Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
Drive through North America's longest highway tunnel, the sole land access to the unique Alaskan town of Whittier.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Traffic flows inbound
Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
Best Time
Traffic flows inbound
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Drive through North America's longest highway tunnel, the sole land access to the unique Alaskan town of Whittier.
"The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is a must-do Alaskan experience, a true engineering marvel!"
Check Tunnel Schedule ⏰
Traffic alternates hourly. Always confirm the latest schedule before heading to the tunnel!
Toll Required 💰
There's a toll for using the tunnel. Keep cash or card handy.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tunnel Itself
Drive through North America's longest highway tunnel, a 2.5-mile engineering marvel carved through a mountain.
Whittier's Unique Town
Explore Whittier, a town where most residents live in a single building, accessible only via the tunnel.
Coastal Views
Enjoy stunning ocean and mountain vistas once you emerge from the tunnel into Whittier.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tunnel Schedule is Key
Prepare for the Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tunnel Schedule ⏰
Traffic alternates hourly. Always confirm the latest schedule before heading to the tunnel!
Toll Required 💰
There's a toll for using the tunnel. Keep cash or card handy.
Unique Town Experience 🏘️
Most of Whittier's residents live in one building! A truly unique Alaskan community.
Longest Tunnel in NA 📏
Experience driving through North America's longest highway tunnel, 2.5 miles long!
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tunnel Schedule ⏰
Traffic alternates hourly. Always confirm the latest schedule before heading to the tunnel!
Toll Required 💰
There's a toll for using the tunnel. Keep cash or card handy.
Unique Town Experience 🏘️
Most of Whittier's residents live in one building! A truly unique Alaskan community.
Longest Tunnel in NA 📏
Experience driving through North America's longest highway tunnel, 2.5 miles long!
Shared with Trains 🚂
The tunnel is used by both vehicles and trains, so be patient with the schedule.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently amazed by the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, often calling it a unique engineering feat and a highlight of their Alaskan journey. The novelty of the one-way, hourly-scheduled traffic and the sheer scale of the tunnel are frequently praised. However, some find the strict schedule and potential for delays frustrating, especially if they miss their window.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The only land access to Whittier is through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in North America. It's a 2.5-mile drive from the Seward Highway.
No, the tunnel closes at night. It's crucial to check the operating schedule before your visit, as it dictates when you can pass through.
It's a single-lane tunnel shared by vehicles and trains. Traffic alternates direction hourly, and the drive takes about 10 minutes. Jet turbines are used for ventilation.
Whittier is approximately 58 miles (93 km) from Anchorage, and the drive through the tunnel is a significant part of the journey.
Yes, the tunnel accommodates various vehicle sizes, including RVs. However, always be mindful of the tunnel's dimensions and schedule.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a toll to use the tunnel. Be prepared to pay the fee upon entry.
Toll prices can vary, so it's best to check the latest rates before your trip. Information is usually available on local tourism or transportation websites.
No, you don't typically need to book a time slot. However, you must adhere to the hourly traffic schedule for your direction of travel.
If you miss your designated hour for travel, you will have to wait for the next available slot in your direction, which could mean a significant delay.
The main restriction is adhering to the hourly traffic schedule. Ensure your vehicle is in good working order, as breakdowns can cause significant disruptions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Whittier offers glacier tours, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the unique town where most residents live in one building. 
Yes, Whittier makes for a popular day trip from Anchorage, offering a scenic drive and unique coastal experiences.
Whittier is known for its rainy and snowy climate, with rain for about six months and snow for the rest of the year.
Yes, it's common to spot marine wildlife like sea otters and seals, and sometimes even bears in the surrounding areas.
Whittier is generally considered a safe town, known for its close-knit community and unique living arrangements.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the tunnel entrance/exit, the unique Begich Towers, the harbor, and the stunning coastal mountain scenery.
While driving through, you can capture the tunnel's interior, but be mindful of traffic and safety. Hyperlapse videos are popular.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
Photography tours might be available, especially those focusing on Alaskan landscapes and unique towns. Check with local tour operators.
Golden hour (early morning and late evening) offers beautiful light for landscapes. Midday can be harsh due to the strong Alaskan sun.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack layers of clothing as Whittier's weather can change rapidly. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as options within the tunnel are non-existent and limited in Whittier itself. The short drive through the tunnel is exciting, and once in Whittier, activities like short boat tours or exploring the harbor can be engaging for younger travelers. 🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Once in Whittier, you can enjoy the coastal views, perhaps grab lunch, and experience a truly unique Alaskan community before heading back through the tunnel. It's a perfect way to add an unusual stop to your Alaskan itinerary. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Experiment with hyperlapse for dynamic tunnel shots and look for unique perspectives of the Begich Towers. The coastal scenery provides stunning backdrops, especially during the golden hours. Remember to check the weather, as dramatic skies can add to the moodiness of your shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Engineering Marvel: The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
+1Its unique design features a single lane shared by both road traffic and the Alaska Railroad. This necessitates a carefully managed schedule, with traffic alternating directions hourly. Between vehicle and train passages, powerful jet turbine ventilation systems are used to clear the air, a pioneering feature for its time.
+1Driving through the tunnel is an experience in itself, often described as a rapid transit through the mountain. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes, offering a glimpse into the infrastructure that connects this remote Alaskan town to the outside world.
Whittier: The Town Under One Roof
+1This unique living arrangement is a direct result of Whittier's isolated location, with the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel being its sole land connection. The town experiences a challenging climate, with heavy rain for much of the year and significant snowfall in winter. Despite these conditions, Whittier offers a distinct Alaskan experience, attracting visitors with its dramatic coastal scenery and quirky charm.
Beyond the residential tower, Whittier boasts a picturesque harbor, opportunities for glacier tours, and is a popular departure point for cruises. The town's history as a military port during WWII adds another layer to its fascinating narrative.
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