WHITTIER BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Whittier by Rail: Anchorage to Prince William Sound on the Glacier Discovery
A one-way Alaska Railroad scenic run from Anchorage to Whittier—2 1/4 hours of big-window views, an onboard cafe and direct access to glaciers and wildlife cruises.
Whittier by Rail: Anchorage to Prince William Sound on the Glacier Discovery.
Board the Glacier Discovery train for a purposefully scenic rail connection between Anchorage and the tiny port of Whittier: a daylight journey that pairs massive picture windows and a cafe car with access to glaciers and Prince William Sound wildlife cruises.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Big windows, relaxed rail travel
Comfortable Adventure Class seating with massive picture windows and a cafe/snack car make the route as much about the ride as the destination—ideal for photographing coastal fjords and glacial-fed waterways from your seat.
Wildlife stop at Portage
The train pauses at Portage to allow visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, home to bears, moose, caribou and wood bison—an accessible wildlife encounter that complements the marine excursions from Whittier.
Tunnel to Whittier and cruise access
After threading a mountain tunnel into the Whittier inlet, the rail depot sits directly across from the cruise ship terminal—making same‑day glacier and wildlife cruises in Prince William Sound a natural next step.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The Glacier Discovery departs Anchorage, eases through coastal valleys with stops at resort towns and Portage, then threads a tunnel into the fjord at Whittier—an unhurried, daylight run that serves as both transport and a stand-alone scenic outing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rail connection fits—and important limitations.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The train operates daily from June 1 to September 15, 2024, with sporadic departures in May; the one‑way scheduled travel time is approximately 2 1/4 hours each way.
Bring layered outerwear for coastal weather, a camera, any personal medications and cash for porter tips; meals are not included so pack snacks or plan to buy on the cafe car or in Whittier.
Adventure Class seating offers massive picture windows, a cafe/snack car, baggage service and non‑smoking cars; porters are available in Whittier for luggage assistance.
Bookings are request‑based with a typical $50 deposit per person; payment options include American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa (foreign cards accepted) and charges are processed in USD through a US bank.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the train ride between Anchorage and Whittier?
The scheduled rail travel time is approximately 2 1/4 hours one way.
When does the train operate?
The route operates daily from June 1 to September 15, 2024, with sporadic dates in May 2024.
What is included in the ticket?
Included are rail travel between Anchorage and Whittier, a comfortable seat with massive picture windows, and access to the cafe/snack car; tours, meals and ground transportation to the Anchorage station are not included.
Are there accessibility accommodations?
Yes—guests with service animals or mobility assistive devices/wheelchairs can be accommodated but must be accompanied by a caregiver; passengers must be able to walk up/down a ramp and/or stairs to board.
How does booking and payment work?
Bookings are request‑based; a $50 deposit per person is typically taken and the remaining balance charged if space is confirmed. If the rail request cannot be honored, deposits are refunded in full or other options are offered.
Where do I arrive in Whittier and how do I connect to a cruise?
The Whittier rail depot sits directly across the street from the cruise ship terminal, and porters are available to assist with luggage.