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Alaska Port Reviews
Taking the Train From Anchorage to Seward
On Your Own
Alaska Railroad's Coastal Route
If you are boarding your
cruise in Seward you have a number of options on how to get
there. You can rent a car and drive, take a motor coach
transfer or you can take the train. Any way that you
decided, you will be blessed with some of the most beautiful
scenery on Earth. I have made the trek using all three
options, but would always chose the train. The reason is
simple. The train takes a route separate from the highway
about half of the way to Seward. This enables you to see
some of the most beautiful countryside in Alaska. Plus the
ride is relaxing and very enjoyable. Here is how to do it.
Alaska Railroad Train
Station
The
Anchorage train station is quite convenient to the downtown
area and can easily be seen from the Hilton Hotel. While one
could walk it, taking a taxi is the best way to get to it
from where you are staying.
The Monument at the Train
Depot
Across the street from the
main entrance to the train station you will find an
interesting monument to Alaska Railroad Company whose
headquarters is located on the other side of the tracks from
the train station.
Luggage Check In at the
Anchorage Train Station
One of the
best features regarding the train is that you may check your
luggage at the terminal and it will be delivered to your
cabin on the ship. There is no need to claim it in Seward,
as it will be delivered right to your cabin. Note
that you will need your passport and cruise documents to
board the ship, so make sure they are not in your checked
luggage. The luggage is actually shipped to Seward via a
baggage truck and will not be on the train with you when you
arrive at the Seward train Station. If you leave documents
in your luggage by mistake, plan on it taking all day to
catch up with your suitcase. You will not be allowed to
board the ship if this happens.
Entrance to the Train
Station
Advance reservations are
required for the train. You can make them by visiting Alaska
Railroad's website located at
www.akrr.com. The train that you want is the Coastal
Classic and it departs Anchorage at 6:45am.
The Coastal Classic Train
in Anchorage
You will be
assigned a seat in a car and they will board the train by
car numbers. Coffee is served in the train depot, but the
line can be daunting. The train offers two classes of
service, adventurer and GoldStar Service. Unless you want a
luxury experience on the way to Seward, Adventurer is the
way to go, as the ride is only about 3 hours.
Turnagain Arm of the Cook
Inlet
As the
train leaves the Anchorage area it follows the Turnagain Arm
of the Cook Inlet and the state highway for miles. The
Turnagain Arm was so named by Captain Cook who was trying to
find the fabled Northwest Passage. It is said that he tried
several arms only to "turn again" and try a different one.
The Turnagain Arm
The views
across the arm are simply fabulous and reminds you of just
how immense and rugged Alaska really is.
The View From a Dome Car
Throughout
the train there are several domed cars that are available
for folks to sit in. They are great for spotting animals
along the side aof the mountains as you pass through the
valleys. The seats are first come, first served and the
conductor politely asks that no one try to dominate any of
the seats, as they are for everyone's use.
One of the Meadows Along
the Way
Once the
highway leaves down a different canyon the scenery becomes
even better. You pass through several valleys where moose,
bears and other wild animals may be seen. Dall sheep are
commonly seen along the way and the conductor will point
them out as the train passes them.
A Glacier Along the Wa
The train
passes several glaciers along the way, which are easily
seens out the windows.
The Mountains and the
Forest
The scenery
is simply unbelievable. The mountains and forest go on
forever it seems.
The Train's Gift Shop
Of course,
the Alaska Railroad includes a gift shop onboard the train
to Seward. There are numerous specialty gifts for those that
want a memory of their ride to Seward.
The Tiki Bar
Just as one
would suspect, there is a tiki bar on the train too. The bar
sells snacks and drinks (including cocktails) for its
passengers. There is also a separate dining car with a
limited menu for breakfast, but the food is edible.
Heading into Seward
After a few
hours the train starts making its way on the final stretch
into Seward and before you know it, your ship will appear
magically before you.
The Seward Train Station
Once in
Seward your luggage will be delivered to the ship and placed
outside of your cabin in the late afternoon. You will need
to take whatever carry-ons that you brought onto the train
with you while you explore Seward. The train arrives in
Seward around 11:30am, so depending on when you can board
your ship, you will have plenty of time to explore Sward.
To take the
train from Seward to Anchorage if you are debarking in
Seward all you would do is simply reverse this trip.
However, the train back to Anchorage does not leave until
6pm and arrives in Anchorage at a little after 10pm.
All Aboard!
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