WHITTIER TUNNEL
The only way in and out of Whittier, Alaska! The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is 2.5 miles long and is the longest highway tunnel in North America. It was also the first tunnel designed to withstand -40 Fahrenheit temperatures and 150 mph winds!
The one-lane tunnel must be shared by cars and trains traveling in both directions, and it usually needs to be aired out in between trips (with jet turbine ventilation, another first!). This unique design that enables a single lane of traffic to travel directly over the railroad track saved tens of millions of dollars over the cost of constructing a new tunnel.
Arrive at least 10 minutes prior to tunnel opening. (Arriving earlier isn’t a waste; park in line, then get out of your car and soak in the scenery.) Give yourself another 20 – 30 minutes to get through the tunnel. The drive is only 10 minutes, but the opening can be delayed, or there can be a line before you enter.
Learn more on the Alaska State website
Summer Schedule
May 1 – September 30
- To Whittier: Cars leave on the half hour, from 5:30am to 10:30pm.
- From Whittier: Cars leave on the hour, from 6am to 11pm.
Winter Schedule
October 1 – April 30
- To Whittier: Cars leave on the half hour, from 7:30am to 8:30pm. Saturdays & Sundays to 10:30pm.
- From Whittier: Cars leave on the hour, from 7am to 8pm. Saturdays & Sundays to 10pm.
Price
The round-trip toll for a private vehicle starts at $13.
Making a Cruise Departure?
- Allow a minimum of one hour to drive from Anchorage to Bear Valley, the tunnel terminus. 1.5 hours is recommended in summer.
- For early morning cruises (e.g. 9:00am), use the 7:30 – 7:45am tunnel opening into Whittier. (For true early birds, there are openings at 5:30 and 6:30am as well.)
- For early afternoon cruises (e.g. 1 – 1:30pm), go for the 10:30 – 10:45 or 11:30 – 11:45am tunnel openings into Whittier.
