttle sponsored by the cruise company. Read the cruise literature for details. The advantage is the ease of booking, as it is often done by the company that booked the cruise. The disadvantage will be the cost, as tours from the ship generally cost more than similar options you can book on your own.

Moose crossing sign seen while driving from Anchorage to Whittier in Alaska
We didn’t see any moose crossing the road as we drove from Anchorage to Whittier, but we did stop for a moose to cross directly in front of our bus in Denali.

Bus (Motorcoach)

Direct Bus: The Park Connection Motorcoach offers a two-hour direct cruise ship transfer service, timed with the tunnels. The comfortable bus holds 52 passengers.

Tour Bus: This four-hour tour and transport via air-conditioned coach provides commentary and visits the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center plus has two photo stops: Beluga Point and Portage Glacier.
⇒ Check Pricing and reviews of this Half-Day Transfer

Train

The train from Anchorage to Whittier only runs on cruise days. It’s slower than the bus, takes 2.5 hours to get to Whittier, and it costs more. However, for those who love train travel, it’s still the ideal pick. We took the Alaska Railway to Denali and loved it.

A bald eagle in flight in Alaska, seen while driving from Anchorage to Whittier
Not my best shot, but it is the first time I have seen a bald eagle in flight.

Regional Trivia

In May of 1778, history suggests that Captain Cook entered an inlet and found that it did not connect to Prince William Sound as he had hoped. He turned back, thus the name Turnagain Arm.

Practical and fun information on traveling from Anchorage to Whittier:

  • The large cruise companies generally sail out of either Whittier, which is 97 km (60 miles) to the east of Anchorage, or Seward – 204 km (127 miles) to the south. They do not sail out of an Anchorage cruise port.
  • The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel allows autos and trains to pass under Maynard Mountain. At 4,100 m (13,300 ft) long, it is the second-longest highway tunnel, and longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America.
  • We arrived in Alaska a week before our cruise, splitting our time between nature in Denali and Anchorage where we visited key Anchorage sites like the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Anchorage Museum.
  • Anchorage is one of my favorite US cities.
  • We stayed at the Ramada Inn in Anchorage and recommend it for midrange accommodation. ⇒ Check availability at Booking.com.
  • Alaska is part of the United States. Therefore, the currency is the US dollar, and the official language is English.

Read Next: Alaska Cruise Tips: Know Before You Sail
 

Save on your trip with these resources

We use these aggregator companies to save time and money. They do the work for us by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews for anywhere we are travelling worldwide. Plus, we have personally had positive customer service experiences with all of them: 

  • Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
  • Hotels: we use Booking.com as they consistently return the best rates and their reviews are from actual guests. However, for self-contained lodging, use VRBO
  • Cars: we use RentalCars to find the best deals and dealer ratings.
  • Private guides: we often hire private guides from Tours by Locals
  • Travel Insurance: we start at InsureMyTrip as they are the best option to compare plans and find the right coverage for you.

Before you book the rest of your trip: Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.

Enjoyed these photos? Share it on Pinterest 

  • PPortage Glacier in the Chugach National Forest of Alaska is one of many sites seen while driving from Anchorage to Whittier in Alaska.
  • This moose was one of the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center stop when travelling from Anchorage to Whittier in Alaska.

How will you get from Anchorage to Whittier?

More from Alaska:

  • Alaska Cruise Tips 2021: Know Before You Sail
  • Ketchikan Shore Excursions: The Best Things to Do in Ketchikan Alaska
  • Adventure and Other Things to do in Denali Alaska
  • 15 Free Things to do in Skagway Alaska: Excursions and Alternatives
  • Panoramic Views as we Ride the Alaska Railroad from Denali to Anchorage
1.7K shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Category: North America, Cruise Ports, Cruising Tips and Cruise ShipsTag: Alaska, Animals, Birds, Glaciers

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dawn Rae

    February 28, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    Beautiful photos. I always enjoy your photography so much. It’s like I’m along for the ride. Thank you.

    Reply
  2. Debra

    June 8, 2017 at 3:27 am

    Your images are stunning- enjoyed seeing the bears mt. goat, eagle and moose!

    Reply
  3. shiju sugunan

    June 2, 2017 at 5:38 pm

    Great shots. My favorite is the mountain goat.

    Reply
  4. Mags

    May 31, 2017 at 11:58 am

    I’m headed to Alaska for the first time next week and I hope I see half as much wildlife. Your photos are amazing.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 31, 2017 at 6:14 pm

      Be sure to visit the Wildlife Conservation Center in Anchorage.

      Reply
  5. Kim Ostrowski

    May 29, 2017 at 2:44 pm

    I so LOVE blue ICe! too bad there isn’t a way to make it into a necklace WITHOUT it melting!

    Reply
  6. Christina

    May 29, 2017 at 2:32 pm

    What amazing photos! If I had to pick just one favorite, it would have to be the moose. I saw much wildlife as well when I was in Alaska. But it was on a cruise and I had always wanted to explore more of the state by land. This post is definitely serious inspiration to go back and visit.

    Reply
  7. Carol

    May 28, 2017 at 5:03 am

    I’m normally a DIY kind of travel gal. But these pics prove the value of having a guide. They are always so much better as spotting wildlife than us mere mortals. PS that gull chick is totally adorbs.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 29, 2017 at 7:02 pm

      We are normally DIY people as well, but there really isn’t a DIY option here. The car rental is shockingly expensive with the drop off a Whittier. And, having the guide turned out to be great.

      Reply
  8. Sarah Stierch

    May 28, 2017 at 4:03 am

    Wow, I can’t believe that moose was just sitting there like that. I’ve always wanted to drive Alaska – so this was really helpful. Thanks so much.

    Reply
  9. Megan Jerrard

    May 28, 2017 at 1:55 am

    Great photos Rhonda! Took me right back to our trip to Alaska – we also rented a car and explored by land – the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center was one of the highlights of our trip, and probably got the best photos we have of bears here ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  10. jill

    May 26, 2017 at 11:47 am

    Great photos! I didn’t realize the building in Whittier was abandoned. I’d always heard the legends about the “city under one roof” and it sounded so interesting.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 26, 2017 at 9:44 pm

      There are two buildings, the other one is still in use.

      Reply
  11. Rhonda Albom

    May 26, 2017 at 8:07 am

    I try to have a different perspective when I write.

    Reply
  12. Claire justine

    May 25, 2017 at 10:24 pm

    Oh wow, what beautiful pictures. You got some amazing shots here ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  13. Molly

    May 25, 2017 at 9:42 am

    That is a great shot of the moose

    Mollyx

    Reply
  14. Photo(Geo)grapher

    May 25, 2017 at 5:47 am

    Great photography!

    Reply
  15. amanda

    May 24, 2017 at 11:51 pm

    love this post! I so want to go to alaska. The moose and fluffy baby bird photos were my favourites!

    Reply
  16. Barb

    May 24, 2017 at 9:11 pm

    This must have been such an amazing experience seeing so much wildlife. The fluffy baby bird looked so cute. Also liked the moose, although I know these animals are huge in reality.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 25, 2017 at 9:11 pm

      Yes, that moose was quite huge, while the little bird was very tiny.

      Reply
  17. Lexa Cain

    May 24, 2017 at 3:02 pm

    Fabulous pics! I can’t believe you were lucky enough to see all the bears. Thanks for sharing! (I think “city under one roof” nickname would now better apply to the Begich Towers, the 14-story building in Whittier which is not abandoned and has over 200 Whittier residents living there, plus gov’t offices, including the post office, police station and things like a laundramat, market and health clinic — and hopefully no bears or ghosts!! LOL)

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 25, 2017 at 9:09 pm

      Sometimes we get really lucky, other times not so much. I tend to write more about the good times. I know your new book takes place in Begich Towers. I can’t wait to read it.

      Reply
  18. Hatton

    May 24, 2017 at 12:58 pm

    Beautiful photos! I love lightroom. Keeping photos organized is such a task!

    Reply
  19. Alissa Apel

    May 24, 2017 at 8:32 am

    I like the fluffy bird and the bear! Bears always look so cuddly even though I know they are not.

    Reply
  20. L. Diane Wolfe

    May 24, 2017 at 7:00 am

    Absolutely beautiful. Good thing you had a guide to spot those sheep. We saw bighorn sheep way up on a rock in Yellowstone only because my father knew to stop and look for them.

    Reply
  21. Klara S

    May 24, 2017 at 6:34 am

    I’d love to visit Alaska! It’s so beautiful place.
    As always very informative post and as always wonderful pictures. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  22. indah nuria

    May 24, 2017 at 6:00 am

    I have been wanting to visit Alaska..beautiful indeed!

    Reply
  23. Travelera

    May 24, 2017 at 6:00 am

    Oh Wow Amazing photos, you have captures all the animals so well, I love the pics of the birds!
    Im back of my holidays now so youwill see me here more often ๐Ÿ™‚
    Happy day lovely

    Reply
  24. artmusedog and carol

    May 24, 2017 at 4:36 am

    What an adventure for you and marvelous ‘critter photos’ ~ had to choose a favorite ~ love them all ~ thanks,

    Happy Week to you ~ ^_^

    Reply
  25. Sandee

    May 24, 2017 at 3:14 am

    I would have gone the way you did. It’s good to take your time and see the beauty of where you are. You did just that.

    Have a fabulous day. โ˜บ

    Reply
  26. Paul F. Pietrangelo

    May 24, 2017 at 3:03 am

    WOW! What a lovely photo of you Rhonda and your family with a beautiful background of the mountains. I’ve been watching John Heald’s videos of the Carnival Legend (our first cruise ) cruise to Alaska. After seeing all that he showed and your photos I’ve been thinking about taking an Alaskan cruise. The only thing is it’s cold and I’d like my cruises warm. I’ll keep thinking about it.
    Have a wonderful day my wonderful friend. See ya.

    Cruisin Paul

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 24, 2017 at 10:26 am

      Thanks Paul. I love Alaska, and I am NOT a fan of winter. The cruises only go in the summer, so the days are long and sunny. However, it is cold at times, and rarely warm enough for the outdoor pool. However, Alaska is really special, and cruising the interior passage is a great way to see it. We cruised from Anchorage to Vancouver, and I would recommend it.

      Reply
  27. Teresa Kindred

    May 24, 2017 at 1:14 am

    I love the soft little fuzzy bird!

    Reply
  28. The Happy Whisk

    May 24, 2017 at 1:10 am

    Wow, I love the wildlife photos. Well done. Very cool to see. Thanks for reading my stuff over at Alex’s page.

    Reply
  29. Alex J. Cavanaugh

    May 23, 2017 at 11:33 pm

    A moose once bit my sister…
    You were really close to that moose!
    And what a waste of a building.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 24, 2017 at 10:18 am

      Oh no, was she hurt? A deer once kicked Sarah, when she was about 5, it left quite a bruise. I wasn’t as close as it appeared, as there was a fence.

      Reply
  30. Carol

    May 23, 2017 at 9:52 pm

    Another post of stunning photography and travel tips!

    Reply
  31. Hilary Melton-Butcher

    May 23, 2017 at 6:21 pm

    Hi Rhonda – I’d noted what you’d said about driving around Anchorage and getting to see the Coastal Reserve – looks amazing … and so glad you saw so much wildlife … love the reflection shot of the bird … as you say glorious one … and an eagle flying – always a delight of wonderment. Cheers Hilary

    Reply
  32. stevebethere

    May 23, 2017 at 4:22 pm

    Wow! and what an adventure it was that was brilliant getting to see those bears loved all those photos especially the moose

    As the Scots say “There’s a moose loose here in the hoose” ๐Ÿ™‚

    Have a moosetastic week Rhonda ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  33. ladyfi

    May 23, 2017 at 4:15 pm

    Wow – stunning shots. I love that shot of the moose.

    Reply
  34. Julia Simonson

    July 28, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    I love seeing animals in the wild. Fun to see a mountain goat. It sounds like you made a good choice with your guide.

    Reply
  35. Andrew

    July 28, 2013 at 10:03 am

    Always best to get a tour from a native, because he’ll know all the cool spots. Glad you got to see the bears.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sidebar

rentalcars
Travel Insurance by InsureMyTrip
Booking.com

Featured activities

Official New Zealand Specialist badge from New Zealand Tourism Board Lonely Planet Community Pathfinders

As an Amazon Associate, Albom Adventures earns from qualifying purchases as well as from other collaborative and affiliate partners.

Copyright © 2023 ยท Albom Adventures ยท All Rights Reserved.

Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking โ€œAcceptโ€, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT