cactexas

We'll be driving from Anchorage to Whittier for a 1:00 boat tour. I'm wondering what time we should leave Anchorage. I know we have to look at the tunnel schedule, but I have no idea how long it takes to get to the tunnel from Anchorage. I don't want to risk missing our tour. We'll be doing this on Sept. 2nd, so I'm hoping there won't be huge crowds trying to get throught the tunnel? Any info on this would be greatly appreciated!

Gardyloo

At least one cruise ship will be in port in Whittier, doing a turnaround that day, so I would imagine traffic in/out will be a major concern. Drive time from Anchorage (depends on where in town) to the tunnel entrance is an hour plus or minus, plus tunnel wait, plus possible queueing time, plus finding parking and getting to the dock... sounds like leaving 2 or 3 hours in advance is the best bet.

youngtom2910

one thing I wish I had done is leave time for some sea kayaking in the Whittier Bay. There is a great bird rookery across the bay that doesn't seem that hard to kayak to. So, depnding on the weather, one idea would be to get there early (and beat any traffic)and kayak for a few hours.

dfrostnh

Here's the info from the Whittier Tunnel Tips website:
For early afternoon cruises (e.g. 1-1:30pm), go for the 10:30-10:45 or 11:30-11:45am tunnel openings into Whittier. It also agrees with Gardyloo to allow an hour from Anchorage and you should arrive 30 minutes prior to the tunnel opening. The vehicles queu up neatly and move right along. Another site said there's an occasional unscheduled train so people should take that into consideration. My husband loved the tunnel until we were first in line on the way out. He had his fingers crossed that there wasn't a train coming. Of course that wouldn't happen.

BudgetQueen

I would allow 1 hour and 15 min. for the drive. But you will want to give yourself some time for stops.
Did you rent from Harley's??

I would be through the 11:30am opening.