Looking to visit Seward Alaska? This post shares the many different ways to travel from Anchorage to Seward.
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Getting to Seward Alaska
Before you can enjoy all the things to do in Seward like visiting the Kenai Fjords National Park or taking one of the national parks tours. But before you can enjoy the jaw dropping scenery of Seward, you have to get there first. Being a small town, there are no commercial flights in or out of Seward, only charter flights. The closest commercial airport near Seward Alaska is the Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage. From there you’ll need to figure out your transportation from Anchorage to Seward.
Traveling by train to Seward
Whether you prefer to be car free, or want the freedom to fully take in the scenery, the train to Seward is a fantastic option. The train will have glacier views of the Kenai mountains that you can’t get by car.
The Coastal Classic train from Anchorage to Seward (and return from Seward to Anchorage) runs daily during the summer season. The season is typically mid-May through mid-september. The Anchorage train to Seward departs daily at 6:45am and leaves Seward at 6pm. This means you can do a day trip to explore the town if you don’t have time to stay overnight.
The fare prices vary with Alaska Train based on the date of service. You’ll find cheaper pricing in May, and after labor day. The peak season prices are $211 round trip for the “Adventure Class” (no meal service) or $430 RT with the “Goldstar Service”. The Goldstar Service ticket pricing includes breakfast and a 3 course meal service for dinner and 2nd level seating for better views.
For more information on pricing, routes and schedules, check out the Alaska Railroad website.
Driving from Anchorage to Seward
The most common method of transportation between Anchorage and Seward is driving a car along the Seward Highway. The drive between cities is about 2.5 hours non-stop. However, this route is incredibly scenic, especially through the Turnagain Arm. I strongly recommend planning extra time from Anchorage to Seward to allow for time to stop at the scenic viewpoints. You’ll have sweeping views of the water in the Turnagain arm and mountains beyond. If you look carefully, you might even see mountain goats high up in the cliffs along the north side of the highway.
Between Anchorage and Seward are a number of other small scenic towns like Girdwood and Whittier further east of the Seward Highway.
Having a car allows more freedom and flexibility with your schedule but also getting around town. If you choose to stay at a vacation rental rather than a hotel in town, you may be staying a fair distance from any nearby restaurants or grocery stores.
For summer and even shoulder seasons, you don’t need to have a SUV or 4WD vehicle. However, you should definitely have one from fall (mid-september) through late spring (April) as you never know when it will snow in Alaska. During my visit in 2023, it snowed in Anchorage on May 2nd much to my surprise.
Renting a car in Anchorage
As the largest city, and airport in the state, Anchorage has the most rental car options available, which is why I suggest renting directly at the airport. One thing to know is that renting a car in Alaska is VERY expensive, even more so in the summer. Book your car rental early to guarantee availability and the best pricing.
For specialty rentals I recommend Alaska 4×4 rentals. They have almost exclusively vehicles that are SUVs or 4WD vehicles, including trucks and vans. If you plan to get off the highways and explore more off the beaten path or off road, they can help get you there.
Shuttles / Bus to Seward from Anchorage
If you are searching for a way of getting from Anchorage to Seward for a cruise, a shuttle bus service may be the best option. Many of the Alaska cruise ship companies will provide additional options for a shuttle service. But if you want the extra time to enjoy and explore Seward, there are a number of transportation services available.
Anchorage to Seward Frequently Asked Questions
What train goes from Anchorage to seward?
The Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Seward train runs daily from Anchorage to Seward and Seward to Anchorage in the summer.
How long is the train ride from Anchorage to seward?
The train is approximately 4.5 hours long
How much does it cost to take a train from Anchorage to seward?
In peak season the price per person is either $211 round trip or $430 round trip with meal service.
How long does it take to get from anchorage to seward?
The Anchorage to Seward drive time is roughly 2.5 hours without stopping.
Is the drive from Anchorage to Seward scenic?
Yes! The drive is incredibly scenic. I recommend allotting extra time just to take breaks at the designated pull outs and viewpoints.
Can you fly from Anchorage to Seward?
There are no commercial flights from Anchorage to Seward, but the airport does allow charter planes.
