Whittier to Anchorage - Train or Car for scenic experience?

Question

Hi,

We are two families with kids arriving to Whittier from a cruise early morning. We have a car rental and a stay at Anchorage for 2 nights. The question is about transportation from Whittier to Anchorage. The two options we have are rent a car (2 cars) or train ride from Whittier to Anchorage through our cruise (NCL). The price for both options is coming out to be similar so which route is more scenic as we can spend some part of the day if we rent a car. Is train ride scenic too? We are confused on what otpion would give us a better experience. We are doing a train ride at Skagway port but no kore train rides from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Thank you as always to this amazing community

Answer

Great question — both the train ride and the drive from Whittier to Anchorage can be very scenic, but they offer different experiences. Which is better for you depends on how much flexibility you want, how much time you plan to spend, and what kind of “scenic” you value most. Here’s a detailed comparison, plus pros and trade-offs for each option.

Scenery on the Train (Glacier Discovery)

The Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train runs between Whittier and Anchorage.
On this route, you’ll pass through the Anton Anderson Tunnel, the 2.5-mile shared rail/road tunnel.
Once through the tunnel, the train goes into Portage Valley, offering views of creeks, meadows, and imprints of glacial landscapes.
The route then hugs the Turnagain Arm, with steep mountains, tidal water, and (depending on tide) phenomena like the *bore tide*.
The Glacier Discovery train offers “large picture windows” in Adventure Class for viewing.
There’s onboard commentary, so the trip is not just transportation — it's a guided scenic experience.

Scenery on the Drive (Whittier → Anchorage by Car)

The driving route from Whittier to Anchorage goes via the Seward Highway and Portage Glacier Road, part of which is very scenic.
You will go through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which is a one-lane tunnel shared with trains.
The Seward Highway is officially designated as a National Scenic Byway, known for its dramatic coastal views, mountains, and wildlife.

Practical Considerations

Train:
- Departure from Whittier is late evening (e.g., 6:45 PM) for the Glacier Discovery train.
- Travel time is about 2.5 hours from Whittier to Anchorage.
- Because the train is shared, seats and availability may need to be reserved in advance.
- You trade flexibility (can’t stop by car) for a relaxed, guided ride with commentary.
Car:
- You have full freedom to stop along the way — for example, at viewpoints on Seward Highway, or the Begich-Boggs Visitor Center near Portage.
- However, transit through the tunnel is scheduled: the tunnel alternates direction (cars/trains) on a fixed schedule.
- The tunnel toll for a private vehicle is ~$13 one-way.
- Driving gives you more control over your day, but you’ll need to watch for traffic delays, especially around the tunnel.

What Users Say / Community Feedback

On Reddit, some travelers recommend the train for its comfort and scenic value: > “We did the train … I would recommend it all day long. Beautiful ride.”
Someone noted that because of the limited tunnel schedule, driving requires timing your arrival for when cars are allowed.

Recommendation (Based on Your Priorities)

Given that you’re traveling *with two families and kids*, here’s what I lean toward, based on different priorities:

If scenic, relaxed travel is your top priority, and you don’t need to make a lot of stops: take the train. It provides excellent views, big windows, and you can enjoy the ride without worrying about driving or tunnel logistics.
If you want flexibility, maybe to stop for photos, wildlife, or turnouts along Seward Highway or Portage Glacier: drive. You’ll be in control, and with two cars, you can split up for different stops if you like.
If your schedule allows and you want a bit of both: you could drive part way, stop for scenic pullouts, then park and walk or shuttle into certain overlooks — but this depends on your time.

Bottom Line

Yes, the train ride is very scenic — especially through the Portage Valley and along Turnagain Arm. But the drive offers more flexibility for stopping, exploring, and making the most of the landscape. Since your price is similar, it really comes down to what kind of experience you want: a peaceful, commentary-rich train journey, or a road-trip-style adventure with photo stops and freedom.

Given you're doing a train ride in Skagway already, taking the car for the Whittier → Anchorage leg might give your families a different kind of memorable experience (and more time to explore the Seward Highway). But both are great options.

Whittier to Anchorage - Train or Car for scenic experience?

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