Self-Drive Journey (Portage Tunnel)
Driving from Anchorage to Whittier takes about 1.5 hours along the scenic Seward Highway. You will pass through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (Portage Tunnel) which alternate directions on a strict timed schedule.
Recommended Timings
- • Leave Anchorage: 9:00 AM
- • Enter Whittier Tunnel: 10:30 AM
- • Arrive in Whittier: 10:50 AM
Accessibility & Parking
Paid parking is available directly adjacent to the Whittier Small Boat Harbor check-in facility. The harbor docks are ramped and fully accessible.
Phillips Coach Service
Leave the driving to us. Our luxury motorcoaches depart from major Anchorage hotels and Girdwood passes, coordinating directly with the cruise departure times to ensure you make the tunnel windows stress-free.
Service Route & Pricing
Coaches include reclining seats, restrooms, and panoramic windows. Round-trip and one-way coach transfers can be added directly to your booking.
Check-in Location
Pickup occurs in the lobby of downtown Anchorage hotels. Exact timings will be provided on your booking confirmation ticket.
Alaska Railroad Integration
Take the Glacier Discovery Train directly to Whittier. You'll travel past mountain valleys, towering peaks, and Spencer Glacier viewpoints on a rail route unreachable by standard highways.
Rail Schedules
Trains arrive directly in Whittier adjacent to the cruise terminal, allowing a short walk to our catamarans.
Booking Notes
Book as a complete rail & cruise package directly through our website to secure seats on both.
Cruise Terminal Transfers
If you are arriving or departing Whittier on a major cruise ship (Princess, Holland America, etc.), our day cruises make the perfect same-day excursion. We coordinate luggage transfers directly.
Luggage Guidelines
We offer luggage check services at the Whittier cruise office while you are on the water.
Port Access
Our vessels depart from the Whittier harbor, just a short shuttle ride or walk from the cruise ship docks.
