Known for its breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and easy access to Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward is a popular destination included in most Alaska itineraries.
While Seward offers enough to explore over several days, not everyone has that much time. A good thing is that it’s quite easy to visit this area – and do a Kenai Fjords National Park cruise – on a day trip from Anchorage.
If you’re considering a day trip to Seward from Anchorage and wondering if it’s worth it – or how to make it work – this guide has you covered. Packed with practical tips and our experience-based recommendations, this guide has everything you need to know, from the best ways to get there to three different ways to plan a Seward day trip itinerary from Anchorage.
PRO TIP: If you have no time to read the entire guide and are simply looking for the easiest way to visit Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park on a day trip, simply book a return ticket on Alaska Railroad plus Kenai Fjords excursion by boat. It will be a long but relaxing day, filled with stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable moments.
READ ALSO: Epic Day Trips from Anchorage (Seward is just one of them!)
Seward Day Trip – Overview:
How to Get to Seward from Anchorage
There are three best ways to get to Seward from Anchorage and back – by car, train, or shuttle service. Below, you can find more information about each of these options.
- By Car:
- Driving distance/ time: 125 miles/ 2.5-3 hours one-way.
- Best for flexibility and scenic stops (Beluga Point and other lookouts along Turnagain Arm, Moose Pass, etc.).
- By Train on The Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic:
- Season: mid-May to mid-September.
- A 4-hour scenic journey offers unparalleled views of glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife.
- Morning departure (6:45 am) and evening return (departing from Seward at 6 pm) make it super easy to visit Seward in a day without much planning.
- Ideal for a super relaxed, scenic experience.
- On Viator, you can find the best prices for Adventure Class and book same-day return tickets or one-way tickets. For a Gold Star service (more than twice the price), check the availability on the Alaska Railroad website. You could also do the Gold Star class just one way and opt for the more affordable Adventure Class on the way back.
- By Shuttle:
- Available year-round.
- Red Eye Rides offers direct transfers between Seward and Anchorage by shuttle bus several times a day. The morning departure from Anchorage is at 9 am and the evening departure from Seward is at 7 pm. (+There are also several other transfer options, also private transfers).
- This is a cost-effective, hassle-free alternative, and you have more flexibility with departure times than by train.
- Train + Shuttle:
- Take a train to Seward in the morning and return to Anchorage with a shuttle in the evening.
- You’ll have one hour extra in Seward (7 pm departure vs 6 pm by train) and you’ll likely be back in Anchorage earlier than by train.
- You see the scenery from the train and also do the scenic drive on Seward Highway.
- This also a good option if you want to stay in Seward for a night or longer.
READ ALSO: Alaska Road Trip Itinerary
What to Do in Seward in a Day
While Seward has a lot to offer, the most popular activity – by far – is a boat trip to Kenai Fjords National Park. So if you are planning on visiting Seward for just a day, then all you have to do is decide which cruise to take and make sure that it aligns with your schedule.
With just a day in Seward and arriving late in the morning, you can choose between a 4-hour cruise (which focuses on Resurrection Bay and wildlife spotting) or a 6-hour excursion (same as 4 hrs, plus it brings you close to tidal glaciers). On all these cruises, you can expect to see seals, sea otters, sea lions, eagles, mountain goats, dolphins, and whales. Orcas are usually around from mid-May to mid-June.
Kenai Fjords cruises start at Seward Harbor, just near the railway station, around noon, after the train arrives in town. The trips I linked to above also end in time for the evening departure.
The 6-hour cruise includes a small lunch. Whereas the 4-hour cruise starts a bit later, giving you time to have lunch in Seward, before you leave.
Good to know – seasonal info: Most Kenai Fjords cruises only run in the summer (+-May to early October). If you are visiting Seward in the spring (March-April), you can opt for this wildlife cruise. In the winter season, there are some adventurous land-based tours, like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, Kenai Fjords National Park snowmobile tour, etc.
TIP: For more information about Kenai Fjords cruises and what to expect, please see our detailed guide via the link below.
LEARN MORE: Kenai Fjords Cruises: Complete Guide
The rest of your itinerary depends on how much time you have in Seward after the cruise. If you are traveling by train both ways and take a 6-hour cruise, then – at best – you will have a bit of time left to explore the Harbor area and get some souvenirs.
If you have some time to spare, you could also visit Alaska SeaLife Center. Keep in mind that it’s located in the old town area, about 1.5 miles from the harbor, and that you need at least 1-1.5 hours for a visit.
Further below, we share a few suggested itineraries that will help you plan your day.
Itinerary Ideas
Here are three different itinerary ideas for your Seward day trip:
- Round-trip Train Journey + 6-hour Cruise:
- 6:45 am scenic train from Anchorage (breakfast on the train).
- 11:20 am arrival in Seward.
- 11:30 am 6-hour cruise incl. lunch.
- 5:30 pm Seward Harbor.
- 6 pm departure from Seward by train (dinner on the train).
- 10:15 pm arrival in Anchorage.
TIP: The cruise departs at the harbor, which is literally 3 minutes walk from the station. You will see all train passengers rush to the hotel for check-in. If you choose this option, it’s best to contact the tour operator in advance to inform them that you are coming by train and ensure that you will be scheduled on the correct cruise. If you rather take it easy, you can also opt for a 4-hour cruise instead.
- Train + 4-Hour Cruise + Shuttle:
- 6:45 am one-way train ride from Anchorage (breakfast on the train).
- 11:20 am arrival in Seward.
- Lunch near the harbor.
- 12:30 am 4-hour Resurrection Bay cruise (or 4-hour orca cruise if traveling between mid-May and mid-June).
- 4:30-6:30 pm explore Seward, visit SeaLife Center, quick dinner.
- 7 pm departure from Seward by shuttle.
- 9.30-10 pm arrival in Anchorage.
- Round-trip by car + 6-hour Cruise:
- 7 am departure in Anchorage (2.5 hours drive + 1 hour for scenic stops along Turnagain Arm).
- 10.30 am arrival in Seward, explore the harbor, get some coffee.
- 11:30 am 6-hour cruise incl. lunch.
- 5:30-7 pm Alaska SeaLife Center.
- 7-8.30 pm Dinner in Seward (we recommend Flamingo Lounge or The Cookery, but you have to reserve in advance).
- 8.30 – 11 pm: drive to Anchorage.
TIP: If your itinerary allows a longer visit, stay in Seward for a night or two (we stayed at the Harbor 360 Hotel). It will be a lot more relaxed, and you can also visit some nice places on the way back to Anchorage the next day. For example, stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, visit Mt Alyeska, and/or do a helicopter glacier landing tour (all in Girdwood). You could also do some hiking around Seward or closer to Anchorage or book a Portage Glacier cruise, etc.
READ ALSO: Seward Itinerary & Things to Do
Is It Worth It?
A day trip to Seward is absolutely worth it, offering a hassle-free way to experience some of Alaska’s most breathtaking scenery and unforgettable wildlife encounters in just one day.
The scenic drive or train ride between Anchorage to Seward is worth it in itself. In addition, you get to see an incredible variety of marine wildlife at Resurrection Bay, as well as the dramatic landscapes of Kenai Fjords National Park. This entire day will be nothing short of spectacular – from morning to evening!
READ ALSO: Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing (the most epic experience that can also be done on a day trip from Anchorage)
More Travel Inspiration for Alaska:
- Alaska Road Trip Itinerary
- Anchorage Day Trips
- Best Things to Do in Seward
- Best Things to Do in Homer
- Grand Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour (don’t miss this!)
- Denali Flightseeing & Glacier Landing (Alaska’s #1 tour)
- Matanuska Glacier
- Alaska in September
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