Anchorage to Seward is an incredibly scenic and popular drive in Alaska. It offers a chance to witness some of the most awe-inspiring natural beauty in the world. From fjords and glaciers to wildlife and mountains, this drive is a bucket-list item for many. In this article, we will provide you with all the necessary details to plan your road trip from Anchorage to Seward, including distance, drive hours, stops, and the best driving route.
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Anchorage to Seward Drive
Driving from Anchorage to Seward takes approximately 2 hours and 26 minutes via the Seward Highway. This highway offers some of the most stunning views in Alaska, with coastal vistas, mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. Although the drive takes only a couple of hours, we recommend planning some extra time for stops to take in the views.
Anchorage to Seward: How far is Anchorage from Seward?
The distance between Anchorage and Seward is approximately 126.5 miles (203.5 km). The distance may seem small, but the road is winding, so it takes longer than you might expect. The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 26 minutes, but you should allow for extra time to stop and take in the sights along the way.
How far is Anchorage to Seward by plane?
The flight time from Anchorage to Seward is approximately 39 minutes. However, there are no direct flights from Anchorage to Seward. You would need to take a small plane from Anchorage to Kenai and then drive the remaining 90 miles to Seward.
What is the time difference between Anchorage and Seward?
If you’re traveling from Anchorage to Seward, you’ll be happy to know that there is no time difference between the two cities. Both cities are in the Alaska Time Zone, which is four hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST).
This means that if you’re traveling from the East Coast of the United States, you won’t need to worry about jet lag or adjusting your schedule to account for a time difference. Instead, you can simply enjoy the stunning scenery and natural beauty that Alaska has to offer without any additional stress. So, whether you’re planning a road trip or a quick flight, you can rest assured that your internal clock won’t need any adjusting when traveling between Anchorage and Seward.
The Cheapest Way to Get from Anchorage to Seward
The cheapest way to get from Anchorage to Seward is by car. You can rent a car in Anchorage for as little as $45 per day, and gas prices are relatively affordable in Alaska. However, if you don’t want to drive yourself, you can take a bus or shuttle. A one-way ticket on a shuttle from Anchorage to Seward costs approximately $100 per person.
Anchorage to Seward Drive – Rent A Car In Anchorage
Here are some rental car companies to rent a car from in Anchorage:
- Alamo: starts at $49 per day
- Avis: starts at $49 per day
- Budget: starts at $39 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $49 per day
- Hertz: starts at $49 per day
- National: starts at $49 per day
Gas prices vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $40 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $2.80 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 14 gallons of gas. Keep in mind that gas stations are limited along the way, so be sure to fill up before you leave Anchorage.
Anchorage to Seward – Driving Stops Along The Way
There are many stunning stops along the way from Anchorage to Seward. Here are some of the best ones:
Beluga Point
Beluga Point is a popular spot to stop along the Seward Highway. It’s a scenic overlook that provides stunning views of the Turnagain Arm and surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for beluga whales, which can sometimes be spotted in the water below.
Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk
Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk is another great spot to stop along the way. It’s a wooden boardwalk that winds through a wetland area, offering a chance to spot a variety of birds and wildlife. There are informational signs along the boardwalk, which provide details about the animals and plants that can be found in the area.
Portage Glacier
Portage Glacier is a must-see stop on the drive from Anchorage to Seward. It’s located in the Chugach National Forest and offers stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains. You can take a boat tour to get up close to the glacier or hike one of the nearby trails for a closer look.
Exit Glacier
Exit Glacier is another popular spot to visit on the drive to Seward. It’s located in Kenai Fjords National Park and is accessible via a short hike from the parking lot. The hike takes you up to the face of the glacier, where you can see the ice up close.
Best Driving Route from Anchorage to Seward
The best driving route from Anchorage to Seward is via the Seward Highway. This route offers some of the most stunning views in Alaska, with coastal vistas, mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. The highway is well-maintained, and there are plenty of pullouts and scenic overlooks along the way.
To get on the Seward Highway from Anchorage, head south on the New Seward Highway. Follow the signs for Seward and the Seward Highway. You will pass through several small towns along the way, including Girdwood and Portage. The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, but we recommend allowing extra time for stops along the way.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the drive from Anchorage to Seward is a must-do for anyone visiting Alaska. The scenic route offers breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife. With a distance of approximately 125 miles, the drive takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, but it is recommended to plan for extra time to take in the sights and stops along the way. Renting a car is the cheapest and most convenient way to get from Anchorage to Seward, but shuttle services are also available. Whether you choose to drive or take a shuttle, this road trip promises to be a memorable experience of natural beauty and awe-inspiring vistas.