Tour or private bus from anchorage to whittier

Question

We are a group of 12 (6 kids/6 adults) going on Princess from Whittier. The cruise leaves at 8 pm on a Saturday. We will be spending the day prior to the cruise in anchorage.

What are the best options to get from anchorage to Whittier? Is there a private mini bus we could take?

Options for tour stops? I see the wildlife center is an option which would be fun, but 2 of the 3 families are already planning a couple nights in Girwood prior to the cruise so I don’t want to overdo that if we will have already seen everything.

Was thinking a private tour/van might be good, but open to a bus. looking for suggestions on operators as well as stopping points to fill a little time before 8 pm departure. Thank you!!

Answer

Traveling from Anchorage to Whittier with a group of 12 can be done comfortably via private transportation or small group tours. Since your cruise departs at 8 pm, planning for a relaxed day with minimal rushing is ideal. The drive from Anchorage to Whittier is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours one way without stops, so a morning departure allows time for sightseeing along the route.

Here are some options for transportation:

Private Van or Mini Bus Charter: Several companies in Anchorage provide private van or mini bus charters for groups. This is ideal for your group size, giving you flexibility with departure times and stops along the Seward Highway. Most vans seat 12–14 passengers comfortably and offer luggage storage. Recommended operators include:

Alaska Shore Tours – Private Transfers from Anchorage to Whittier.
Alaska Excursions – Offers custom private tours and transfers for groups, including family-friendly stops along the way.
Talkeetna Air Taxi / Land Tours – Some offer private land transportation options connecting Anchorage and Whittier.

Small Group or Private Tour Options: You could book a private tour that combines the transfer with sightseeing. Potential stops include:

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center – Good for seeing bears, moose, and other Alaskan wildlife. Since some families will already be in Girdwood, consider skipping or limiting time here.
Portage Glacier Viewpoint – A short stop for photos and a light walk to view the glacier.
Scenic Pullouts along Seward Highway – There are multiple viewpoints with mountains, rivers, and waterfalls.
Girdwood Town – Small stop for lunch, coffee, or a stroll if desired.

Scheduled Shuttle / Bus Options: There are also scheduled services, but these may not accommodate sightseeing or exact timing for your 8 pm cruise departure. For a family group of 12 with specific timing needs, private transport is generally better.

Planning tips:

Book the private van or mini bus in advance to ensure availability for your cruise departure day.
Allow extra time for stops, traffic, and potential delays along the scenic Seward Highway, especially in summer when road conditions may be busy.
Bring snacks and water for the group, as options along the route are limited outside of Anchorage and Girdwood.
Consider starting mid-morning to allow a relaxed pace and a few short stops without feeling rushed before boarding the cruise in Whittier.

Using a private mini bus or van provides the best combination of comfort, flexibility, and sightseeing opportunities for your group, ensuring everyone arrives at Whittier with plenty of time before your 8 pm departure.