2023 Guide: Taking the Ferry from Whittier to Valdez, Alaska

Wondering if you can hop on a ferry from Whittier to Valdez? Well, you’re in luck because you’ve just stumbled upon the ultimate guide!

Not only is it doable, but it’s also an experience you won’t want to miss. The ferry offers an unforgettable journey through beautiful Prince William Sound. On a clear day, this marine voyage offers gorgeous views of glaciers and Alaska’s stunning mountain peaks.

On a recent Alaskan road trip, I took this ferry with my family en route to our cabin in McCarthy. We figured, why drive the entire distance between Anchorage and Valdez when you can make the journey epic with a ferry ride? It may take longer, but as they say, “the journey is the destination.”

Whittier and Valdez are two incredibly picturesque must-see destinations easily accessible by car. They also happen to be part of the scenic Alaska Marine Highway!

So, I have gathered all the info you need to plan your trip: ferry schedules, packing tips, and snack ideas! Taking the ferry offers a unique experience you simply can’t get from driving alone. It truly is one of Alaska’s best-kept secrets!

🚢 Taking the Ferry from Whittier to Valdez

The ferry from Whittier to Valdez is operated by the State of Alaska Marine Highway System.

The State of Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is a ferry service that connects coastal communities and cities across Alaska, as well as British Columbia and Washington state.

It serves as an essential lifeline for remote and isolated areas, providing transportation for people, vehicles, and goods.

The trip on the Whitter-Valdez ferry will take you through Prince William Sound, which is home to a wide variety of marine life, making it an ideal destination for abundant wildlife viewing. Humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, sea otters, sea lions, and seals are all commonly spotted while taking the ferry!

Taking Ferry from Whittier to Valdez, Alaska

📆 Whittier Ferry Schedule and Booking

Booking a ferry ride from Whittier to Valdez is a simple process. The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) offers a variety of ways to directly book tickets including online, in person, and by phone. Avoid using Ferry GoGo or other similar sites which are going to charge a bit more due to service fees.

The Alaska Marine Highway System is open Mon-Fri from 7:30am-4pm AKST
Phone: 1-800-642-0066.

It’s easiest to book via the AMHS website because you can book well in advance and see all the details and confirm you have everything correct before moving forward. But you can also call AMHS for help with ferry travel information!

✔️ When making an online reservation with the AMHS, travelers will be asked to select the routes they wish to take (port to port) and the dates they would like to travel.

✔️ Travelers must also provide vehicle information, such as type and size. Once these details are provided, travelers can select the date they wish to depart and the date they plan on returning (if applicable).

If you are looking to travel in the summer months the Whittier to Valdez ferry schedule differs from the winter schedule. The summer schedule, when the ferry runs two days a week, is released sometime in mid-March. In winter 2023 the ferry to Valdez runs on Thursdays: 12:30-6 pm.

You can also take the Valdez to Whittier ferry if you would only like to travel to Valdez and then head back the way you came.

This particular Prince William Sound vessel, the Aurora, operates in both directions (Whittier → Valdez and Valdez → Whittier) but on different days of the week, making it easy to plan a day trip or overnight excursion between these two beautiful towns.

🎟 How Much is the Ferry from Whittier to Valdez?

Since the vessel is a car ferry from Whittier to Valdez the final cost depends on how many passengers and what type of vehicle if any, you are traveling with. The cost for a walk-on passenger will obviously be much cheaper. The following Whittier to Valdez ferry price chart is for ONE-WAY travel:

You can access booking and Alaska ferry prices on the AMHS Website anytime, even if just to punch in your details without making a final purchase if you are curious about the final cost of the ferry for your venture.

In 2022 it cost us $350 for our family of four to ride the ferry in the summer. When booking with AMHS you will receive a booking confirmation and receipt email with your boarding passes attached.

💡 Tips for Taking the Whittier to Valdez Ferry

Being well-prepared for your journey on the ferry makes things more enjoyable! Planning ahead to make sure you are comfortable and organized for the trip is a good idea so you can sit back and just enjoy once you are on the boat.

Timing

🗓 In the summer the Whittier Alaska ferry has two travel days to Valdez. You will want to plan your trip around the days that the ferry travels! Also, book your ferry tickets well in advance so you can be sure to travel the day or week you want to.

⏰ Check in to the ferry terminal in Whittier with your vehicle 1.5 hours prior to departure. Go grab some lunch or peruse the nearby shops while you wait to leave! All vehicles MUST check in at the terminal to receive a colored destination tag and lane assignment.

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Clothing

🧥 When taking the ferry in Alaska, it is VERY important to dress appropriately. It is best to layer your clothing and wear items that are easy to remove and add back on as needed. This way, you will be comfortable no matter what the temperature outside is like. A hooded windproof jacket is recommended!

🛥 If you plan on sitting inside the entire time, in the observation lounges, you will not need to be dressed as warmly but I recommend venturing outside and taking in the fresh air, looking for whales (they are around!) and truly soaking up this incredible location that you are lucky enough to enjoy!

☀️ Even in the summer, Alaska weather can be unpredictable and temperatures can range from mild to bitter cold. Add the wind from the ocean to your boat ride and you can feel quite a chill! No matter what time of year you take the ferry, it is always a good idea to bring a jacket or sweater.

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What To Bring

🎒 I like to travel with a daypack on board so that I can easily swap out clothing as necessary and carry my water or other snacks.

🕶 Don’t forget sunscreen and/or sunglasses—because you never know when that beautiful Alaskan sunshine will make an appearance!

📸 Bring binoculars or a camera with zoom capability – this will give you the best opportunity to spot wildlife along the way, including whales, sea lions, seals, porpoises, bald eagles, and more!

🔋 I also recommend bringing a portable battery pack to keep your devices charged in case their battery drains faster in cooler weather. It would be very sad to miss out on capturing photographic memories of the incredible scenery!

✍️ It’s also a good idea to bring books or other forms of entertainment like music and games, especially if you have kids traveling with you.

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Food

☕️ My husband and I remember that we should have boarded with coffee or tea in hand as we really appreciate warm beverages on a cooler day. Just make sure to bring along a spill-proof mug or travel cup to avoid any sloshing.

The cafeteria does serve coffee but it may not be ready at the start of the trip – we took note of this. Additionally, many travelers find that enjoying a hot drink while on the ferry helps them unwind and settle into the relaxed pace of travel.

For day trips on a ferry, having your own healthy snacks handy is helpful even though meals are served onboard in the dining room. Kids especially may want to pack their own familiar snacks.

🥗 The cafeteria serves excellent food and has daily specials. On our travel day, we enjoyed a delicious special of chicken curry over rice! They also have burgers (beef, halibut, vegan, salmon, or chicken), fish and chips, several salads, soup, chili, chowder, sandwiches, fruit, and even cookies.

To be honest I am picky about where I choose to eat and I was very happy with my lunch aboard the Aurora! To top it off the staff was super friendly and that always makes guests feel so welcome.

You are, of course, welcome to travel with your own food for lunch or dinner as well!

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Motion Sickness

While no one in our family suffers from motion sickness it can occur with ferry travel for those prone to it. Below are some ideas to help alleviate motion sickness on the ride.

It’s important to note that different people may respond differently to these remedies, so it’s a good idea to try a few and see what works best for you.

1. Medication: Over-the-counter medication such as Dramamine or Bonine can help prevent or alleviate motion sickness. You should always follow the instructions on the package and check with a doctor before taking any medication.
2. Ginger: Ginger is a natural remedy that can help reduce nausea and vomiting. You can try drinking ginger tea or sucking on ginger candy.
3. Acupressure: Some people find relief from motion sickness by wearing acupressure wristbands. These bands apply pressure to a specific point on the wrist that is believed to reduce nausea and vomiting.
4. Fresh air: If possible, go outside and get some fresh air on the observation deck. Being in a stuffy or confined space can worsen motion sickness. Staying moving, walking, and staying busy in the fresh air can help!
5. Look at the horizon: Fixing your gaze on a stable object, such as the horizon, can help reduce motion sickness.
6. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen motion sickness, so be sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids.

🏔 Once you arrive, if you’re looking to extend your stay in Valdez, there are many things to do and enjoy there that can easily fill a few days on your itinerary! Make sure to take advantage of all that this amazing little town has to offer. Allow yourself plenty of time to explore!

🥾 Valdez Alaska, or “Little Switzerland”, is home to an abundance of outdoor recreation and excursions. From glacier cruises and fight-sightseeing tours to sea kayaking trips and fishing charters, there’s something for everyone!

⚓️ FAQS: Ferry from Whittier to Valdez Alaska

If you are planning a trip on the ferry from Whittier AK to Valdez AK, then you likely have some questions about what to expect. To help guide your way, I’ve compiled this helpful FAQ section that will answer all of your burning questions!

Mainline ferries, such as the Columbia, have longer journeys in Southeast Alaska (specifically the Inside Passage) that involve overnight travel from places such as Bellingham, WA to Ketchikan or Prince Rupert, AK, for example.

The ferry passes by numerous islands, fjords, and bays, providing a great opportunity for memorable photographs from Whittier all the way to the Valdez Arm.

🚘 Driving to Whittier from Anchorage

If you want to take the ferry from Whittier to Valdez, chances are you will be driving from Anchorage, unless you are driving from Seward on the Seward Highway.

The drive is truly lovely with lots to see and experience along the way. It typically takes around 1.5 hours, but it’s worth taking your time to soak all the views in.

You’ll begin by heading south on the Seward Highway from Anchorage which hugs the coast on Turnagain Arm for much of the drive. The Alaska Railroad also runs along the Seward Highway and it’s a treat to have it pass you by with the backdrop of Alaskan scenery.

Along the way, you can stop at scenic viewpoints, such as Portage Lake, or even take a detour to visit the famous Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Portage Glacier Lake is a popular stop and one that I highly recommend on the drive from Anchorage to Whittier! The lake was formed as a result of the melting glacier, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

You’ll be able to park at a large lot on the loop and walk right up to the lake. You can also go into Begich, Boggs Visitor Center as well as Portage Glacier Café for refreshments.

Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel 

One fabulously unique experience you will have when driving to Whittier for the ferry is going through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. The entrance is just past Portage Glacier Lake.

The tunnel is the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America, measuring 2.5 miles (4 km) in length. It was originally constructed during World War II as a railway tunnel but was later renovated to include a highway lane, allowing for vehicle traffic.

This one-lane tunnel is used to access Whittier, which is located on the other side of a mountain range from Anchorage. Because Whittier is only accessible by sea or through the tunnel, the tunnel is an important transportation route.

One of the unique features of the tunnel is that it is a one-lane road, with traffic switching directions at regular intervals! Wow, right?

This means that you have to wait before being allowed to enter the Whittier tunnel and you’ll need to follow the directions of the tunnel operators and lights to ensure a smooth and safe journey.

Vehicles are permitted to depart toward Whittier once every 30 minutes, while departures from Whittier occur every hour.

Following every trip through the tunnel, the reversible jet fans located at each end of the passageway circulate fresh air, effectively reducing carbon monoxide accumulation. As a result, this tunnel is distinguished as the first to utilize jet turbine ventilation.

👉 Bicycles and pedestrians are not permitted in the tunnel.

🚙 Driving from Whittier to Valdez

If you are not sure you want to take the ferry for whatever reason, driving to Valdez (nicknamed the Little Switzerland of the United States) is also an option! The drive will take about an hour longer than the ferry ride with a short stop for lunch along the way.

Driving the road from Whittier to Valdez in Alaska is a scenic journey and also offers views of the surrounding landscapes minus the Prince William Sound views of the ferry route. This route will take you back through Anchorage, which is likely the way you arrived in Whittier.

From there you will still be immersed in a photographer’s paradise with numerous opportunities to capture shots of potential wildlife sightings and panoramic views while driving on the Glenn Highway. You are likely to spot brown bears if you pay attention!

The Glenn Highway stretches from Anchorage to Glennallen, where it meets with the Richardson Highway. From there you’ll head south on the Richardson.

Along the drive from Anchorage to Valdez, there are several places worth stopping for a break or some sightseeing. One such spot is a Musk Ox farm at Mile 50 that is open year-round and does tours.

Another good location to stop is the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site (mile 101) where there is a trail that leads to glacier viewing platforms.

Approaching Valdez there is Keystone Canyon, which has towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls (Bridal Falls and Horsetail Falls).

Bridal Falls is easily viewed from the Richardson Highway and visitors to Horsetail Falls are able to walk up to view the waterfall from the parking area.

🛳 Final Thoughts on the Ferry from Whittier to Valdez

Overall, the ferry from Whittier to Valdez is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Alaska! I highly recommend adding this unique way of traveling to your itinerary. It’s also the perfect way to relax and enjoy while someone else takes the wheel.

In addition, Valdez and Whittier are the gateways to Prince William Sound, along with Cordova, so they are definitely worth visiting.

These two towns are surrounded by sea-studded islands, the snow-capped Chugach mountains, and glaciers, and are teeming with wildlife. What more can you ask for? They provide endless things to do for adventurers!

So, add the Whittier-Valdez ferry to your list of things to do, and then take the ferry from Valdez to Whittier if you like. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss!

Do you have more questions or have you taken a ferry in Alaska? I would love to hear about your experience! Comment below and let’s share fun details that can help others out.