Transportation at a Glance

	Estimated Time	Travel Guide/Schedule
Car	2.5 - 3 Hours	Seward Highway Guide
Bus	3 Hours	Bus Schedule
Train	4 Hours	Train Schedule

By Car

Driving the Seward Highway offers scenic highlights around every turn, and you can stop and go as you please. Rental cars are available right in Seward for pick-up and drop off. People like the convenience and independence. Once you arrive in Seward, you're already set for transportation (around town, out to Exit Glacier, or down to Homer, for example). And if you rent an RV, you'll be all set for sleeping, dining, and showering as well-no need for bathroom breaks en route, either.

From Anchorage, it's the fastest way to get to Seward (other than by plane, which very few people use because Seward's so close and flying's so expensive), taking about 2.5 hours. In addition to a rental car, you also have the option of a private transfer with AK Tripping. They can get you there efficiently, or not if you'd rather take your time and sightsee!

Anchorage to Seward by Train

If your Alaska trip is a once-in-a-lifetime deal, you really ought to experience the historic Alaska Railroad. The trip between Anchorage and Seward, the Coastal Classic, is arguably its most scenic section, and you can take the train one-way. The route parallels the Seward Highway along the Turnagain Arm, but then you head up into the mountains, away from the road—you can't see these glaciers and alpine meadows by car. You'll pass through tunnels (always a kid favorite), and by railroad houses home to rail workers. The train is fairly affordable, the rail cars are historic, and it's nice to get up and walk around. It does take more time than driving (4 hours, 20 minutes), however, and there's only one departure daily from Anchorage at 6:45am.

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 (3 hours), and departs from Anchorage (6:30am & 3pm). 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.

If You Go One-Way

If you go one-way you have a couple options for the other segment of your Anchorage/Seward trip. There is a rental car company in Seward-Hertz, 800-654-3131-and they do offer one-way rentals. However, the drop-off fee may be anywhere between $100-300! Thus, the bus may be a better choice. Learn more about How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Seward (or reverse!).

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.