Can You Rent A Car In Anchorage And Return It In Seward
Arrive in Anchorage a few days ahead of schedule and hire a car to drop off there alternatively, take the train to Seward and rent a car there. You can easily make the transition to the next phase of your Alaskan experience by returning your rental car to the Hertz store that is located just a few streets away from the cruise terminal when it is time to embark on your cruise.
Seward Cruise Ship To Anchorage Transfer And Tour
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Greg H. Anchorage, AK, United States
Welcome! My name is Greg and I’ve been a resident of Anchorage since 1981. I came here by motor home,…more
Shore Excursion, Nature and Wildlife, Local Experience, Day Trip / Out of Town
Details
Kid Friendly: Yes. I love seeing the faces on kids when they see things they’ll see on this tour. They also ask the best questions. Friendly: No.
English
Traveling either way, the 125 miles between Anchorage and Seward is considered one of the most beautiful drives in Alaska
The Chugach Mountains on one side and the Kenai Mountains on the other with the Turnagain Arm separating them.I’ve driven this highway 100’s of times, but for me, I find that it looks different every time. I’ll be sure to let you know how different it is for me the day of our tour. Also throughout the tour I will be pointing out evidence of the affects from the 9. 2 earthquake that hit Alaska on Good Friday March 27th, 1964.Allow me to share my knowledge and experiences as a 40 year resident. One of my favorite things in the world to do is talk about Alaska.Please don’t hesitate to ask about a quote for additional passengers.
Feast On Local Smoked Salmon
Seward Boat Harbor
Youll see anglers from all over the state in season, battling enormous, thrashing king salmon. In fact, the annual Silver Salmon Derby is regarded as the prime fishing derby in Alaska. You can try it yourselfthere are plenty of day fishing charters on offer, with experienced captains who will know where to find halibut, king salmon, and silver salmon.
If youd prefer to sample Sewards culinary wares rather than catch your own, theres no shortage of places to explore. You can have your salmon broiled, smoked, in a burger, in a sandwich, with friestheres no end to the permutations.
Salmon
Seafood is the star on every menu, but youll also find wild game and locally foraged ingredients, from edible wildflowers to alpine berries, wild mushrooms, and even spruce tips. Try Rays Waterfront, with splendid views over Small Boat Harbor. Youll find king crab dripping with butter and lemon, wild sockeye salmon with a tangy mango salsa, or salmon served on a cedar plank with a creamy garlic mash.
Alternatively, if youre hiking the Exit Glacier, check out the nearby Salmon Bake Restaurant, ignoring its self-deprecating promise of cheap beer and lousy food, and reward your efforts with a hefty salmon burger with fries, washed down with a chilled local craft beer.
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Is There A Shuttle From Seward To Anchorage
During the summer months, passengers traveling between Seward and Anchorage on the Park Connection bus service can choose between two daily departure times. The Park to Park route is our first departure, and it leaves in the late morning from the Seward Small Boat Harbor, the Gateway Hotel, and the Windsong Lodge.
Is It Better To Drive Or Take The Train From Anchorage To Seward
Im willing to take the wheel.There were so many picturesque pit breaks along the route.The unscheduled stops along the way that we made just because turned out to be some of the most memorable portions of our journey.In addition, I wholeheartedly agree with the recommendation that you remain in Seward after your trip of the Kenai Fjords.On the water, its going to be a long day.
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Seward Is A Port Town Located In Southern Alaska
If you are in the planning stages of your Alaska trip, get my tips here: 9 Things To Know Before Traveling To Alaska.
Seward is situated about 120 miles south of Anchorage in southern Alaska. It is located on Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula and is considered the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park.
Does Anchorage Have A Cruise Port
Anchorage only has one port and even though it is the largest city in Alaska the port is actually in an industrial area and not often used. Anchorage is not a popular embarkation port but for the cruise ships which do dock there are free shuttles are often available to take guests to the nearby downtown.
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Seward Alaskas Temperature Is Mild
Because of its geographic location, Seward is one of the towns in Alaska blessed with temperate and mild temperatures. This is one of the things I like about Seward.
Unless you are visiting Seward Alaska in the dead of winter, you can plan on leaving your heavy ski-style parka at home.
Dress warmly in layers instead and check the temperature of Seward Alaska the month you are traveling for up-to-date weather conditions.
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Ride A Deluxe Motor Coach
- The Park Connection Motorcoach features several options that can transport you between Anchorage and Seward faster than the train. The 52-passenger touring coaches feature comfortable seating and lots of leg room, USB and powerports, big picture windows, with space for two checked bags and carry-on.
- The Seward Express segment of their northbound service leaves Seward at 10:30 am and arrives in Anchorage at 1:30 pm. The southbound service leaves Anchorage at 3 pm and arrives in Seward at 5:45 pm.
- Check out their cruise ship transfer service, aimed specifically making connections with the major lines when they dock in Seward.
- The drive follows the 125-mile Seward Highwaytraversing Turnagain Arm and the Kenai Mountains. The route parallels the train for the first 50 miles, then climbs through 1,000-foot Turnagain Pass into the heart of heart of the mountains. Alaskans love this drive for its sweeping views of peaks, lakes and gorges.
The Park Connection follows the scenic Turnagain Arm
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Is There A Train That Goes From Seward To Anchorage
The Adventure Class and the GoldStar Dome are the two classes of service that are provided by the Alaska Railroad between Anchorage and Seward. Passengers in the Adventure Class have a number of perks, including access to a shared dome observation vehicle, roomy cars with tall windows and huge seats, and the opportunity to wander comfortably between different cars on the train.
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Seward Alaska
The Dale R. Lindsey Alaska Railroad Intermodal Facility is where your ship will moor. Ships tie up directly to the dock , and no tenders are used to transport guests between the ship and shore. The terminal is located close to attractions, shops and galleries, restaurants, and lodging.
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Extending Your Stay In Seward
With numerous transportation options available, cruise guests can easily arrive in Seward a day or two before their cruise departure date or remain in Seward following the end of their cruise. Seward is serviced daily from Anchorage with scheduled motor coach service and the Alaska Railroad. Taxis, other vehicles for hire, rental cars, and even charter air options allow guests to customize their travel.
Seward is walk-able, with level terrain, and most areas of interest are within 2 miles of the cruise terminal. For those who prefer not to walk, taxis and other transportation are available throughout town.
Is There Uber In Anchorage Alaska
Make an advance reservation for a trip with Uber in Anchorage. You may finish up todays plans by making a reservation for a trip with Uber in Anchorage. You may make a transportation reservation up to 30 days in advance, and you can do it at any hour or on any day of the year.
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The Scenery Of Seward Is Breathtaking
Seward Alaska is considered the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park. In Seward, the mountains and the ocean literally touch each other which makes for absolutely gorgeous views.
What waits for you in Seward Alaska will take your breath away. The glaciers that originate in the Harding Icefield spill out and down the mountains slowly and carefully rearranging the landscape, until they find their way in the fjords of Resurrection Bay.
All of this epic landscape is surrounded by snow-capped mountains!
Outcroppings in Resurrection Bay, Seward Alaska.
Is Uber Available In Seward Alaska
There are no Uber or Lyft vehicles operating in Seward, and its hard to imagine either company surviving in this market given that cab rides in town cost only $5, and there are free shuttles running between hotels, excursions, and other locations across the area. You wont have any problems with the cabs because there are so many of them around most of the time.
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Is The Alaska Railroad Worth It
It was well worth the money, and I will most certainly advise other travelers to ride the train in order to reach their destination port in Alaska or to tour the state. On this train travel, I wasnt sure what to anticipate, but it turned out to be just what I needed! Super pleased we booked it. What a wonderful opportunity to visit the sites before boarding our cruise in Seward!
Seward Airport & Cruiseport Shuttles
There are numerous companies that offer motor coach shuttle service from Seward to Anchorage. Almost all offer sightseeing tours between your starting and ending points, with photo-op stops, as well as direct routes. The direct routes take almost three hours but they will drop off at either the port in Seward or the airport, certain hotels or car rental companies in Anchorage. In addition to the sightseeing tours, the direct routes typically are narrated.
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Getting To Seward Cruise Terminal From Anchorage International Airport
If youâre not taking the train as part of an Alaska cruise tour, many cruise lines provide a shuttle from the Anchorage airport to the Seward cruise port. If youâre driving a rental, the ride is a simple one, taking about 2.5 hours: From Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, you merge onto AK-1 S from W. International Airport Road and Walter J. Hickel Parkway . Once on AK-1 S, follow the road for 82 miles . The road will then turn into State Highway 9, which you will follow for an additional 36 miles or 45 minutes into downtown Seward. The address for the cruise terminal is actually at the railroad stop, along Port Avenue.
Most cruise lines offer transfers for purchase. You can also book a transfer through a third-party some of these include tours on the way.
Big Swig Brewery Tours
- Under the Big Swigs Alaska Crafter Tour & Cruise Transfer from Seward service, you will be picked up at the Seward Cruise Terminal and transported to Anchorage.
- Included in the tour is a tram ride and lunch atop Mt. Alyeska, followed by behind-the-scenes tours and tastings at Girdwood Brewing Co., Anchorage Distillery, and Double Shovel Cider Co. After its over, the guides can drop you off at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport or your Anchorage hotel.
- Only available when traveling from Seward to Anchorage. No to Seward option.
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How To Get From Seward To Anchorage
Regardless of how you travel, the scenery on the trip from Seward to Anchorage is spectacular, and a favorite of visitors and locals alike. The Seward Highway that follows this route is a National Scenic Byway, and the trip by train on the Coastal Classic is considered by many to be the most scenic train ride in Alaska.
4.5 hours by train | 3 hours by bus | 2.5 hours by car
Keeping reading for more details, including suggestions for travelers arriving on cruises from Vancouver to Seward. If you are ready to book the Park Connection Motorcoach or Alaska Railroad tickets online now, use this link for our convenient Train & Bus Express Checkout.
Arriving To Seward By Cruise Ship
Here are a few additional tips for travelers arriving in Seward on a cruise from Vancouver. The Park Connection Motorcoach offers a direct pickup at the cruise ship dock on most ship days. See our cruise transportation page, or Seward to Anchorage cruise transfer page, for schedule, rates, and availability. Although some cruise lines offer special cruise departures in the morning, the Alaska Railroad’s scheduled Coastal Classic train service does not depart Seward for Anchorage until 6 PM. If you are overnighting in Anchorage, this provides an excellent opportunity to spend the day exploring Seward, or even take a Kenai Fjords cruise before heading north. We can handle all the arrangements, including luggage storage and transfers. Whether you just have a day or two, or an entire week available following your cruise, we highly encourage you to see the land side of Alaska in a post-cruise tour.
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Seward Rail And Cruise
Combining the Alaska Railroads Coastal Classic with our Kenai Fjords Cruise will create a full-day adventure that will fill your bucket list. Stunning vistas will keep your eyes wide open even in the early hours of the day as you embark on this incredible adventure. The train tracks parallel the Seward Highway from Anchorage to Portage before it will venture into the wilderness to a special area only accessible by rail. Travel in style through the Chugach National Forest National Park to Seward where your Kenai Fjords Cruise will continue your journey into Kenai Fjords National Park.
Getting There By The Alaska Railroad
Most cruise tours with sailings out of Seward will arrange for cruise passengers to take a ride on the Alaska Railroad down to the port, which is the final southbound stop on the railroad. Common departure points for Seward are from Anchorage or Girdwood , or farther north from Talkeetna or Denali . Fares are normally included in your cruise tour package, but if you arrange a one-way ride on your own, prices start from about $105 per person.
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How Do You Get From Seward To Anchorage
Both a road and a train run between Anchorage and Seward to connect the two cities.During the summer, passengers can travel from Seward to Anchorage on motor coaches provided by A Alaska Cruise Transfers and Tours, Park Connection, and Seward Bus Line.There is a large number of businesses that provide cruise ship transportation to and from Seward.In addition to taxis, Uber and Lyft all provide pickup services in Anchorage.
Top Food And Drink Spots Near The Seward Cruise Port
Apollo Restaurant
With a menu entirely made from scratch, Apollo Restaurant features a tasty selection of fresh-caught seafood, succulent steak dinner, and family-friendly pizzas. Serving locals and visitors since 1976, it stays open all year-round, so you know you can find comfort food here any season.
Chattermark Seward
The menu at Chattermark Seward boasts a wide variety of lunch and dinner options, including burgers, fresh-caught Alaskan fish, surf-and-turf steak and seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Every dish on the menu is served with unique and flavorful house-made sauces, and Chattermark is arguably home to the best hot wings in Seward.
The Cookery
The Cookery features some of the best oysters in Seward served ice cold on the half shell or chargrilled and dipped in savory garlic butter. Every dish on the menu was personally created by Chef Kevin Lane, features seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, and is seasoned to perfection for bold, unique flavors.
Woodys Thai Kitchen
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Getting Around In Seward
If you’re not looking to tool around the rest of the Kenai Peninsula, you’ll probably be OK without a car in Seward. Some hotels and tour operators provide shuttle service. Much of town is within walking distance, if you’re in good health and don’t mind a good walk. Exit Glacier is not within walking distance, but there’s a shuttle you can book from downtown. Or go by cab, which will take up to 5 people. If having a car would be more convenient, it’s probably best to just rent in Anchorage and drive both ways.
Anchorage To Seward By Bus
The bus provides an alternative to driving, letting you check out the scenery instead of keeping your eyes on the road. It is a bit cheaper than the train , a bit faster , and departs from Anchorage . You can do round trip in a day, with plenty of time in between to do a boat cruise or see the sights in Seward.
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Take A Bus Or Private Van Transfer
The Park Connection Motorcoach offers two departures daily, 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM, in addition to a 9:45 AM departure from the cruise dock on most ship days. All three options generally take three hours or less to reach Anchorage. Same-day connecting service is available from Seward to Talkeetna or Denali as well.
Private transfers from Seward are also available, either as a direct transfer or longer customized transfer and tour. Both include a driver-guide and transportation via Mercedes Sprinter Van.