Skagway White Pass Train: Must Do For All Ages
All aboard one of Alaska’s most iconic excursions Skagway White Pass Train
If your cruise itinerary includes Skagway, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is a must-do. This historic narrow-gauge train climbs nearly 3,000 feet into the mountains, offering jaw-dropping views of glaciers, waterfalls, and gold rush history—all from the comfort of a vintage railcar. Whether you're sailing with Princess, Holland America, or Royal Caribbean, this excursion is one of the easiest and most scenic ways to experience Alaska’s rugged beauty. In this post, I’ll share what to expect, how to book, and tips to make the most of your ride
Skagway Port
The Skagway Port had a landslide a few years ago. For our Princess Cruise, we had to tender to the port. They used the same tenders attached to the side of the cruise ship for this process. I was pleased we had booked a later in the day for the train, so we did not have to stand in long lines to exit the ship. Be warned, the tenders are small and packed, but the ride is quick. If you’re prone to motion sickness, I recommend getting near a window or being close enough to look out. This helped me tremendously.
As you can see in the picture below, the walkway is still being repaired.
After you tendered the walk to the start of our excursion was relatively close. However, we didn’t know how long it would take to tender over etc. We left way too early. So we walked to town and explored before our train ride.
The walk to town is about 1/4 of a mile, flat and paved. They have a few museums you can walk in and lots of shops. We are not big shoppers, so we finished the town fairly quickly. We did get some yummy kettle corn at one of the shops. It is made fresh! To kill time, my son and I stopped at Lucy’s and got a yummy cinnamon roll and a chocolate chip cookie to go. I am still thinking about that cinnamon roll a week later!
What to Expect on the Ride
After exploring Skagway’s charming downtown, we made our way back to the train station. We arrived about 20 minutes early, and the line was already forming. Our tour guide, Tom from Juneau, had tipped us off to sit on the left side of the train heading up—and he was absolutely right. That side offered the best views of the mountains, waterfalls, and dramatic drop-offs. Since the ride is a round-trip, passengers on the right side get their scenic moment on the way back down.
The White Pass Train experience was fantastic. We were traveling with my parents and my 17-year-old, and all of us genuinely enjoyed it. The views were breathtaking, and the vintage railcars added to the charm. Once the train was in motion, passengers were allowed to step outside between cars to soak in the scenery. You can’t switch cars, but you can stand in the open-air vestibule and take in the fresh mountain air and panoramic views. It was truly unforgettable.
My dad and son riding the rails
The train ride round trip was right under 3 hours. The time flew by! It was a day well spent.
My parents enjoying the ride
After we return to town, you can be dropped off in town or back at the cruise port. Again, these are only 1/4 mile apart. My son and I got off and walked by while my parents stayed on.
My cute parents
Final Thoughts: Is the White Pass Train Worth It?
This train ride in Skagway is one I’d absolutely recommend. Everyone in our group—from teens to grandparents—loved it. It’s the perfect way to sit back, relax, and take in Alaska’s stunning scenery without the stress of navigating on your own. The White Pass Train offers a front-row seat to waterfalls, mountain passes, and gold rush history—all in just a few hours.
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