White Pass Train in Skagway — Bucket List Alaska Excursion
Updated May 2026 — refreshed with new photos, Skagway port updates, and current booking tips.
If your Alaska cruise stops in Skagway, the White Pass & Yukon Route Train is one of the most iconic excursions you can book. This narrow‑gauge railway climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles, passing waterfalls, glaciers, and historic trestles — all while tracing the path of the Klondike Gold Rush.
We rode it with three generations of our family, and it was a highlight of our entire Alaska trip. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
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⭐ White Pass Train at a Glance
Duration: ~3 hours round‑trip
Best Side to Sit: Left side going up (right side on return)
Good For: All ages, families, seniors, mobility‑friendly
Departure Point: Steps from the Skagway cruise port
Price Range: $140–$190 per person
Book Through: Cruise line or independent operator
Highlights: Waterfalls, glaciers, trestle bridges, Gold Rush history
Booking Directly: You can also book tickets through the official White Pass & Yukon Route Railway website. This is the best option if you’re staying in Alaska before or after your cruise or want more departure times. 👉 Book directly with White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
Note: The White Pass Train does not partner with third‑party excursion sites like Viator or GetYourGuide. If you see those listings online, they’re usually resellers. The official site or your cruise line are the most reliable booking options.
🛳️ Arriving in Skagway: What to Expect at the Port
Skagway’s port area has undergone repairs after a landslide a few years ago. On our Princess cruise, we had to tender into port using the ship’s lifeboats. The tenders are small and packed, but the ride is quick.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, sit near a window — it made a huge difference for me.
Once ashore, you’ll see construction equipment and temporary walkways, but everything is easy to navigate. The train station is very close to the tender drop‑off point.
🚶♀️ Exploring Skagway Before Your Train Ride
Because we weren’t sure how long tendering would take, we left the ship early — way too early. Luckily, Skagway is incredibly walkable.
Distance to Town: ¼ mile, flat, and fully paved.
What to Do in Town:
Pop into the free museums
Browse local shops
Grab fresh kettle corn
Visit Lucy’s for a cinnamon roll (still dreaming about it)
Skagway is small, charming, and easy to explore in under an hour.
🎟️ How to Book the White Pass Train
You can book the White Pass Train in two ways:
Booking Through Your Cruise Line
Easiest option
Ship will wait if there are delays
Often bundled with other excursions
Booking Independently
Sometimes cheaper
More departure times
Great if you want flexibility
👉 Check current White Pass Train prices
🚂 What to Expect on the White Pass Train Ride
We arrived at the station about 20 minutes early, and a line was already forming. Our guide from Juneau told us to sit on the left side going up — and he was absolutely right.
Best views include:
Waterfalls
Mountain cliffs
Glacial valleys
Historic trestle bridges
Dramatic drop‑offs
The train is vintage and cozy, with huge windows and narration that shares Gold Rush history along the way.
🌬️ Can You Go Outside?
Yes! Once the train is moving, you can stand in the open‑air vestibule between cars. You can’t switch cars, but you can step outside for fresh mountain air and incredible photos.
👨👩👦 Family‑Friendly? Absolutely.
We traveled with:
My parents (mid‑70s)
My 17‑year‑old son
Me
Everyone loved it. It’s scenic, relaxing, and perfect for multigenerational travel.
Total Duration: Just under 3 hours round‑trip — and it flew by.
🚶♂️ After the Train Ride
You can choose to be dropped off:
Back in town, or
At the cruise port
They’re only ¼ mile apart, so either option is easy. My son and I walked back through town while my parents stayed on the train.
💬 Is the White Pass Train Worth It?
Absolutely — especially if you want:
Stunning scenery
Zero strenuous activity
A relaxing, iconic Alaska experience
Something seniors and teens will both enjoy
This is one of the most consistently loved excursions in Alaska for a reason.
👉 Check White Pass Train availability
🎒 What to Bring on the White Pass Train
Lightweight jacket
Reusable water bottle
Gloves/hat (early season)
Snacks
Sunglasses
👉 Shop my Alaska Cruise Essentials
❌ Who This Excursion Is Not For
Travelers wanting long hikes
Anyone afraid of heights
People who prefer private tours
Those wanting a full‑day adventure
If you want something more active, check out my Juneau City & Glacier Tour Review
❓ White Pass Train FAQs
How long is the White Pass Train ride? About 2.75–3 hours round‑trip.
Which side of the train is best? Left side going up for the best views.
Is the train wheelchair accessible? Yes — certain cars are accessible. Check when booking.
Can you get off at the top? Not on the standard round‑trip excursion.
Is it safe for kids? Yes — it’s one of the most family‑friendly excursions in Alaska.
🧭 Planning an Alaska Cruise? Start Here
👋 About Julie
I’m Julie — the travel‑hacking mom behind No Point Left Behind, where I help families travel more for less using points, miles, and smart cruise strategies. Every excursion on this site is something we’ve personally done, photographed, and reviewed so you can plan with confidence.
