Transportation from Whittier to Anchorage
Jul 5th, 2009, 06:59 AM
#1
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Transportation from Whittier to Anchorage
We will arrive in Whittier and intend to spend a few days in Anchorage. I found several transportation options online and wonder what is recommended. I am thinking of taking the train but I saw the "magic bus' and that looked interesting.
Any recommendations?
Any recommendations?
Jul 6th, 2009, 02:49 PM
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As you've most likely found in your online research, there are many options for getting from Whittier to Anchorage. The Magic Bus, and other services like them, are a good choice.
They are a shared service and have a moderate price
The train is a cost effective way to get to Anchorage as well. Plus it is king of fun! It is probably the slowest way to get to Anchorage though. So if time is an issue, the train might not be the best.
A hired car (and driver) is the most expensive, but the advantage is that you will not be mixed in with other travelers. You can deviate and stop to see things along the
way (to Anchorage) if you wanted.
The trip to Anchorage is about 55 minutes. The drive is
beautiful. You will love it.
So unless some of the above advantages, or circumstances apply, I think your choice of the train is a good one.
Here is a resource page you might find helpful:
http://www.great-vacation-in-alaska....anchorage.html
They are a shared service and have a moderate price
The train is a cost effective way to get to Anchorage as well. Plus it is king of fun! It is probably the slowest way to get to Anchorage though. So if time is an issue, the train might not be the best.
A hired car (and driver) is the most expensive, but the advantage is that you will not be mixed in with other travelers. You can deviate and stop to see things along the
way (to Anchorage) if you wanted.
The trip to Anchorage is about 55 minutes. The drive is
beautiful. You will love it.
So unless some of the above advantages, or circumstances apply, I think your choice of the train is a good one.
Here is a resource page you might find helpful:
http://www.great-vacation-in-alaska....anchorage.html
Jul 6th, 2009, 03:30 PM
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Actually, allow 1 1/4 hours Whittier/Anchorage, PLUS tunnel time. I assume you are arriving via cruiseship??? There is only one regular train per day, leaving at 6pm, this fits nicely with a Prince William Sound boat tour, which is spectacular for up close glacier viewing- far superior compared to anything seen from your cruiseship.
As for touring Anchorage for a few days- also look at Seward which has some winning superior activities. A top choice is a Kenai Fjords boat tour, loaded with varied wildlife, again far superior to most of the Inside passage.
Do your homework, and find out specifically what activities are available and rank your priorities, Then stay in those areas.
As for touring Anchorage for a few days- also look at Seward which has some winning superior activities. A top choice is a Kenai Fjords boat tour, loaded with varied wildlife, again far superior to most of the Inside passage.
Do your homework, and find out specifically what activities are available and rank your priorities, Then stay in those areas.
Jul 6th, 2009, 05:19 PM
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Mikein Alaska, that is some great information. I really like that great vacation in Alaska website -very helpful. Thank you Budget Queen- we will be arriving by cruise ship and I've been thinking that the train would be the best option. I had not considered Seward as a place to visit and now that you've suggested it, I will do some more research. Thanks!
Jul 9th, 2009, 12:21 PM
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Hi Gladnarn,
I think you misunderstood BudgetQueen. She was saying
that the railroad tracks literally parallel the
road to Anchorage. The road to Anchorage is called
The Seward Highway. So the scenary will be same,
regardless of the mode of transportation you choose.
There is the town of Seward 171 miles to the south of
Whittier. In the opposite direction of Anchorage.
Here is a map that I made on Mapquest
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Whit...c=Seward&2s=AK
Seward is a great place to visit, if you have time.
I don't recall of of the details, but the Alaska
Railroad has service all the way to Seward. My son
went on it once, and loved the trip. I've been
to Seward several times, but just not on the train.
Hope this helps!
I think you misunderstood BudgetQueen. She was saying
that the railroad tracks literally parallel the
road to Anchorage. The road to Anchorage is called
The Seward Highway. So the scenary will be same,
regardless of the mode of transportation you choose.
There is the town of Seward 171 miles to the south of
Whittier. In the opposite direction of Anchorage.
Here is a map that I made on Mapquest
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Whit...c=Seward&2s=AK
Seward is a great place to visit, if you have time.
I don't recall of of the details, but the Alaska
Railroad has service all the way to Seward. My son
went on it once, and loved the trip. I've been
to Seward several times, but just not on the train.
Hope this helps!
Jul 10th, 2009, 09:59 AM
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Thank you MikeInAlaska. After checking out the maps, we are not going to Seward - just taking the Alaska Rail Road to Anchorage. Our cruise ship arrives in Whittier at 1:30 AM, so we will have a long day before getting on the train at 6:45 pm.
Budget Queen, if we take a PWS boat tour, is there a place we can store our luggage?
Budget Queen, if we take a PWS boat tour, is there a place we can store our luggage?
