Alaska Vacation by Rail and Road from Whittier
Arriving into Whittier by Cruise Ship or Alaska Ferry ? And want to explore more of Alaska but can't decide how ?? Then we have the perfect Alaska Railroad and self drive combination tours ready for you ! Your Alaska Vacation starts with the pick up of your rental car in Whittier. It is up to you to choose one of our Classic Alaska Experiences or our remote Backcountry Adventures. Our land tour packages have been individually designed to present the different regions of Alaska to match your personal interests. Spend your days winding through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, all the while meeting new friends and taking in the breathtaking countryside. Board the last full-service railroad in North America or one of the privately operated trains. Admire the breathtaking nature in glass-domed or regular rail car compartments, all with large panorama windows ensuring unobstructed views of snowcapped mountain ranges, pristine scenery and wildlife. 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. Contact one of the Alaska Active Tours Experts at your convenience and we will help you create the Alaska train adventure of your dreams
Weather in Whittier
 |
91°F | 85°F min | 97°F max |
RSWH01 - Highlights of Kenai Fjords & Denali
RSWH02 - Mountain High – Alaska Rail & Road Trip
RSWH03 - Alaska ’ s Journey Beyond Nature
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Rail & Drive Tours from Whittier
Our Alaska Rail & Drive tours from Whittier combine the freedom of a rental car with the comfort and spectacular scenery of the Alaska Railroad. Whittier is an ideal starting point for a pre- or post-cruise land tour, allowing you to explore the Kenai Peninsula, Denali National Park, Fairbanks and other highlights of Alaska by road and rail. Depending on the itinerary, your vacation may also include a Kenai Fjords glacier cruise, flightseeing or other sightseeing experiences.
How do Alaska Rail & Drive tours from Whittier work?
Our Whittier Rail & Drive tours combine independent driving with scenic Alaska Railroad journeys. Your vacation begins in Whittier, where you pick up your rental car, and continues through some of Alaska's most scenic regions. Depending on the itinerary, you may explore the Kenai Peninsula by car and travel by train between destinations such as Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Fairbanks.
Can I start my Rail & Drive tour after a cruise or Alaska Ferry?
Yes. Whittier is a major arrival and departure point for cruise ships and the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry. Our Rail & Drive tours are ideal as pre- or post-cruise land tours, allowing you to continue exploring Alaska after arriving in Whittier.
Where do I pick up my rental car in Whittier?
Your rental car is picked up in Whittier at the beginning of the Rail & Drive tour. This makes Whittier a convenient starting point for exploring the Kenai Peninsula and continuing your journey north by road and rail.
Is the rental car included in a Whittier Rail & Drive tour?
Yes. Our Whittier Rail & Drive packages include a rental car for the self-drive portion of the itinerary. The rental period and vehicle category vary by tour and are listed in the individual itinerary.
What type of rental car will I receive?
A mid-size car is included with our Alaska driving tours. Depending on the itinerary, you can upgrade to a full-size car, SUV or minivan for an additional cost. Rental car companies guarantee a vehicle category rather than a specific make or model.
Can I drive on gravel roads with my rental car?
Rental car restrictions apply to gravel roads and highways in Alaska. Rental car insurance is generally void on roads such as the Denali Highway, Dalton Highway, Top of the World Highway, Taylor Highway, McCarthy Road, Dempster Highway and other restricted gravel roads.
Our Whittier Rail & Drive itineraries are planned around permitted routes. Please check with us before adding a remote or gravel-road detour to your itinerary.
What type of train seating is available?
Depending on the itinerary and hotel category, you can choose between Adventure Class and premium dome-car seating on the Alaska Railroad. Adventure Class offers comfortable seating with large windows, while dome-car service provides panoramic views of Alaska's mountains, glaciers and wildlife.
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 & Drive tour?
Yes. Our Rail & Drive tours can be customized with additional hotel nights, activities or changes to the routing where possible. We can also add sightseeing experiences such as glacier cruises, flightseeing and other Alaska activities. Some changes need to take railroad schedules and seasonal availability into account.
Are Whittier Rail & Drive tours suitable for first-time visitors to Alaska?
Yes. These tours are a convenient option for first-time visitors who want to experience Alaska independently without arranging every hotel, train and rental car reservation themselves. The major transportation and accommodations are organized in advance, while the driving portion gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
How far in advance should I book a Whittier Rail & Drive tour?
We recommend booking as early as possible for summer travel, particularly from late June through August. Rental cars, hotels, railroad seats 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.
