Alaska Railroad Seward Day Trip

Although Seward is a destination worthy of at least a few days' visit, visitors with limited time can still fit a fast and fun side trip to this coastal town in just a day from Anchorage.

Seward is served by both the Alaska Railroad and the Park Connection Motorcoach. The railroad's Coastal Classic train operates daily, departing Anchorage at 6:45 AM and pulling into Seward around 11:20 AM. The return train leaves at 6:00 PM and arrives into Anchorage at 10:15 PM.

The Park Connection has twice daily service through Seward with the best option for a day trip being the Seward Express route. The motorcoach leaves Anchorage at 7:00 AM and arrives at 9:45 AM. The return coach departs Seward at 6:30 PM and arrives in Anchorage at 9:30 PM. Combining travel one way by rail and the other way by motorcoach is the best way to stretch your travel budget, maximize your time, and see the most scenery.

Once you're in Seward, these are some of the best tours for your day trip:

• Kenai Fjords Glacier and Wildlife Cruise
• Kenai Fjords Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise
• Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking
• Resurrection Bay Kayaking

A Seward day trip sample itinerary could look something like this: Ride the Coastal Classic train in the morning, enjoying upgrade service in the GoldStar Dome. Your ticket includes breakfast on the train. Upon arrival into Seward, walk the few short blocks to the boat harbor for your Kenai Fjords National Park day cruise. Enjoy an afternoon amongst the area's marine wildlife and tidewater glaciers. When you return to land, visit the local harbor shops before catching the Park Connection for a relaxing ride back to Anchorage.

For more tours, check out more things to do in Seward.