Whittier Map & Getting Around
Whittier is the most geographically isolated cruise port in Alaska. Tucked at the head of Passage Canal on the western edge of Prince William Sound, this tiny town of 200 residents is accessible only through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a 2.5-mile bore through Maynard Mountain. Understanding the town layout and the tunnel logistics is essential for every cruiser passing through Whittier.
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock?
Cruise ships dock at the Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal, located directly on the Small Boat Harbor at coordinates 60.7722 north, 148.6839 west. The terminal is a simple, functional facility positioned right at the water’s edge. Ships tie up at the pier without tendering, and passengers walk directly from the gangway into the terminal building.
The terminal is surrounded by the core of Whittier’s infrastructure. The Small Boat Harbor, where charter boats and glacier cruise tours depart, is immediately adjacent. The Lazy Otter Cafe and the few small gift shops in town are all within a two- to three-minute walk.
Key Landmarks and Distances
Whittier is extraordinarily compact. The entire walkable area of town spans roughly a quarter mile from end to end. Here are the key landmarks and their distances from the cruise terminal:
- Small Boat Harbor: Adjacent to the terminal, no walking required. This is the hub for all maritime activity including fishing charters and Prince William Sound glacier tours.
- Begich Towers: Approximately 0.2 miles east of the terminal. This 14-story Cold War-era building houses nearly all of Whittier’s residents, along with a small post office and general store.
- Buckner Building ruins: Approximately 0.3 miles southeast. Visible from the harbor area. This abandoned military structure is off-limits to the public.
- Horsetail Falls: Approximately 0.4 miles south of the terminal along the road past Begich Towers. A seasonal waterfall fed by mountain snowmelt.
- Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel portal: Approximately 0.7 miles west of the terminal along the Portage Glacier Highway.
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
The tunnel is the single most important logistical factor for any cruiser visiting Whittier by land. Originally built in 1943 for military rail access, the tunnel was converted for combined rail and vehicle use in 2000. It is the longest combined highway and railroad tunnel in North America.
Because it is a single-bore tunnel, traffic can only flow in one direction at a time. Vehicles enter on a strictly scheduled rotation. Generally, traffic enters Whittier at the top of each hour and exits Whittier at the bottom of the hour, with each window lasting approximately 15 minutes. The schedule shifts seasonally, so always check the current posted times at the tunnel portal or online before driving.
The tunnel toll is $13 for standard passenger vehicles (cash or credit accepted at the toll booth). RVs and larger vehicles pay higher rates. During peak embarkation days, hundreds of vehicles queue at the tunnel, and wait times of 30 minutes or more are common. Plan to arrive at the tunnel portal at least 30 minutes before your desired entry window.
Getting to and from Anchorage
Anchorage is located 60 miles northwest of Whittier. The drive follows the Portage Glacier Highway from Whittier through the tunnel, then connects to the Seward Highway along the spectacular Turnagain Arm. Under normal conditions, the drive takes about 90 minutes, but tunnel waits can push this to two hours.
- Cruise Line Transfers: Most cruise lines offer motorcoach transfers between Anchorage hotels or the airport and the Whittier cruise terminal. These are timed to coordinate with the tunnel schedule and typically cost $50 to $85 per person.
- Alaska Railroad: The Glacier Discovery train runs between Whittier and Anchorage during the summer season. The depot is near the cruise terminal. The scenic journey takes approximately 2.5 hours and travels through the tunnel by rail, then follows Turnagain Arm into Anchorage. Tickets range from $90 to $200 depending on service class.
- Private Shuttles: Several Anchorage-based shuttle services offer door-to-door transfers. These are ideal for families or groups with heavy luggage. Expect to pay $75 to $120 per person.
- Driving: If you are renting a car or driving your own vehicle, park at the Whittier parking lot near the harbor. Long-term parking is available but fills up quickly on busy embarkation days. Arrive early.
The Portage Glacier Highway
The road connecting the tunnel to the Seward Highway is the Portage Glacier Highway, a scenic 5-mile stretch through the Portage Valley. Along this road you will pass the Portage Glacier Lodge, the Begich Boggs Visitor Center, and the trailhead for the Byron Glacier walk. This corridor is worth a stop if you have time before or after your cruise. The Begich Boggs Visitor Center offers free exhibits on the glaciers and ecology of the Chugach National Forest.