How to Get to Anchorage Airport from Seward, Alaska
So your Alaska cruise ends in Seward, but you have a flight out of Anchorage that evening. How do you get to the Anchorage airport from the Seward cruise port? Don’t worry, it’s really easy!
You have a few options for getting from Seward to Anchorage: you can book a transfer bus or private van, you can ride the train, or you can rent a car and drive yourself.
Each option has its own benefits, and your choice may depend on when your cruise docks and when you need to be at the airport.
Making the trip from the Seward cruise port to the Anchorage International Airport doesn’t have to be stressful! I’ve got plenty of tips to help you plan this last leg of your journey and put an eventful end to your Alaska cruise.
How Far is it from Seward to Anchorage?
It’s a 125-mile drive from the Seward cruise port to Anchorage airport. Whether you drive yourself or book a transfer, you’ll be taking the scenic Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway and an absolutely beautiful road trip.
And if you choose to ride the rails, don’t worry — you won’t be missing out on any of the scenery!
By car or bus, the trip from Seward to Anchorage takes about 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
By train, the trip from Seward to Anchorage takes about 4 hours.
Bus or Van Transfer from Seward to Anchorage
There are plenty of companies that offer coach, bus, and van transfers from the Seward cruise port to the Anchorage airport. You can book through your cruise line or you can book a local company direct.
These transfer companies have schedules that will fit in with your cruise docking times. They often include a driver-guide who will tell you more about the area as you drive, and many include additional stops on the way to Anchorage. Companies include Park Connection Motorcoach and Alaska Cruise Transportation ACT Big Bus.
This is the option we chose on our Alaska cruise. We took this Seward-to-Alaska transfer bus which had options for a simple direct transfer, a transfer with one stop, and a full-day tour with multiple stops. We chose the transfer with one stop so that we could see bears and moose at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
Top Transfers from Seward to Anchorage Airport
- Alaska Crafted Tour and Cruise Transfer – Port of Seward
- Seward to Anchorage Private Tour and Transfer
- Private Transportation: Seward to Anchorage
Train Transfer from Seward to Anchorage
The Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic has a train that runs daily from Seward to Anchorage. The rail journey passes the scenic Turnagain Arm, the Kenai Mountains, active glaciers, and inaccessible wilderness.
This 120-mile historic backcountry route is one of the most scenic rail rides in Alaska.
There are Adventure Class services that have large picture windows, and Gold Star services with second story seating with domed windows and a viewing deck. Along the journey, you can expect to see glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, mountains, wetlands, and wildlife.
The train journey takes 4 hours. Service from Seward to Anchorage is only offered in the evenings during the summer, departing at 6 p.m. and arriving around 10:15 p.m. This means it’s only a good choice for those with very late flights out of Anchorage or flights the next day.
Getting to the train station from the cruise ship terminal is really easy. It’s just a short walk, and Seward is very walkable!
Renting a Car from Seward to Anchorage
The drive from Seward to Anchorage Airport is about 125 miles and 2.5 hours. You can definitely make this drive yourself if you want to rent a car in Seward.
Many agencies will allow one-way car rentals from Seward to Anchorage.
Getting to a rental car agency from the cruise ship terminal is really easy. It’s just a short walk, and Seward is very walkable!
What Sights are Between Seward and Anchorage?
The trip between Seward and Anchorage is very scenic. Whether you’re driving yourself or opting for a guided transfer, you have tons of options for stopping off and enjoying the sights.
For much of your drive, you’ll have the beautiful Turnagain Arm on one side and the Chugach Mountains on the other. There are plenty of turnoffs along the way if you want to stop for a quick photo opp.
In Girdwood, you have the Alyeska Tramway aerial tram that takes you soaring over glacier, mountain, and water views.
You also have the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center takes in orphaned and injured animals, like bears, moose, bison, and reindeer.
More Things to Do in Alaska
Make the most of your vacation to Alaska! Check out these other Alaska travel guides to plan your perfect trip:
- Where to View Bears on Your Alaska Cruise
- Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska: 1 Day Itinerary
- Things to Do in Icy Strait Point & Hoonah, Alaska
- 3 Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska: 1 Day Itinerary
- 4 Things to Do in Skagway, Alaska
- What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: Ultimate Guide
Ready to visit Anchorage, Alaska? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Anchorage using Expedia.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
Cheers!
Paige
Are you making the trip from Seward cruise port to the Anchorage Airport? Let me know in the comments below!
