Valdez Transportation Tips by worldtrekker Top 5 Page for this destination

If you are coming or going to...

If you are coming or going to Portage/Anchorage/Seward areas, then a great option is to take the 6 - 6 1/2 hour car ferry. Reservations are a must! Phone: (907)835-4436. Not only can you enjoy the scenery; the glaciers, mountains, and marine wildlife of Prince William Sound, but you can relax. You won't have to drive the long road route twice. Make a loop out of it. Photo: Getting ready to board the ferry very early in the morning in Sept. '96. The ferry leaves Valdez at 7:15 am. It goes to Whittier and returns from there around 2pm. There may be a second ferry with the reverse schedule. I'm not sure anymore.

Mode: TO

Type: Ship/Boat

Photo: From the ferry, close...

Photo: From the ferry, close to Whittier. Once you disembark in Whittier, you have to drive your vehicle onto a train in order to get back to the highway and Portage. The train ride takes about 1 hour. You sit in your vehicle during this train ride. Your vehicle is secured on the train with tire blocks.

Mode: TO

Type: Train

During the ferry ride you'll...

During the ferry ride you'll see lots of iceflows and small icebergs which have calved off the Columbia Glacier. You'll also possibly see whales, orcas, harbor seals, sea otters, and lots of seabirds.

Mode: TO

Type: Ship/Boat

Here's a view from the ferry...

Here's a view from the ferry closer to the Whittier end of the trip.

Mode: TO

Type: Ship/Boat

Here's another look at the...

Here's another look at the Columbia Glacier from the ferry.

Mode: TO

Type: Ship/Boat

You can travel on a flat...

You can travel on a flat iceberg or iceflow. It is slow, and the harbor seals may be annoyed with you for taking their ride, but it will truly be an adventure. Dress warmly, and don't fall off! A paddle will help you direct yourself through the currents.

Mode: TO

Type: Other