Rail vs Drive from Whittier to Denali?

[jpplay]

Hi All! First time cruiser here and first time to Alaska. Wondering if we should drive or take the rail. Is the Rail route more scenic in any way or does it get you places faster? Is it an attraction in itself? Or are we better off driving with the flexibility to stop wherever we like, etc? One more thing about this - is there a real issue driving from Whittier to Anchorage because of the tunnel? THANKS IN ADVANCE - all advice welcome!!!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

JMO -- I would rather take the train -- that way both of you could see the scenery -- the driver has to keep his/her eyes on the road.

You can also ask this question on the Alaskan board (and you will get many answers) here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=55

[jpplay]

Hi - thanks for your reply and the link to the other forum - I will post my questions there - thanks!

[nyfarmgirl]

I have only taken the train from Anchorage to Whittier but it was MUCH better than driving. That part of the route seems to have an unusually high number of accidents that shut the highway down for hours at a time. The train ride is slower but they have huge windows (some of my best photos were taken thru these windows while the train was moving). It is very comfortable, relaxing and scenic. It makes it much easier to focus on the sights when you aren't driving. The train conductor also gives some very interesting info along the ride. Our train even stopped so he could point out some Dahl sheep on the side of the mountain. The train does seem to take longer than traveling by car so if you are pressed for time, it would be faster to drive, especially from Anchorage to Denali.

 

Best wishes, however you decide to travel. You will have an awesome time, Alaska is breathtakingly beautiful!!!

[chipq]

Both are very scenic but, if you are not pressed for time, the train is an incredible ride. The added benefit for the driver is not taking eyes off the road.