Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (Whittier Tunnel)

Overview

The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, also known as the Whittier Tunnel, is a unique 2.5-mile long tunnel that connects the town of Whittier to the Seward Highway. It's a remarkable feat of engineering and a vital transportation link in this remote Alaskan region.

It's one of the longest highway tunnels in North America and a crucial transportation route in Alaska.

Tunnel Engineering Marvel

Location

Address

Portage Glacier Rd, Whittier, Alaska

Neighborhood: Begich Boggs Tunnel area

Coordinates

60.793800, -148.643300

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday Open 24 hours, but check schedule

tuesday Open 24 hours, but check schedule

wednesday Open 24 hours, but check schedule

thursday Open 24 hours, but check schedule

friday Open 24 hours, but check schedule

saturday Open 24 hours, but check schedule

sunday Open 24 hours, but check schedule

Admission

Adults

$12 (toll)

Children

$12 (toll)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

May - September

Best Time of Day

Daytime

Better visibility and safety

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

30 minutes

Recommended

1 hour

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Cold to mild

• Spring wildlife
• Lenghtening days

summer

Warm to cool

• Midnight sun
• Peak wildlife activity

autumn

Cool to cold

• Fall colors
• Northern lights start

winter

Cold to very cold

• Northern lights
• Winter wildlife

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Check tunnel schedule
Be prepared for one-way traffic
Carry ID

What to Bring

essential

ID Vehicle registration Tunnel schedule

seasonal

Winter tires (in winter) Ice scraper (in winter)

not allowed

Standing in truck beds Walking in the tunnel

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: None (but be prepared for cold weather)

• Hypothermia risk in cold months
• Altitude changes

Medical facilities: Limited on-site, nearest hospital in Anchorage

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit card

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

tunnel toll $12

parking $5

food $15

souvenirs $20

Dress Code

No specific dress code, Warm, layered clothing (especially in colder months), Comfortable, warm shoes, Clothing that obstructs view when driving

Booking Tips

• Not required, but check tunnel schedule ahead
• Alaska DOT website
• Not applicable
• Not applicable

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Alaska 511

Size: 20 MB

Features: Tunnel schedules, Traffic updates, Weather information

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Limited in nearby visitor center

Charging Stations: Not available

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

Distance: 75 miles

Travel Time: 2 hours

car

Variable 2 hours

shuttle

$100 2.5 hours

From City Center

Distance: 75 miles

car

Variable 2 hours

shuttle

$100 2.5 hours

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique transportation link and engineering marvel

Historical Significance: Built during WWII, crucial for military and now civilian transportation

Insider Tips

Check tunnel schedule for optimal timing
Visit nearby attractions like Portage Glacier
Try local seafood in Whittier

Local Recommendations

• Visit Begich Boggs Visitor Center
• Explore Portage Glacier
• Try the local seafood

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Tunnel entrance

Best Time: Daytime

Tips: Capture the tunnel mouth and surrounding mountains

Result: Stunning landscape shots

#WhittierTunnel #Alaska #TunnelPhotography

Inside the tunnel (from vehicle)

Best Time: Daytime

Tips: Capture the tunnel lights and vehicles

Result: Unique tunnel experience shots

#WhittierTunnel #Alaska #TunnelLife

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outside the tunnel, From your vehicle inside the tunnel

prohibited areas Inside the tunnel on foot

flash photography Not restricted

commercial photography Permit may be needed

drone policy Not allowed without special permit

tripod policy Allowed outside tunnel, not inside

selfie sticks Allowed outside tunnel, not inside

Nearby Attractions

Begich Boggs Visitor Center

Distance: 0.5 miles

Walking: 10 minutes

Type: Visitor Center

Portage Glacier

Distance: 2 miles

Walking: 40 minutes

Type: Natural Wonder

Whittier