Anchorage to Whittier transportation
 

In July, my family and I will be flying into Anchorage at Noon for a cruise which sets sail at 9pm in Whittier. Any recommendations on a transfer company that would provide great scenery or tour on our way to Whittier?

You can just take the Alaska Railroad to Whittier, although you need to check the times the train leaves. The schedule may not work with your arrival time. I think I read that Avis has a rental car office in Whittier. You can rent a car at the airport and just drive down to Whittier. It's not that far. Keep in mind the tunnel times too.

Thanks.
I was wondering if anyone knew if any of the shuttle services would do an added couple hour tour while on the way down to Whittier?

I would check with your cruise operator. Most of them offer a shuttle service from the airport to the dock. That way you don't have to worry about renting a car for a couple of hours.

Just returned from this trip. The train leaves at 10:00 a.m. and arrives Whittier at 12:20 p.m. If you do go on your own - keep in mind the one way tunnel. It goes only once each hour and only in one direction each hour. The train times it to the minute so you do not have to wait.

conette,
How was the PWS Cruise ? Did you like the glaciers? Was it cold during the cruise? I go there in 2 weeks. It will be the only ocean trip I will take this vacation in Alaska. Hate to pack a thick, warm sweater just because of the only trip...
Thanks

The PWS Cruise was one of the nicest days I had on my first trip to AK. It was beautiful and sunny the day we went. I highly recommend this tour. It can be cold on the deck of the boat, but the inside of the boat is heated. As everywhere in Alaska, dress in layers and you will be fine.

There is some wrong information above, for clairfication- the tunnel is open in BOTH directions about one 15 min. window each hour during the day.


http://www.dot.state.ak.us/creg/whit...schedule.shtml

To answer the orginal question, you are too late for the regular run of the Alaska RR. The cruise line will have a costly contracted train, but the scenery on this portion is EXACTLY the same as the road. Probably your best option will be the cruise contracted bus? There are tours with leaving Whittier but don't know if available with going to?

Budget Queen - not the day we went. Several people on our ship had to wait and it was also announced on the train just as I stated. Yes, the weather was very nice. The wind felt a bit chilly at times though. Kenai Fjords had a two level boat and I would recommend the top deck. It was much quieter and nicer. We saw several of the resident Orca pods. Bought a book onboard with some of the named Orcas we saw. Many humpbacks included two separate moms' with babies. The birds were absolutely amazing. We did the 7 hour tour that went to Bear and Holgate Glacier. Beautiful blue colors. Also saw seals, sea lions and sea otters. What a great day it was! If you are on Princess (and a few others too) - the add on for the train over the bus is just $35.00 per person. Well worth it for the comfort level. Your travel agent should be able to help you.

Thanks to All.
We were able to find two tranfer shuttles independent of the cruise line available to us: The Magic Bus and Alaska Transportation Group. There are others but were either sold out or too expensive. Chose the latter as they offer a private vehicle for the same price (offered a bus for less) and can do a 2hr "tour" while on our way to Whittier for an added $10pp.

We are taking a cruise in July. Princess says we must take their 1:00 shuttle from the hotel to go from Anchorage to Whittier. That seems so early. If the ship doesn't leave until 9:00, why couldn't we stay longer in Anchorage. I also called Alaska Transportation Group but am concerned about timing and connecting with the ship. What time did you go on the ATG shuttle and what time did you arrive at the ship? What does one do when arriving at Whittier to get on the ship? Did you have problems not using the Princess transportation?

Most people who don't come a few days early, bypass all the great touring opportunities and just get on the ship. If you go earlier, you could take an excellent glacier boat tour out of Whittier, far far superior to anything you will see from the ship. Anchorage has plenty to see and do as well, but without your own arranged transportation you have fewer choices. Look perhaps at Magic Bus for a later/earlier departure?