ddlovestravel

We are still in planning stage for a pre-cruise tour on our own and would want to get from Anchorage to either Seward or Whittier on the day the cruise starts (from Whittier). It seems that the trip to Seward might be better (scenery ?) than to Whittier. Question - if we train to Seward - are there taxis available to then transport us to Whittier? Or who has been on train from Anchorage to Whittier and it is just as amazing?

BudgetQueen

It really doesn't make a lot of sense to go by train to Seward and then a costly transfer back to Whittier to get on a ship??? The major reason to go to Seward is to enjoy Seward, otherwise I wouldn't suggest you waste the time and money just taking a train ride??

The train to Whittier parallels the Seward Highway the WHOLE way, so no advantage in the train on this route.

Take a look at a map. And were you planning time in Seward??

spirobulldog

I normally agree with BQ. She does know Alaska much better than me. However, we drove the Seward HWY and then took the train back to Anchorage. We got a whole other perspective from the Train and really enjoyed it. I don't think you will find 4 hours a waste of time. Yes it is somewhat expensive, but it is a very very scenic ride IMO. We enjoyed dinner on the train as well. You can also ride in the dome cars any time you like. The train does not parallel the road the entire way to Seward. To me it was dramatically different. We saw waterfalls and glaciers we didn't see from the HWY. I don't think you will be disappointed.

ddlovestravel

Thanks for the responses ---- I should clarify - if we can work it out - we will be using a rental car from Anchorage (going to Denali, McKinley and at one point drive to Seward/Kenai Park area for 2 days) - drive back to Anchorage to return the car (cheaper) and really wanted to do a rail trip - so it seemed natural to take the train from Anchorage to the cruise. However, I didn't know whether we would see as much on the train from Anchorage to Whittier as we might on a train to Seward. Just looking for the most exciting train ride. We will see Seward from the car but so many people say that the train ride was more memorable. Either way, once we turn in the car, we need to get to Whittier.

BudgetQueen

My post, is correct, the question was WHITTER/Anchorage, which does parallel the highway. For them to do Seward/Anchorge, it's two separate trains.

My suggestion then is to shuttle Whittier/Seward. This will allow them the train in one direction on the most scenic portion which is the Girdwood/Seward portion.