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Cruise Port Advisor
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Port of Whittier, Alaska – Transportation

How to get to Port of Whittier, Alaska — rideshare, taxi, shuttle, and public transit options from nearby airports. Getting to Port of Whittier, Alaska...

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To depart from Whittier, coming in via air is the best option for most travelers.

✈️ What is the Closest Airport to Whittier?

Most passengers fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), serviced by major domestic airlines as well as JetBlue, Frontier, and several international carriers. Compare rates on cheap flights to Anchorage.


✈️ Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

📍 5000 W International Airport Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502 — approx. 60 miles / 2 hours from Whittier

The primary gateway for cruise passengers sailing to or from Whittier. From Anchorage, passengers can reach Whittier by train, motor coach, or rental car — each offering a scenic journey through Alaska's stunning landscape.

🚂
Train
~2 hours
🚐
Motor Coach
~2 hours
🚗
Rental Car
~2 hours

🚇 The Tunnel to Whittier

📍 Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, Portage Glacier Highway, Whittier, AK

Besides the sea, there is only one way in and out of Whittier — via the Portage Glacier Highway and the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a one-lane shared tunnel used by both rail and vehicles. The tunnel runs on a schedule to allow traffic to alternate directions, with windows for trains in between.

🕙 Example tunnel schedule

10:00–10:15am: traffic flows Whittier → Bear Valley
10:15–10:30am: open for trains
10:30–10:45am: traffic flows Bear Valley → Whittier
10:45–11:00am: open for trains

⚠️ If you miss an opening, you'll wait approximately one hour in a staging area. The 2.5-mile tunnel takes ~6 minutes at 25mph. Vehicles and trains are never in the tunnel at the same time. A toll is charged but covers the round trip. See current toll information here.

🚂 Train to Whittier

The Alaska Railroad travels daily between Anchorage and Whittier — a scenic and relaxing alternative to driving through the tunnel.

Base fare (per person)
$94
Journey time
2+ hrs

🚌 Anchorage Shuttles to Whittier

Numerous companies offer motor coach shuttle service between Anchorage and Whittier. Most offer sightseeing tours with photo-op stops, as well as direct narrated routes (~2 hours) with drop-off at the port, the airport, hotels, or car rental companies. A private transfer is also available for those who prefer to travel in comfort.

🏨 Anchorage Hotels with Airport Shuttle

🚗 Car Rental in Whittier

If you want to experience the drive through the tunnel yourself, Avis is the only rental car company located in Whittier. All major car rental companies are also available in Anchorage.


🌄 Ending Your Cruise in Whittier?

🐻 Half Day Tour — Whittier to Anchorage

Flying home from Anchorage? Don't let the fun end when you step off the ship! The popular Half Day Tour from Whittier to Anchorage picks you up at the cruise port, includes photo stops at Beluga Point and Portage Glacier, plus more than an hour at the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center for a guided tour and time to explore on your own.