Most visitors treat the trip from Anchorage to Seward like a means to an end, a prelude to their real Alaskan adventure. But let’s be real: they’re missing out on the main act. This isn’t just a road. It’s one of the most scenic drives in Alaska, arguably the world.
It’s a journey through glacial valleys, around tidal inlets, past snow-capped mountains, and into the heart of the Kenai Peninsula road trip experience.
🚍 Your Travel Options
Let’s break down how you can explore this breathtaking route:
🚗 Driving from Anchorage to Seward
- Distance: 127 miles (204 km)
- Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours (nonstop)
- Flexibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the most popular option, giving you the freedom to stop at every viewpoint, hike, eat, and take photos at your own pace.
🚂 Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic
- Duration: ~4 hours, 15 minutes
- Season: May to September
The Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Seward route is legendary. Think panoramic windows, onboard narration, and unbeatable views.
🚌 Tour Bus
- Duration: ~3 hours with limited stops
- Ideal for: Cruise passengers or group tours
You’ll get guided info along the way, but limited flexibility to stop at every hidden gem.
📍 Stops & Highlights Along the Way
These stops are what turn a three-hour ride into a lifetime memory.
🚗 McHugh Creek Viewpoint
First stop out of Anchorage.
📸 Panoramic views of Turnagain Arm.
🧭 Don’t miss the short hiking trails and interpretive signs.
🚗 Beluga Point
Peak beluga season: July to August
This spot is famous for, you guessed it, beluga whales, which follow the tides chasing fish. Bring binoculars!
🚗 Portage Glacier Road
Side trip alert!
Drive this road for 5–10 minutes, and blue icefields, hidden lakes, and possible moose sightings’ll surround you.
🚂 Iconic Alaska Railroad Moments
“There’s a point near Bartlett Glacier where everything goes quiet. The train curves, and all you see is ice, sky, and your reflection in the glass.”
The Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Seward ride is not just travel, it’s a meditation.
🚗 Moose Pass
An underrated gem near the journey’s end.
Perfect for:
- Picnic by the lake
- Talking to friendly locals
- Taking a deep breath of pure mountain air
🚗 Girdwood
A must-do detour just 40 miles in.
- Home of Alyeska Resort
- Take the tram for mountain-top views
- Stop at The Bake Shop for legendary sourdough pancakes
🌟 What Makes This Route So Special
🌊 Turnagain Arm: A Natural Wonder
The Turnagain Arm has some of the highest tides in North America, up to 40 feet!
- 📍 Watch for the famous bore tide (a single wave rolling across the inlet)
- 🌅 Light here changes the entire mood of the drive
🐻 Wildlife You Might Encounter
This drive is a living, breathing wildlife documentary:
- 🦅 Bald eagles
- 🐏 Dall sheep on cliffs
- 🐻 Black bears (rare but possible)
- 🦌 Moose crossing the highway
🏔️ Towering Mountains & Glacial Views
The Chugach Mountains seem to rise straight out of the sea, a dramatic reminder you’re in wild Alaska.
🌄 The Light That Transforms the Landscape
Morning fog makes the valleys mystical.
Golden hour makes every peak glow.
And during the solstice, you could have 20+ hours of light to soak it all in.
🧭 Tips for Travelers
🕒 Best Time to Take the Drive
- May to September for the best weather
- Early morning or late evening = perfect lighting and fewer crowds
🍽️ Where to Stop for Food & Gas
- Girdwood: gas, restaurants, snacks
- Moose Pass: one gas station, but worth it
Tip: Fill up before you leave Anchorage.
🎒 What to Pack for the Trip
- Binoculars (for belugas and eagles)
- Layers (weather can shift FAST)
- Camera (you’ll regret not bringing one)
⚠️ Safety Tips for the Road
- 🚧 Cell service drops at times, download maps
- 🚙 Watch for wildlife on the road
- ❄️ If winter driving, check road conditions and pack chains
🌌 Closing: Take the Long Way
“The distance from Anchorage to Seward is only 127 miles. But it might be the longest, most beautiful three hours of your life, if you let it be.”
There are a few places on Earth where the road IS the destination. This is one of them. So next time you’re headed to Seward, slow down. Take the long way. Let Alaska show you its wild heart, one breathtaking mile at a time.
❓FAQs
Early morning or golden hour (before sunset) offers the most stunning light and fewer tourists.
Yes, but only if you’re prepared. Roads may be icy, and daylight is limited. Always check conditions on Alaska 511.
Yes! Girdwood and Moose Pass are the main hubs with restrooms, food, and gas.
It depends. The train is scenic, relaxed, and narrated, but lacks the freedom to stop and explore side trails or detours.
Expect eagles, moose, Dall sheep, and possibly beluga whales. Bears are rare but possible, especially around Turnagain Arm.
