Alaska Railroad Tours from Whittier
Alaska Rail Tours have always been a vacationers’ favorite means to see vast landscape without having to worry about driving in an unknown country and the port city Whittier is the ideal location to start your train vacation. Arrive into Whittier by the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry or Cruise Ship. Whether you want to see famous National Parks, observe wildlife in their natural habitat or explore the magical backcountry of Alaska, traveling by train gives you the perfect opportunity to see the magical side of Alaska. 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. 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
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60°F | 58°F min | 62°F max |
RAWH01 - Majestic Denali by Rail
RAWH02 - Alaska Discovery by Rail
RAWH03 - Alaska’s Midnight Sun by Rail
Planning Your Alaska Railroad Journey FAQ's - Departing from Whittier
Planning an Alaska Railroad vacation from Whittier can raise a few questions, especially if you're arriving by cruise ship or Alaska Ferry. As Alaska travel specialists, we've answered these questions hundreds of times. Here you'll find practical answers about traveling by train from Whittier, including the Glacier Discovery Train, connections to Anchorage, Prince William Sound, luggage and what to expect along the way. Whether you're planning a Whittier rail vacation or combining the railroad with a cruise, glacier cruise or Denali National Park, these FAQs will help you plan your journey.
Can I start an Alaska Railroad tour in Whittier?
Yes. Whittier is an important gateway for Alaska vacations, particularly for travelers arriving by cruise ship or Alaska Ferry. Selected Alaska Active tours begin in Whittier and combine a transfer to Anchorage with an Alaska Railroad journey to destinations such as Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Fairbanks. Whittier is also an ideal starting point for exploring Prince William Sound and its glaciers.
Which Alaska Railroad train serves Whittier?
The Glacier Discovery Train serves Whittier as part of its route between Anchorage, Girdwood, Whittier, Portage, Spencer and Grandview. The route travels along Turnagain Arm and through some of Southcentral Alaska's most scenic landscapes. The Glacier Discovery Train offers both Adventure Class and GoldStar Service on applicable services.
How long is the train ride from Whittier to Anchorage?
The Alaska Railroad journey from Whittier to Anchorage takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. The Glacier Discovery Train travels through the spectacular scenery of Turnagain Arm, passing mountains, forests and coastal landscapes along the way. The train operates between Whittier and Anchorage during the summer season, with schedules varying by travel date.
| Route | Service | Departure → Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage → Whittier | Glacier Discovery | 9:45 AM → 12:05 PM |
| Whittier → Anchorage | Glacier Discovery | 6:45 PM → 9:00 PM |
Can I travel from Whittier to Denali National Park by train?
Yes, as part of a connecting rail vacation. There is no direct train from Whittier to Denali National Park. Selected Alaska Active tours use a motorcoach transfer from Whittier to Anchorage, where you board the Alaska Railroad north to Talkeetna and Denali National Park. This allows travelers arriving by cruise ship or ferry to continue their Alaska vacation by rail.
Can I travel from Whittier to Fairbanks on an Alaska Railroad tour?
Yes. Selected Alaska Active rail vacation packages connect Whittier with Fairbanks. The itinerary normally begins with a motorcoach transfer from Whittier to Anchorage, followed by Alaska Railroad journeys north through Talkeetna and Denali National Park to Fairbanks. These multi-day tours combine rail transportation with hotels, sightseeing and Denali experiences.
Can I combine a Whittier train tour with a Prince William Sound glacier cruise?
Yes. Whittier is one of the main gateways to Prince William Sound and is an excellent place to combine an Alaska Railroad journey with a glacier and wildlife cruise. Selected itineraries include a Prince William Sound cruise before or after the railroad portion of your Alaska vacation, allowing you to experience Alaska's coastal glaciers and interior wilderness in one trip.
What is the difference between Adventure Class and GoldStar Service?
Adventure Class offers comfortable seating in large-window railcars with access to shared outdoor viewing areas. GoldStar Service includes elevated dome-window seating, an outdoor viewing platform and additional onboard amenities, including dining service. GoldStar Service is not available on the Glacier Discovery Train.
Do I need to reserve my Alaska Railroad seat from Whittier in advance?
Yes. Advance reservations are recommended, particularly during the summer season. Your railroad ticket is for a specific train and travel date, and seating is assigned according to the service and train you have booked. This is especially important when your Whittier rail journey connects with a cruise ship, ferry, hotel or other scheduled tour.
Can I bring luggage on the Alaska Railroad from Whittier?
Yes. Checked Luggage: Each ticketed passenger can check up to two pieces of luggage. No single checked bag may weigh more than 50 pounds. Up to two extra bags can be checked for an additional fee.
Carry-On Luggage: Each passenger is allowed one small personal item or daypack to bring into the passenger coach. It must fit under your seat. Standard wheeled airline carry-on rollers are generally too large for the passenger seating area and must be checked.
Checked Baggage Access: You will not have access to your checked bags while the train is moving, so pack all essentials, including medications, electronics, valuables and extra layers, in your small carry-on.
Is food available on the Alaska Railroad from Whittier?
Yes. The Glacier Discovery Train offers a Wilderness Café snack bar with food, snacks, coffee, beverages and bar service available for purchase. The Glacier Discovery operates in Adventure Class, and onboard purchases are cashless, so you will need a credit or debit card. The café is available on the Whittier-Anchorage route during the summer season.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on the train?
Yes. Passengers may bring their own food, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages onto the Alaska Railroad. Personal alcoholic beverages cannot be brought onto or consumed on the train. Alcoholic beverages must be purchased through the train's licensed bar or dining service.
Is Wi-Fi available on the Alaska Railroad from Whittier?
Wi-Fi is not generally available throughout the Alaska Railroad network. Mobile phone service can also be unavailable in remote areas along the route. We recommend downloading anything you may need before boarding your train.
Where is the Alaska Railroad station in Whittier?
The Alaska Railroad station in Whittier is located at Mile 1.3 West Camp Road, Whittier, AK 99693 near the cruise ship terminal and Whittier's waterfront, making it convenient for travelers arriving by cruise ship or Alaska Ferry. The station provides passenger and baggage services during the operating season. If you are arriving by cruise ship, check your individual tour itinerary for the meeting point and transfer arrangements.
Can I take the Alaska Railroad from Whittier after a cruise?
Yes. Whittier is a popular starting point for post-cruise Alaska land tours. Depending on your itinerary, you can travel from Whittier to Anchorage by Alaska Railroad or by motorcoach and then continue north by rail to Talkeetna, Denali National Park or Fairbanks. Some itineraries also include a Prince William Sound glacier cruise.
Does the Alaska Railroad operate from Whittier in winter?
The Glacier Discovery Train is a seasonal summer service.
