With its midday arrival, this Alaska Railroad route is ideal for travelers connecting to cruises leaving out of Whittier. Passengers climb aboard at the historic Anchorage depot and settle into their comfortable assigned seats as the train makes its way out of the city. The urban views quickly give way to expansive landscapes as passengers get their first look at the Cook Inlet and Kenai Peninsula.
Ideal for travelers connecting to Whittier cruises.
At this point, the railway enters the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. The refuge surrounds much of the Anchorage coast line, but the area known as Potter's Marsh is a particularly good place for train passengers to spot moose and migratory birds like trumpeter swans and snow geese. From here, the track closely follows the northern bank of the Turnagain Arm until the next stop in the ski town of Girdwood.
After leaving Girdwood and branching off the main track at Portage, it is just 20 more miles to Whittier. There are two impressive tunnels in this stretch. The first mile-long path cuts through Begich Peak where at one point the tunnel is mere inches taller the train itself. The next tunnel is the second longest highway tunnel in North America, but it was originally built for the railroad. On the other side, the train immerges onto the far western edge of Prince William Sound. Passengers disembark across the street from the Whittier cruise terminal and boat harbor at about 12:05 PM.
The Alaska Railroad offers one level of service on the Whittier route. All passengers are seated in spacious Adventure Class cars with picture windows and large seats. Everyone enjoys access to a shared dome observation car and the ability to easily walk between different cars on the train. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard in the Wilderness Café.
Bring a camera, medications, and government issued photo ID. Bring a credit or debit card for additional onboard purchases (cash not accepted). It is a good idea to dress in layers, since the temperature can vary depending on the weather and the train car's heating and cooling system.
Check in at the depot with a valid government issued photo ID one hour prior to departure. Boarding passes with seat assignments will be issued then. All passengers are assigned seats by the Alaska Railroad upon check in at the depot. The Alaska Railroad offers checked baggage service. Passengers are allowed two checked bags plus one carry on, with dimension and weight restrictions like those of airlines. The Alaska Railroad charges $20 per item for oversized or excess baggage.
Passengers can transfer to the Anchorage Depot by taxi, rideshare, or hotel shuttle (where available). The Whittier Depot is centrally located across the street from the cruise terminal and boat harbor, so passengers can easily walk to their next destination.
Anchorage Train Depot
411 West 1st Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
Whittier Train Depot
Mile 1.3 West Camp Road
Whittier, AK 99693
Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.
Child rates apply to children under the age of 12. Infants under the age of 2 may travel for free but must sit on an adult's lap.
| Dates | Adult | Child | Infant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/12/25 (M) to 9/15/25 (M)5/12/25 (M) to 9/15/25 (M) | Adult: $111.00 | Child: $56.00 | Infant: $0.00 |
| The rates above are subject to change without notice. | |||
Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.
| Depart | Location |
|---|---|
| Depart: 9:45 AM | Location: Anchorage Train Depot |
Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.
"This train trip was a pleasant surprise in its relaxing atmosphere, and the rail staff was so friendly and informative. The train even stopped so we could view wildlife. An amazing experience!"
~Suzanne from Florida~
