Alaska Toll Roads Complete Guide: Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel 2026
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Alaska Toll Roads Complete Guide: Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
System: Single toll tunnel — cash, card, and YODEL online pre-purchase
Coverage: Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel only — the sole toll facility in Alaska
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: Manned toll booth; YODEL online ticketing system; no electronic transponders
Operator: Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Alaska? 2026 Update
Alaska has exactly one toll facility in the entire state — the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel connecting the port city of Whittier to the Seward Highway and Anchorage. If you are not traveling to or from Whittier, you will encounter zero tolls anywhere in Alaska.
Key Facts: The 2.5-mile tunnel is the longest highway tunnel in North America and the only combined vehicle-railroad tunnel on the continent. It was built to withstand -40°F temperatures and 150 mph winds. The single lane is shared by both motor vehicles and Alaska Railroad trains, requiring strict alternating one-way scheduling.
2026 Update: Toll rates have remained unchanged since July 1, 2015, when the current schedule was last set by the Alaska DOT&PF Commissioner. No rate adjustment has been announced for 2026. The tunnel continues to operate under the same seasonal schedule, and YODEL online pre-purchase remains available for Class A and Class B1 vehicles. In early 2025, British Columbia proposed (but did not implement) tolls on Alaska-bound commercial trucks in response to federal tariff disputes — this measure did not proceed and has no effect on the Whittier Tunnel toll structure.
Alaska Toll Costs: Current Rates (2026)
All tolls are round-trip — you pay once, eastbound (toward Whittier) only. Return passage from Whittier is free. No toll is charged westbound. Rates are set per the Alaska DOT&PF Vehicle Classifications and Tolls Schedule effective July 1, 2015.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2026)
| Class | Vehicle Type | Single (Round Trip) | Book of 10 | Seasonal Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | Cars, motorcycles, pickup trucks, standard vans | $13.00 | $110.00 ($11.00 each) | $605.00 |
| Class B1 | Vehicles with trailers up to 75 feet total length | $22.00 | $192.50 ($19.25 each) | $990.00 |
| Class B2 | Small buses, RVs without trailers | $38.00 | $330.00 ($33.00 each) | Not available |
| Class C | Large buses, commercial trucks, school buses | $137.00 | $1,265.00 ($126.50 each) | Not available |
| Class E | Oversize vehicles: 10–11 ft wide, 14–15 ft high (special permit required) | $330.00 | No multi-use options | Not available |
| Class G | Government motor vehicles on official business; school buses (rebate applied at booth) | $11.00 | $110.00 ($11.00 each) | Not available |
| Exempt | Alaska Railroad vehicles; DOT&PF vehicles; emergency & law enforcement on duty | NO CHARGE | — | — |
Note on school buses: School buses pay Class C ($137) at the booth but receive an on-the-spot rebate back to the Class G rate ($11) in compliance with federal highway funding rules.
Seasonal passes cover either Summer (May 1 – September 30) or Winter (October 1 – April 30) and can be purchased for one driver using multiple qualifying vehicles, or one vehicle with multiple drivers.
How to Pay Alaska Tolls
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel uses a manned toll booth only — no electronic transponders or E-ZPass are accepted. Three payment options are available:
1. Cash:
- US currency accepted; change provided
- Local checks, business checks, and traveler's checks also accepted
2. Credit/Debit Card:
- Visa and Mastercard accepted at the toll booth
3. YODEL Online Pre-Purchase:
- Available for Class A and Class B1 vehicles only
- Purchase single tickets, books of 10, or seasonal passes in advance via the YODEL app or website
- Scan QR code at the toll booth — no cash or card transaction needed
- Recommended for frequent visitors and commuters
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, RVs and all vehicle types through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, use the TollGuru Alaska toll calculator:
Tunnel Schedule & Operation (2026)
The tunnel operates one-way alternating traffic. Cars and trains share the same single-lane bore, so the schedule accommodates both. Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled opening — the tunnel will not wait.
| Direction | First Opening | Frequency | Last Opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| To Whittier (eastbound — tolled) | 5:30 AM | Every hour at :30 | 10:30 PM |
| From Whittier (westbound — free) | 6:00 AM | Every hour at :00 | 11:00 PM |
Key operational facts:
- Transit time: approximately 6 minutes at 25 mph speed limit through the 2.5-mile bore
- The tunnel must be ventilated between vehicle and train passages using jet turbine ventilation
- Standard vehicle limit: 10.5 feet wide and 13.5 feet high maximum
- Oversize vehicles (10–11 ft wide, 14–15 ft high): Class E rate applies; special permit required — submit in advance to the tunnel operator
- Winter schedule (October 1 – April 30): Hours may be reduced due to weather and reduced train traffic; always confirm at dot.alaska.gov before traveling in winter
- Pedestrians are not permitted through the tunnel except during the annual Walk to Whittier event (traditionally held in June)
Planning Your Journey
Driving from Anchorage to Whittier:
- Total drive: approximately 60 miles from downtown Anchorage via Seward Highway (AK-1) to Portage Glacier Highway, then through the tunnel
- Allow 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic and tunnel wait time
- The tunnel is the only land access to Whittier — there is no alternative road or ferry
- Whittier is a major cruise ship embarkation port; summer mornings (7–10 AM Whittier-bound openings) are the busiest — plan to arrive early and queue before your target opening
Practical Tips:
- Check the Alaska DOT&PF tunnel page for real-time schedule updates and any train-related closures before departing
- If you miss your opening, the next one is 60 minutes away — budget time accordingly
- Summer cruise passengers: for early afternoon departures (1–1:30 PM), aim for the 10:30–10:45 AM or 11:30–11:45 AM Whittier-bound openings
- Tunnel Facility Manager contact: Gordon S. Burton — Phone: (907) 472-2584 | gordon.burton@alaska.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid the Alaska tunnel toll?
No. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is the only land route to Whittier. There is no alternative road, ferry, or free crossing. If your destination is Whittier, the toll is unavoidable. If you are not going to Whittier, you will pay no tolls anywhere in Alaska.
Are there other tolls in Alaska?
No. All other roads, highways, and bridges in Alaska — including the Alaska Highway, Seward Highway, Parks Highway, and Glenn Highway — are completely toll-free.
Do I need to book tunnel passage in advance?
No advance booking is required. The tunnel operates first-come, first-served at each scheduled opening. Class A and B1 users can pre-purchase tickets via YODEL for convenience, but walk-up cash and card payment at the booth is always available.
Are there vehicle size restrictions?
Standard limit is 10.5 feet wide and 13.5 feet high. Oversize vehicles (10–11 ft wide or 14–15 ft high) pay the Class E rate of $330 and require a special oversize permit submitted to the tunnel operator in advance. Vehicles exceeding these dimensions cannot use the tunnel.
Is E-ZPass accepted?
No. The tunnel uses a manned cash booth only — no electronic transponders of any kind are accepted, including E-ZPass, SunPass, or any other state toll tag.
Alaska vs. Neighboring States & Canada (2026)
| State / Country | System | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 1 toll tunnel — cash/card/YODEL | $13 (round trip, Class A) | Only toll in the state; no E-ZPass |
| Washington State | Bridges, tunnels, express lanes; Good To Go! | $1–$10+ per crossing | Nearest lower-48 state with tolls; Good To Go! electronic transponder |
| Canada (British Columbia) | Select bridges; transponder + cash | CAD $3–$6 per crossing | Transit corridor between Alaska and lower 48; BC proposed (but did not implement) truck tolls in 2025 |
Useful Links & Resources
- US Toll Guide - All 37 toll states; state-by-state payment methods and rates
- Alaska Toll Calculator - Calculate tunnel toll for any vehicle class
- Alaska DOT&PF Whittier Tunnel page - Official schedule, rates, and real-time updates
- Canada Toll Guide - Toll information for the Alaska Highway corridor through BC and Yukon
- Tunnel Facility Manager: (907) 472-2584 | gordon.burton@alaska.gov
