Planning a trip from Anchorage to Seward? Choosing the right transportation is key to a smooth and enjoyable Alaskan adventure. Whether you prioritize speed, scenery, or budget, several excellent options are available to travel the stunning route between these two Alaskan hubs. This guide breaks down the best ways to get from Anchorage to Seward, ensuring you make the perfect choice for your travel needs.
Driving from Anchorage to Seward: Scenic Freedom on the Seward Highway
For those who love the open road and breathtaking vistas, driving the Seward Highway is an unforgettable experience. This route, renowned as a National Scenic Byway, offers approximately 125 miles of incredible Alaskan scenery. The drive itself, without stops, typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, but you’ll want to factor in extra time to fully appreciate the numerous viewpoints and attractions along the way.
Why Choose a Car?
- Flexibility and Freedom: A car offers unparalleled freedom to stop whenever and wherever you desire. Capture that perfect photo, linger longer at a scenic overlook, or explore impromptu detours – the choice is yours.
- Scenic Stops at Your Pace: The Seward Highway is dotted with must-see spots like Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary, Beluga Point, and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Driving allows you to experience these at your own pace, maximizing your sightseeing opportunities.
- Convenience in Seward: Having a car in Seward provides easy access to attractions outside of the downtown area, such as Exit Glacier, or even further excursions down the Kenai Peninsula to destinations like Homer.
- Rental Car Options: Rental cars are readily available in Anchorage and Seward, offering a range of vehicles to suit your needs. You can pick up your rental in Anchorage and enjoy the drive to Seward, having transportation readily available upon arrival. Private transfer services like AK Tripping also offer a comfortable and customizable experience.
Things to Consider:
- Driving Time: While the drive is relatively short, weather conditions, especially in winter, can impact travel times.
- Parking: Parking in Seward, particularly during peak season, can sometimes be challenging in popular areas.
Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic: A Relaxing and Picturesque Train Journey
For a truly Alaskan experience, consider the Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic train. This route is celebrated as one of the most scenic sections of the entire Alaska Railroad, offering a unique perspective of the landscape inaccessible by road. The train journey from Anchorage to Seward takes approximately 4 hours.
Why Choose the Train?
- Unmatched Scenery: The Coastal Classic parallels the Seward Highway initially, offering views of Turnagain Arm, but then veers inland, taking you through valleys and mountain passes inaccessible by car. You’ll witness glaciers and alpine meadows that are hidden from the road.
- Relax and Enjoy the Ride: Sit back, relax, and soak in the views. Train travel allows you to avoid the stress of driving, letting you fully immerse yourself in the Alaskan wilderness.
- Comfort and Amenities: The Alaska Railroad offers comfortable railcars, with room to walk around, and onboard amenities to enhance your journey.
- Historic Experience: Traveling on the Alaska Railroad is a journey through history, providing a glimpse into Alaska’s rich heritage and railroad legacy.
Things to Consider:
- Travel Time: The train journey is longer than driving, taking approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes.
- Schedule: The Coastal Classic typically has one departure daily from Anchorage in the morning, so planning your day around the schedule is necessary. Check the Alaska Railroad schedule for the most up-to-date timings.
Bus Transportation: An Affordable and Convenient Option
Bus services provide a cost-effective and convenient transportation option between Anchorage and Seward. The bus journey typically takes around 3 hours, making it faster than the train and often more budget-friendly.
Why Choose the Bus?
- Budget-Friendly: Bus travel is generally the most economical option for transportation between Anchorage and Seward.
- Convenient Schedules: Buses often offer multiple daily departures from Anchorage, providing flexibility in your travel planning. Check the bus schedule for current departure times.
- Relaxing Ride: Similar to the train, bus travel allows you to enjoy the scenery without the responsibility of driving.
- Day Trip Possibility: With multiple departures, a round-trip bus journey from Anchorage to Seward is feasible in a single day, allowing time for a Seward boat tour or sightseeing.
Things to Consider:
- Scenery Compared to Train: While scenic, the bus route largely follows the Seward Highway, so you might miss some of the unique inland views offered by the train.
- Flexibility Compared to Car: Bus schedules are fixed, offering less flexibility than driving your own car.
One-Way Travel Considerations: Anchorage to Seward or Vice Versa
If you are traveling one-way between Anchorage and Seward, it’s important to consider your options for the return journey or onward travel.
- One-Way Car Rentals: While possible, one-way car rentals between Anchorage and Seward can incur significant drop-off fees, potentially adding $100-$300 to your rental cost.
- Bus for One-Way: The bus can be a more economical choice for one-way travel, avoiding these drop-off fees.
- Explore Cruise Port Options: If your journey is related to a cruise, researching transportation options to and from the Seward cruise port is essential. For more detailed information, refer to resources like How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Seward (or reverse!).
Getting Around Seward: Transportation within the City
Once you arrive in Seward, getting around without a car is manageable, particularly if you plan to stay within the main downtown area.
- Walking: Seward’s downtown area is compact and walkable, especially if you are in good health and enjoy walking. Many shops, restaurants, and attractions are within walking distance of each other.
- Shuttles: Many hotels and tour operators in Seward offer shuttle services for guests, providing convenient transportation to key attractions.
- Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxi services are available in Seward, and can accommodate groups of up to five people. Ride-sharing services might have limited availability.
- Exit Glacier Shuttle: To visit Exit Glacier, which is outside of walking distance from downtown Seward, a dedicated shuttle service is available for booking.
- Car Rental in Seward: If you decide you need a car while in Seward, rental car services are available locally. However, for maximum convenience and potentially better rates, renting a car in Anchorage for your entire trip might be preferable.
Choosing the best transportation from Anchorage to Seward depends on your priorities – whether it’s budget, time, scenery, or flexibility. Each option offers a unique way to experience the stunning journey between these Alaskan destinations. Consider your needs and preferences to select the perfect mode of transport for your unforgettable Alaskan adventure!
