Anchorage to Seward

It's a short trip on the map. Give it time anyway.

Driving the Seward Highway

It’s about 126 miles from Anchorage to Seward — roughly 2.5 hours without stops. Budget more. The two-lane highway squeezes between the Chugach Mountains and the tidal waters of Turnagain Arm, and summer traffic is heavy. Part of the route is a designated traffic safety corridor, where the state asks drivers to take extra care and traffic fines are higher.

Use designated passing lanes only — safe, legal places to pass slower RVs are limited. Check Alaska 511 before you go for construction and closures.

Worth stopping for

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center near Portage, around Mile 79, is a large sanctuary where you can see brown bears, moose and wood bison. Girdwood is a short detour for food and trails. Turnagain Arm has one of the largest tidal ranges around, and on the right days you can watch a bore tide roll in.

The train: Coastal Classic

The Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic is a relaxed alternative to the busy highway. In summer it leaves Anchorage in the morning, follows Turnagain Arm, then climbs into roadless backcountry past glaciers before reaching Seward late in the morning. The return leaves in the evening — a day trip is possible, but an overnight lets you see more. Check the current schedule.

Kenai Fjords and cruise travelers

Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and its glacier and wildlife cruises. It’s also a major cruise port. Travelers ending a cruise here often book a one-way rental car or a motorcoach transfer back to Anchorage for their flight — check one-way rental availability and fees early.