My husband and I are cruising from Seward to Vancouver in late May. Will be flying to Anchorage 3 days early to do some sightseeing before cruise. We were thinking of renting a car in Anchorage and driving to Seward and returning the car there, but it is so much more expensive per day than just renting in Seward after we get there. Therefore, we need advice on best way to get from Anchorage to Seward. We cannot find a flight that arrives in Anchorage before about 3:30 p.m. I've looked at the train and also a bus that makes 3 stops. Anyone have any advice. I'm assuming we will have to stay in Anchorage that evening even though we'd rather go on to Seward. Any advice would be appreciated.
We took a bus from Anchorage to Seward. We enjoyed it more than the train from Fairbanks to Anchorage. However, the weather that day was great.
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You have the option of renting the car round trip Anchorage, for as long as you need it- a day or two. Then taking the Alaska RR to Seward. Many times a car is not needed there as cabs/shuttles are available. What is it you are looking at doing?? How much time are you spending in Seward? What activities?
I suggest you figure out how you wish to spend your time, then pick the transfer that allows for the best use of time.
In my opinion, costs are also measured in more than money in my travels. It is measured in time as well. My vacation time is valuable. If spending money offers me a better routing and timeframe for activities I want, then it is well worth the extra cost for me. (and I am a very frequent traveler, over 12 weeks/yr) I find it insignificant, the money issue with some people who have only a couple weeks/year of traveling. My opinion only, but I would be real sure to make the most of it.
My husband and I are cruising from Seward to Vancouver in late May. Will be flying to Anchorage 3 days early to do some sightseeing before cruise. We were thinking of renting a car in Anchorage and driving to Seward and returning the car there, but it is so much more expensive per day than just renting in Seward after we get there. Therefore, we need advice on best way to get from Anchorage to Seward. We cannot find a flight that arrives in Anchorage before about 3:30 p.m. I've looked at the train and also a bus that makes 3 stops. Anyone have any advice. I'm assuming we will have to stay in Anchorage that evening even though we'd rather go on to Seward. Any advice would be appreciated.
The segment of the Alaska Railroad between Anchorage and Seward passes through some really incredible scenery that's completely inaccessible by road, and it's far more comfortable than a "motorcoach" with larger seats and food and beverage service, so it's well worth the fare.
For taking the train from Anchorage to Seward, there are two options.
>> 1. You can take the daily scheduled Alaska Railroad passenger train from Anchoarage to Seward a day or two before your cruise if you want to spend some time in Seward. This service operates from the main Alaska Railroad passenger station on First Street in Anchorage to the passenger terminal in the town of Seward. If you rent a car in Seward, the car rental company might provide transportation to the pier when you return the vehicle. If not, Seward must be large enough to have a few taxis that can transport you to the pier.
>> 2. If you opt to rent a car at Anchorage International Airport and return it there on the morning of the day of your cruise, your cruise line may offer the "Grandview Rail Transfer" which is operated by the Alaska Railroad. This service, booked thorugh your cruise line, operates from a relatively new passenger train station connected to the main terminal at Anchorage International Airport to the tracks on your ship's pier in Seward, so you can walk directly from the rental car drop-off counter to the train and then from the train to the cruise check-in facility on the pier.
I would recommend using the cruise line transfer ( bus or train)
Reason????
In my opinion, the cruise transfers are many times, poor choices. With Seward transfers, they leave too early out of Anchorage, for much of any touring, and arrive too late in Seward, for some of the tours. The prices are just about always, more than booking direct.
Transportion from Anchorage to Seward
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