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Whittier Cruise Port Guide
Whittier Cruise Port:
Which Dock, How the Tunnel Works, and How to Get There from Anchorage
Whittier is approximately 60 miles southeast of Anchorage, about an hour and a half without stops, plus the tunnel. The only road in is a one-lane tunnel shared with the train, with traffic running one direction at a time. Plan your journey around both the tunnel and your cruise line's boarding deadline.
Whittier at a glance
- Dock name
- Dock name: not yet supplied
- Address / landmark
- Address / landmark: not yet supplied
- Distance from downtown Anchorage
- Approximately 60 miles
- Drive time without stops
- Approximately 1.5 hours, plus the tunnel wait
- Distance from Anchorage airport (ANC)
- Distance from Anchorage airport (ANC): not yet supplied
- Rail option
- Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery, summer service
- WAT transfer price and duration
- Anchorage to Whittier: 6 hours, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., from $217 per person. Whittier to Anchorage: 7 hours, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., from $217 per person. Private transfer from $767 per party (not the private sightseeing tour).
- WAT pickup point at this port
- Whittier cruise terminal or your Whittier lodging; confirm the exact meeting point when booking.
Two docks: which one is yours?
Confirm your terminal with your cruise line before travelling. Tell us your ship when booking so we can arrange your pickup or drop-off at the appropriate cruise terminal.
The Chugach Glacier Gateway pier was damaged by fire on September 14, 2026. Its operating status for your sailing must be confirmed; do not assume it will be available in 2027. NOAA incident record ↗
| Dock | Location | Lines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal 1 | Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal 1 location: not yet supplied | Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal 1 cruise lines: not yet supplied | Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal 1 current status: not yet supplied |
| Chugach Glacier Gateway Terminal | Chugach Glacier Gateway Terminal location: not yet supplied | Chugach Glacier Gateway Terminal cruise lines: not yet supplied | Chugach Glacier Gateway Terminal current status: not yet supplied |
The tunnel, explained
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is 2.5 miles long, one lane wide, and shared by cars and the Alaska Railroad. Traffic goes one direction at a time, in approximately 15-minute openings every half hour. Trains have priority and can delay an opening.
| Season | Hours | Toward Whittier | Toward Anchorage (Bear Valley) |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1–September 30 | 5:30 a.m.–11:15 p.m. | Half hour (:30) | Hour (:00) |
| October 1–April 30 | 7 a.m.–10:45 p.m. | Half hour (:30) | Hour (:00) |
These are the posted seasonal hours, not a guarantee that every opening will run on time. The City of Whittier advises arriving at least ten minutes before an opening and allowing 20–30 minutes to get through. City tunnel guidance ↗
Check the current Alaska DOT&PF tunnel schedule and toll before driving. Our Anchorage to Whittier tour plans the journey around the tunnel.
Alaska DOT&PF tunnel schedule ↗Every way to get from Anchorage to the Whittier cruise port
| Option | Time | Cost | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise line transfer | Confirm with your cruise line | Set by your cruise line | Cruise-line-arranged travel to the pier | Ask your cruise line about tight connections |
| Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery | Confirm your sailing date's timetable | Check current railroad fares | Summer rail service to Whittier | Travellers who prefer the train |
| Rental car | Approximately 1.5 hours, plus tunnel wait | Rental, tunnel toll and parking | Independent travel; check one-way return arrangements | Travellers who want their own schedule |
| Welcome Anchorage transfer tour | 6 hours, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | From $217 per person | Hotel pickup, luggage aboard, Beluga Point, Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Valley / Byron Glacier; entrance fees included; maximum 11 guests | Guests who want sightseeing before boarding |
| Welcome Anchorage private transfer | Arrange timing when booking | From $767 per party | Private travel, with luggage from pickup to drop-off; sightseeing is a separate arrangement | Families and groups needing their own timing |
Getting off the ship in Whittier
Our Whittier to Anchorage tour picks up at the cruise terminal or your Whittier lodging at 9 a.m. and runs approximately seven hours, ending around 4 p.m. Visit Portage Valley, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Girdwood and Alyeska, and Potter Marsh before drop-off at your Anchorage lodging or the airport. Lunch in Girdwood is optional and paid separately. Your luggage travels with you the whole way.
Contact us with your flight details before booking an airport drop-off. The tour's end time is not your flight departure time; confirm whether the sightseeing tour or a private transfer fits your plans.
A free day before or after your Whittier cruise
Make the transfer your day out
Spend six hours exploring Turnagain Arm, wildlife and glaciers on the way to your cruise terminal.
View Anchorage to Whittier ↗Explore Anchorage the day before
Browse Anchorage day tours and choose an outing that suits your interests and the time you have.
See all tours ↗Ask for a private outing
Tell us your available time, group size and interests. We can discuss a private option and confirm the price.
Contact us ↗Whittier 2027 ship schedule
Schedule from the published 2027 cruise line schedules, last checked 2026-10-24. Ships change schedules — confirm your sailing with your cruise line.
| Date | Ship | Cruise line | Arrives | Departs | Dock | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule not yet supplied | ||||||
Questions about the Whittier port
Where exactly do you drop us in Whittier?
The Anchorage to Whittier tour ends at your cruise terminal. Tell us your ship when booking and confirm the exact meeting or drop-off point with us.
How early should we be at the pier?
Our Anchorage to Whittier tour guarantees arrival at least three hours before your ship's departure. Your cruise line's all-aboard time is the hard deadline; tell us your sailing details when booking.
Can we stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center on the way?
Yes. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a stop on both Whittier transfer tours, and entrance fees are included. For a private transfer with sightseeing, contact us to discuss the stops and price.
What happens to our luggage?
Your luggage travels with you from pickup to drop-off, including airport drop-off. It does not go separately to your cruise cabin.
