CRUISE AND RAIL ADVENTURES
Ride the Alaska Railroad and cruise the calm waters of Prince William Sound. Start your day on the Glacier Discovery Train that follows Turnagain Arm’s coastline, revealing stunning views in every direction. Tour guides on the Alaska Railroad provide exciting commentary about Alaska’s history and highlights along the route. The train veers away from the highway and winds along fast-flowing rivers at the base of the Chugach National Forest’s towering mountains.
In the glacier-filled Portage Valley, a series of small tunnels leads to the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. Here the train will pause and wait for North America’s longest shared rail and vehicle tunnel to open for rail transit to Whittier. This 2.5 mile-long tunnel, constructed in the 1940s, was the main supply link connecting Whittier’s deep ice-free port to Interior Alaska. In 2000, the tunnel expansion made it possible for rail and car traffic to use the tunnel on an alternating schedule. Marvel at the engineering it took to complete this phenomenal feat as you travel through this unique transportation corridor.
In Whittier, your cruise adventure continues right across the street from the rail stop.
Tips for traveling by train to Whittier
What time is check-in?
In Anchorage, check in one hour before departure with your photo I.D. to receive your boarding pass. Arrive 15-minutes before the train in Girdwood or Whittier. The conductor will issue and collect a boarding pass at these rail stops. Please stay clear of the railroad tracks while waiting for the train to arrive.
How long is the ride?
The train leaves Anchorage at 9:15 AM and reaches Whittier at 12:05 PM. From Whittier, the train leaves at 6:45 PM and returns to Anchorage at 9:15 PM.
Is there a bathroom on the train
Yes. There are also restroom facilities at the Anchorage Depot and upon in Whittier in the Cliffside Marina.
Is there food service on the train?
The Glacier Discovery train offers a light menu with items available for purchase that may include sandwiches, salads, chips, and more. To return to Anchorage, you may want to order to-go food from one of the restaurants in Whittier and enjoy your meal on the train.
How does the train fit with the cruise?
The train stops directly across the street from the Cliffside Marina. As you exit the train, use the pedestrian crosswalk to cross the highway and continue along the path between the Cliffside Marina parking lot and the Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal parking lot. Our ticket office has a big yellow triangle sign on the red roof at the Cliffside Marina parking. Proceed to Express Check-in on the backside of the ticket office and present your Photo ID to receive your boarding cards.
Explore Whittier
26 Glacier Cruise guests will have about 15-30 minutes between the rail and cruise connections, so we recommend staying close to the Cliffside Marina.
Glacier Quest Cruise guests will have about 1.5 hours after your cruise to explore Whittier before the train returns.
Whittier is a small town that is easily walkable to most attractions within 1/2 a mile.
Learn more about Whittier:
- Watch the daily catch arrive in the small boat harbor
- Seeking some fresh fish or shrimp? Check out Fee’s Custom Seafood.
- Learn about WWII at the museum next to the Anchor Inn
- Hike a trail, walk the harbor, or sit and relax or read a book
Grab a coffee or food to go:
- Drop by Lazy Otter for a coffee or salmon spread bagel.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Whittier Fudge Company
- Have lunch or dinner at China Sea or Swiftwater Cafe
- Stay or dine at the Inn at Whittier
- Stop by Wild Catch Cafe for Kaladi Coffee, breakfast, or lunch
- Check out kayaking options with Alaska Sea Kayakers
- Buy a gift for friends and family back home from Log Cabin Gifts
Thank you for visiting WHITTIER – the Gateway to Prince William Sound!
