Alaska Ferry to Whittier

Whittier is located on the northeast shore of the Kenai Peninsula on the west side of Prince William Sound and at the head of Passage Canal.

Travellers headed north by ferry from Washington State to Anchorage, Fairbanks & Denali National Park can take the Alaska ferry to Whittier by boarding the ferry in Bellingham WA.                                                                 The drive from Whitter to Anchorage is just over an hour. 

That Bellingham ferry will travel across the Gulf of Alaska to Whittier, Homer & Valdez and will bypass Canada.  This means passports are not necessary.

The route from Prince Rupert BC to Whittier has been discontinued for about 3 years, but it is anticipated that it will be reinstated for summer 2025.

Be aware that if boarding a ferry from the Whittier ferry terminal to travel to Valdez, Cordova, Chenega Bay or Tatitlek, you must leave time to pass through the Whittier Tunnel.  

The tunnel is open only at specific times so it is important to check the Whittier Tunnel Schedule so you will arrive on time at the Whittier ferry Terminal for check-in. 

For military transfers to Fort Richardson & Fort Wainright, taking the ferry from Washington to Whittier is the most popular route choice as the alternate Bellingham WA to Haines AK ferry route involves a drive of some 650-750 miles onward to the bases. That route also requires you to pass through Canada. Passing through Canada requires current passports. 

A Dynamic pricing policy (as any ferry sailing fills, the fare rises) was introduced by the Alaska legislature in 2019 and it saw ferry costs rise dramatically during the summer months. 

As a result barging a vehicle between Seattle & Anchorage or Seattle & Fairbanks proved less expensive & a popular choice for both the military on the move as well as seasonal workers.
Barges depart to & from both Washington & Alaska every week year-round and fare quotes or reservations can be had at the top of this page.

While dynamic pricing for the Alaska ferries was dropped in 2024, barging vehicles to Alaska remains highly popular because it provides reliable, weekly service year-round, and is an easy way to get vehicles into or out of Alaska when space is sold out on the ferries to & from Bellingham. 

Reservations for all ferries in & to Alaska must be made well in advance as the cross - gulf ferries to Whittier, Valdez & Homer sail only 2x per month so space on those ferries sells out quickly

From Whittier to Anchorage is about 75 miles by road. Note that it is important to ensure the tunnel is open so you do not find yourself searching for unplanned accommodation in Whittier.

Most Requested Whittier Info: Land - Sea - Air
Magic Bus Transportation: 
Daily service to and from Whittier & Anchorage.
Alaska Railroad: Daily seasonal service mid-May to mid Sept between Whittier, Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks etc
Prince William Sound Cruises & Tours: 
Glacier and wildlife cruises
Major Marine Tours: 
Kenai Fjords National Park; Prince William Sound Glacier; Wildlife Day Cruises