Alaska Vacation by Rail and Motorcoach from Whittier
When you think of a fantastic vacation in Alaska, what comes to your mind? Spectacular scenery, unique wildlife and remote fishing villages ? Or maybe you want to learn about Alaska's native cultures? If so, one of our carefully created Alaska Railroad and motorcoach holiday packages are sure to be the perfect vacation for you! Arrive into Whittier by the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry or Cruise Ship. Whittier is the perfect gateway to explore Prince William Sound during a day cruise or during a guided kayaking tour. Though wildlife is often encountered such as sea otters, whales, sea birds and seals basking on floating icebergs, but it’s the incredible number of alpine, cirque, piedmont and active tidewater glaciers are the most impressive aspect of these tours. Our tours take the guesswork out of your vacation, leaving you with nothing to do but relax, discover, and be enchanted by each new destination. Contact one of the Alaska Active Tours Experts at your convenience and we will help you create the Alaska adventure of your dreams.
Weather in Whittier
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86°F | 85°F min | 89°F max |
RMWH01 - A Taste of Denali
RMWH02 - Best of Denali – Coach and Rail Tour
RMWH03 - Gems of Alaska
RMWH04 - Alaska’s Coast to Mountains
RMWH05 - Alaskan Heritage
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Rail & Motorcoach Tours from Whittier
Our Alaska Rail & Motorcoach tours from Whittier combine comfortable motorcoach travel with scenic Alaska Railroad journeys. Whittier is an ideal starting point for a pre- or post-cruise land tour, allowing you to continue from the coast into the heart of Alaska. Traveling by both road and rail also provides different views of Alaska's mountains, glaciers, rivers, forests and wildlife while making the most of your vacation time.
How do Alaska Rail & Motorcoach tours from Whittier work?
Our Whittier Rail & Motorcoach tours combine motorcoach transportation with scenic Alaska Railroad journeys. Depending on the itinerary, you may travel by motorcoach from Whittier along Turnagain Arm and through Anchorage to Talkeetna or Denali National Park, and then continue by train toward Anchorage or Fairbanks. Your accommodations, transportation and included activities are arranged in advance according to your selected itinerary.
Why combine the Alaska Railroad with a motorcoach?
Combining the Alaska Railroad with motorcoach travel allows you to experience Alaska from two different perspectives while making the most of your vacation time. The railroad and highways often follow different routes, so you see different landscapes, mountain ranges, rivers, forests and wildlife along the way.
Motorcoach schedules can also make certain itineraries more efficient than traveling entirely by train. For example, traveling by motorcoach from Whittier to Talkeetna or Denali provides direct connections that are not available by train from Whittier. The coach also allows for sightseeing and photo stops along the route, including selected attractions that cannot be visited when traveling by train alone.
This combination lets you experience the spectacular scenery of the Alaska Railroad while also exploring Alaska's highways and communities from the road - giving you a more varied and efficient Alaska vacation.
Can I start a Rail & Motorcoach tour after a cruise or Alaska Ferry?
Yes. Whittier is an ideal starting point for a pre- or post-cruise land tour. It is also served by the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry. Our Whittier Rail & Motorcoach tours are designed to make it easy to continue your Alaska vacation after arriving by cruise ship or ferry.
What are the motorcoaches like?
Our motorcoach transfers use comfortable full-size touring coaches with generous legroom, large picture windows, seat belts, in-seat power and onboard restrooms. Under-coach storage provides space for your luggage, making the coaches well suited for longer journeys between Alaska's major destinations.
Are the motorcoach journeys comfortable for long-distance travel?
Yes. The touring coaches are designed for comfortable long-distance travel, with large windows for viewing Alaska's scenery, comfortable seating, onboard restrooms and regular stops along the route. Your knowledgeable driver-guide provides information about the areas you travel through and makes photo and restroom stops along the way.
What luggage can I bring on the motorcoach?
Each passenger may bring up to two checked bags weighing up to 50 pounds each, plus one small carry-on. Checked luggage is stored underneath the motorcoach, while your carry-on remains with you. Additional or oversized luggage may be subject to available storage space and additional fees.
Are the motorcoach transfers guided?
Yes. Motorcoach journeys include a knowledgeable driver-guide who provides information about the areas along the route and makes scheduled stops for photographs, restrooms and other travel needs. This allows you to enjoy the scenery without having to navigate or drive yourself.
What sightseeing stops are possible on the motorcoach journey?
Motorcoach travel allows selected sightseeing and photo stops that are not possible when traveling by train. Depending on the itinerary, stops can include scenic viewpoints along Turnagain Arm and attractions such as the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you can see Alaska wildlife in a natural setting.
Where do the motorcoaches travel from Whittier?
Depending on the itinerary, motorcoach transportation from Whittier travels along Turnagain Arm and through Anchorage toward destinations such as Talkeetna and Denali National Park. Some tours then continue by Alaska Railroad to Anchorage or Fairbanks, while others combine the coach and train with additional destinations such as Seward.
Can I visit Denali National Park on a Whittier Rail & Motorcoach tour?
Yes. Several of our Whittier Rail & Motorcoach tours include Denali National Park. Depending on the itinerary, you may travel by motorcoach from Whittier to Denali and explore the park before continuing by Alaska Railroad. Other itineraries combine the motorcoach journey with additional time in Talkeetna, Fairbanks or Seward.
What type of train seating is available?
Depending on the itinerary and hotel category, you can travel in Adventure Class or premium dome-car seating on the Alaska Railroad. Adventure Class offers comfortable reserved seating with large windows, while dome-car service provides panoramic views and additional onboard amenities.
Our First Class hotel category includes reserved seats in the upper-level panorama dome car, while the Comfort hotel category includes reserved Adventure Class seating, with an option to upgrade where available.
Is luggage included on the Alaska Railroad?
Yes. Each Alaska Railroad passenger may check up to two bags weighing up to 50 pounds each and bring one small carry-on onboard. We recommend keeping essential items and valuables in your carry-on because checked luggage is not accessible during the train journey.
Can I customize a Whittier Rail & Motorcoach tour?
Yes. Our Rail & Motorcoach tours can be customized with additional hotel nights, activities or other changes where possible. Some changes need to take railroad and motorcoach schedules into account, but we are happy to discuss options for extending or modifying your Alaska vacation.
Are Whittier Rail & Motorcoach tours suitable for first-time visitors to Alaska?
Yes. These tours are an excellent choice for first-time visitors who want to explore Alaska without driving. The major transportation, accommodations and included sightseeing are arranged in advance, while the combination of motorcoach and railroad travel allows you to experience Alaska's coastal and interior landscapes comfortably.
How far in advance should I book an Alaska Rail & Motorcoach tour?
We recommend booking as early as possible for summer travel, particularly from late June through August. Hotels, railroad seats, motorcoach transportation and popular excursions can sell out during Alaska's short summer season. Booking early also provides the best choice of travel dates, accommodations and train seating.
