The fastest route is a rental car or shuttle service, both taking about 90 minutes
Whittier is 60 miles south of Anchorage, and you'll need to drive to reach the cruise port. The journey takes roughly 90 minutes by car under normal conditions, though winter weather and road construction can add time. You have three main options: rent a car and drive yourself, book a shuttle service that picks you up from your hotel or the airport, or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft if available that day.
Most cruise passengers choose either a rental car (if they want flexibility in Anchorage before or after their cruise) or a pre-booked shuttle (if they want someone else to handle the drive). The shuttle is the most common choice because the cruise lines often partner with shuttle companies, and you can book directly through your cruise documents.
Key Takeaways
- Whittier is 60 miles south of Anchorage and takes 90 minutes to reach by car under normal road conditions.
- Most cruise lines offer shuttle services you can book in advance through your cruise documents or the port website.
- A rental car costs $40 to $80 per day and gives you freedom to explore Anchorage, but you'll pay for parking at the port.
- The drive south follows the Seward Highway, a scenic route that can be icy in winter and occasionally closed for weather or avalanche control.
- Book your transportation at least one week before your cruise departure, especially if you're traveling in peak summer season.
Booking a shuttle service through your cruise line
Your cruise documents will include a transportation section with shuttle options. Most major lines—Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival—partner with local shuttle companies that run scheduled pickups from Anchorage hotels and the airport. You select your pickup location and time, and the shuttle picks you up and delivers you directly to the Whittier port.
The cost typically ranges from $60 to $100 per person round-trip, depending on your pickup location. Book this when you receive your cruise documents, usually 60 to 90 days before departure. If you wait until the week before, you may find shuttles full, especially in June, July, and August when Alaska cruises peak.
If you're flying into Anchorage the same day as your cruise departure, choose an early morning flight—most shuttles depart Anchorage between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. to reach Whittier by the noon or 1 p.m. boarding window. Build in at least two hours between your flight landing and shuttle pickup to clear the airport and collect luggage.
Renting a car and driving yourself
Rental cars are available at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport from companies including Hertz, Budget, Avis, and Enterprise. Rates run $40 to $80 per day depending on vehicle size and season. You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card for the deposit. Reserve your car at least one week in advance, especially in summer, because inventory fills quickly.
The drive to Whittier follows the Seward Highway south from Anchorage. The route is straightforward—stay on the Seward Highway for the entire 60 miles—but conditions vary by season. In summer (June through August), the road is clear and the drive is scenic, passing through forests and along Turnagain Arm. In winter (November through March), sections can be icy, and the road occasionally closes for a few hours due to avalanche control work or heavy snow.
Parking at the Whittier port costs $15 to $20 per day. Some cruise lines offer parking packages bundled with shuttle bookings, but if you rent a car, you'll pay separately. Ask the rental company whether they allow multi-day parking at the port; most do, but confirm before you leave the airport.
Using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft
Uber and Lyft operate in Anchorage and can pick you up from your hotel or the airport. A ride to Whittier typically costs $80 to $150 depending on demand and time of day. The advantage is convenience—you book through the app and don't need to arrange a shuttle in advance. The disadvantage is cost and availability: on busy cruise departure mornings, surge pricing can double the fare, and drivers may be scarce if multiple cruises are leaving the same day.
This option works best if you're staying in Anchorage the night before your cruise and want flexibility on departure time. If you're arriving the morning of your cruise, don't rely on ride-sharing as your only backup plan—book a shuttle instead, because you can't may provide a driver will be available when you need one.
Timing your departure from Anchorage
Cruise boarding typically opens at noon and closes at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m., depending on your cruise line. Plan to arrive at the Whittier port at least 90 minutes before boarding closes. This means if boarding closes at 2 p.m., you should arrive by 12:30 p.m. at the latest.
Working backward: if you need to arrive by 12:30 p.m. and the drive takes 90 minutes, you should leave Anchorage by 11 a.m. If you're picking up a rental car, add 30 minutes for the rental counter. If you're meeting a shuttle, add 15 minutes to account for traffic to the pickup location. Most shuttles depart Anchorage between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. to meet this window safely.
Check your cruise documents for the exact boarding time and port address. The Whittier cruise port is located at 100 Dock Road, Whittier, Alaska 99693. Enter this address into your GPS or mapping app when you rent a car.
What to know about the Seward Highway in winter
If you're cruising between November and March, the Seward Highway can present challenges. The road is maintained year-round, but sections are steep and winding, and black ice is common. The Alaska Department of Transportation closes the road temporarily for avalanche control work, usually for 30 minutes to two hours at a time. These closures are announced on the Alaska 511 website and through local news.
If you're driving yourself in winter, leave extra early—add 30 minutes to your travel time estimate. Check the Alaska 511 website the morning of your departure to see if any closures are planned. If a closure is in effect, you may be delayed, so plan to arrive even earlier. If you're uncomfortable driving in winter conditions, book a shuttle instead; the driver is experienced with the road and the risk.
Parking and drop-off at the Whittier port
The Whittier cruise port has a parking lot adjacent to the terminal building. If you're renting a car, drive to the port, park in the lot, and walk to the terminal. Parking is paid daily and must be arranged when you arrive. If you're using a shuttle, the driver will drop you at the terminal entrance, and you won't need to worry about parking.
If someone is dropping you off, they can use the short-term drop-off zone at the terminal entrance. The drop-off is free for the first 15 minutes, so keep luggage loading quick. After 15 minutes, you'll be charged a small fee per minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a bus from Anchorage to Whittier?
Public bus service does not run between Anchorage and Whittier. Your options are rental car, shuttle service, or ride-sharing. Some travelers book a rental car one-way and return it in Whittier, though this is usually more expensive than a round-trip rental.
What if my flight is delayed and I miss my shuttle?
Contact your cruise line when ready—most have a phone number in your cruise documents for transportation issues. They may be able to rebook you on a later shuttle or advise you to rent a car. Do not assume the ship will wait; cruise lines depart on schedule. Having a backup plan (like knowing the rental car company location) is wise if you're flying in the morning of departure.
Is the drive from Anchorage to Whittier scenic?
Yes, especially in summer. The Seward Highway follows Turnagain Arm and passes through forests and along the coast. Many passengers enjoy renting a car a day early to explore Anchorage and enjoy the drive. In winter, visibility is lower and the scenery is less visible due to snow and shorter daylight hours.
Do I need a four-wheel-drive vehicle for the Seward Highway?
No. The highway is maintained for all vehicles year-round. A standard sedan is fine in summer. In winter, all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive is safer but not required if you drive slowly and carefully. Ask the rental company about winter tire availability if you're traveling November through March.
Can I leave my rental car at the Whittier port while I cruise?
Yes, but you'll pay daily parking fees—typically $15 to $20 per day. For a week-long cruise, this adds $105 to $140 to your cost. Some travelers prefer to return the rental car in Anchorage and use a shuttle instead to save on parking. Check with the rental company about their policy on multi-day port parking before you book.