Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Transfer: Turnagain Arm scenic drive

A Mercedes Sprinter down the mountain-lined Turnagain Arm, through a tunnel shared with trains, and straight to your ship

A private narrated transfer from Anchorage to Whittier cruise port in a new Mercedes Sprinter, seating up to ten passengers with luggage space. The route descends Turnagain Arm (one of Alaska's most scenic drives) with photo stops at Beluga Point and Portage Glacier Lake before passing through the Anton Anderson Tunnel, a one-lane passage that opens on the half hour and shares the route with a train. The owner-operator drives all tours himself, combining Alaskan history with humor and flexibility around your schedule.

The experience

The drive starts at noon from your Anchorage hotel, timed to reach the Anton Anderson Tunnel on the half hour when it opens for traffic. You travel in a new Mercedes Sprinter with generous luggage space, and the operator helps load bags and settle everyone before departure. Complimentary glacier water is provided for the ride.

The first hour follows Turnagain Arm, a route lined with mountains that drops toward the water. Bald eagles are common along this stretch, and on occasion moose or bears appear. When time allows, you'll stop at Beluga Point for photos and a coffee break. The operator shares stories about Alaska's history and the landscapes passing outside. He's guided over 10,000 guests across multiple companies and was a standup comedian before that, so the narration mixes local knowledge with humor. Around 1:15 p.m., you stop again at Portage Glacier Lake, just before lining up for the toll tunnel.

The Anton Anderson Tunnel is one lane wide and shares the passage with a train, though not at the same time. Everything is timed so you pass through on the half hour. Once you arrive at the cruise ship around 1:45 p.m., the operator assists with luggage, makes sure bags are properly tagged for the longshoremen, and confirms you have your passports in hand. Your luggage goes straight to your staterooms. The operator is flexible about special requests. Message him via the app if you need an earlier pickup or have other needs.

What’s included

• Pickup from your Anchorage hotel with luggage assistance.
• complimentary glacier water.
• photo stops at Beluga Point and Portage Glacier Lake.
• narrated commentary on Alaskan history and landscapes.
• parking fees and tunnel toll.
• drop-off assistance at the cruise ship terminal with luggage tagging.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:00

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Kelley Thompson

Is this one for you?This transfer works best for groups of up to ten traveling together, since you're in a private vehicle with the owner-operator the whole way. The noon departure is built around the Anton Anderson Tunnel schedule, so if you need an earlier pickup, message ahead. The operator is flexible and will try to accommodate you.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What is the Anton Anderson Tunnel and why does it matter for this transfer?

The Anton Anderson Tunnel is a one-lane passage carved through the mountain between Portage and Whittier. It opens only on the half hour to allow traffic through in one direction, and a train also uses the same tunnel at different times. The transfer is timed so you pass through at exactly 1:15 p.m., which is why the noon pickup works best. It gets you to the tunnel entrance on schedule.

Will I see wildlife on the drive down Turnagain Arm?

Bald eagles are common along Turnagain Arm, and on occasion moose or bears appear. The operator stops at Beluga Point for photos, which is one of the best spots to watch for wildlife and take in the mountain-lined scenery.

What happens to my luggage when we arrive at the cruise ship?

The operator assists you with luggage at the cruise terminal and makes sure bags are properly tagged for the longshoremen. Your luggage goes straight to your staterooms, so you don't have to carry it aboard yourself.

Can I request an earlier pickup if I'm checking out of my hotel at 11 a.m.?

The standard pickup is noon, timed to reach the Anton Anderson Tunnel on the half hour. If you're checking out earlier, message the operator via the app with your request. He says he will make every effort to arrive earlier for your pickup.

How many people can fit in the Mercedes Sprinter?

The Sprinter seats up to ten passengers with generous luggage space. The operator helps load bags and settle everyone before the drive begins.