Seward-Anchorage time crunch?
 

I have a plane out of Anchorage at 11:45 pm. Is it reasonable to do the 6 hour Kenai Fjords tour out of Seward, which is scheduled to return to the small boat harbor at 5:30, catch the train to Anchorage, which is scheduled to leave at 6:00 and arrive at the Anchorage railroad station at 10:15 and get to the airport in time for the flight out?

Not advisable but some of us would do it. It's a definite risk. I'd put the odds of success at about 85-90 percent.

If you aren't checking bags and have pre-printed your boarding passes, you'd increase your odds.

You'd be better off trying to catch a ride with someone on the boat or doing a one-way car rental. That would take a lot of stress out of the picture.

That would be cutting it close. I think repete is about right on the success rate, but there would be a better chance that you bags wouldn't make it. Do take the train at least one way. it is a fantastic ride. Consider taking the train to Seward and renting the car there. Only car rental in Seward is Hertz. by the way the guy that owns Renown tours own the car rental there also.

Thanks very much for the quick responses. I did want to do what you suggest, spirobulldog, but unfortunately Hertz has no one-ways from Seward on the 8th, though they did from ANC to Seward on the 7th. So I guess (although I will print out the boarding pass and won't have checked baggage) I should drive both ways and hold the train til the next trip. One more reason to return!

When we did our Kenai Fjords tour, we were supposed to return to dock by 6 p.m. It was such a great whale watching day, the boat stayed out longer to watch the moms & babies. We didn't get back until 7:30. Just for you info.

MY

It may have changed but it took a long time to go thru ANC security. check the airport's recommendations because you may need to get there two hours early.

Seems clear it should be by car round trip!
Thanks for the input.

Sorry, definately not recommended by me. Anchorage airport needs a 2 hour window, add 20 mins. for a cab, time to claim your bags, the train late. You aren't going to make it.

Thanks, all. Well, I got the message. One more question: how long should I assume to drive from Seward to the Anchorage airport? Is it reasonable to assume the boat getting back at 5:30 (plus a little for any delay) leaves enough time for a direct drive arriving by 10:00?

Easily.

Allow 3 hours for the Seward/Anchorage drive.

Unless you're returning on a Sunday night after there's been a heavy fishing weekend on the Kenai.

Sometimes that highway can get closed for 2 or 3 hours out along Turnagin.

Not to frighten you, but there's always the possibility.