Skagway Train Tour from a Cruise Ship: White Pass Review & Tips
The White Pass train climbs from Skagway into mountains filled with waterfalls, deep valleys, and traces of Gold Rush history. A Skagway train tour from a cruise ship is one of our favorite ways to experience this scenery. Chris and I have ridden the railway in summer and April. We enjoyed a full scenic route in summer, while avalanche risk shortened our April ride. Both experiences helped us understand what makes this excursion special and what can affect your trip. In this guide, we share our honest White Pass train review, practical booking tips, and our own photos. You’ll learn which route suits your port day, where to sit for views, and how to reach the train.
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Our Experiences Riding the White Pass Train
Chris and I have taken the standard White Pass Summit excursion in summer and April. These rides gave us two different perspectives on the scenery and what cruise passengers can expect.
Our summer trip followed the full route. We enjoyed the mountain views, waterfalls, tunnels, and historic railway structures. As photographers, we especially liked seeing the train curve through the landscape.
In April, avalanche risk shortened our journey to approximately 14 miles from Skagway before returning. We learned about the change just a few hours before departure. The snowy scenery was beautiful, but we missed the landmarks farther along the route.
We paid for both outings ourselves, and the photographs in this article come from our own rides. This review is not sponsored. We share what we enjoyed alongside the practical details that affected our experience.
On our first Alaska cruise, we booked the train through our cruise line. It cost $80 more per person than booking directly through the railway’s website. That was the difference on our sailing, rather than a fixed markup for every cruise.
Below, we focus on the train ride itself and how to plan it. For other activities to combine with your excursion, our one-day Skagway itinerary includes ideas for the rest of your port visit.
Is the Skagway White Pass Train Worth It?
Yes—for us, the White Pass train is worth taking for its mountain scenery, railway history, and photography opportunities. It remains one of our favorite Skagway experiences, especially when conditions allow the full Summit route.
The ride takes you beyond downtown without requiring a mountain hike or a rental car. You can enjoy the changing scenery while listening to commentary about the railway and Gold Rush.
We think it belongs on your Alaska cruise bucket list for its combination of spectacular scenery and Gold Rush history.
Who Will Enjoy This Train Ride?
We recommend it for travelers who enjoy:
- Mountain scenery: Valleys, waterfalls, rocky slopes, and views back toward Skagway.
- Historic railways: Vintage passenger coaches, tunnels, and an impressive mountain route.
- Photography: Curving tracks and scenic backdrops provide subjects throughout the journey.
- A manageable port-day activity: The standard round trip leaves time for downtown exploring on many cruise schedules.
What Should You Consider?
The standard Summit excursion is a scenic ride rather than a sightseeing trip with stops for exploring. Choose a train-and-bus combination if you want additional destinations and time outside the carriage.
Weather can affect visibility, and mountain conditions can change the route. Our shortened April outing showed why the season matters, although that experience doesn’t describe every early-season departure.
If wildlife viewing or an active adventure is your main priority, another excursion may suit you better.
White Pass Summit Excursion at a Glance
| Detail | Standard Summit excursion |
|---|---|
| Route | Skagway to White Pass Summit and back |
| Distance | Approximately 40 miles round trip |
| Duration | Approximately 2.5–2.75 hours |
| Passport | Not required for this route |
| Experience | Scenic train ride with onboard narration |
| Walking stops | No sightseeing stop to explore at the summit |
The distance, duration, and passport details apply to the standard Summit excursion. Longer railway itineraries have different arrangements.
Our verdict: Choose the Summit ride if you want classic White Pass scenery without committing your entire port day. It offers a memorable introduction to the landscape beyond Skagway.
Which Skagway Train Tour Should You Choose?
The White Pass Summit excursion is the standard round-trip ride we took. Longer options combine the railway with road travel and additional destinations. Choose based on how much of your port day you want to spend outside Skagway.
White Pass Summit Excursion: The Classic Round Trip
This route takes you from Skagway to White Pass Summit and back by train. The approximately 40-mile round trip lasts 2.5–2.75 hours and requires no passport.
Along the way, you pass waterfalls, tunnels, trestles, and mountain viewpoints. You remain aboard at the summit before returning to Skagway.
Choose this option if you want the classic train experience with time for downtown exploring afterward. It is the focus of our firsthand review.
You can find route details and departure options on the White Pass Summit excursion page.
Train and Bus Combinations: Different Views in Each Direction
These excursions combine a train journey with road travel instead of returning entirely by rail. Depending on the itinerary, you might ride the train to Fraser and continue sightseeing by bus.
The main advantage is variety. You experience the railway scenery, then see a different landscape from the road. Some combinations include stops for photographs or visits farther into the Yukon.
Choose a combination if you want more stops and have a longer port call. Routes differ, so compare the destinations, total duration, and included activities. Canada-bound itineraries also have travel-document requirements.
Bennett Scenic Journey: A Longer Day Beyond the Summit
The Bennett Scenic Journey combines a 67.5-mile train ride between Skagway and Carcross with a bus journey along the Klondike Highway.
It includes a 45-minute stop at Bennett, where visitors can explore the historic station, museum, and Gold Rush townsite. A boxed lunch is included, and the full excursion takes approximately eight hours. A passport is required.
This option suits travelers who want an extended railway experience through British Columbia and into the Yukon. We haven’t taken this particular itinerary, so it is an alternative rather than part of our personal review.
The Bennett Scenic Journey page provides the route and seasonal departure details.
Our recommendation: For a first Skagway visit, we like the standard Summit ride combined with time in town. A longer combination makes sense when exploring beyond the summit is your priority.
Our White Pass Train Review: What the Ride Is Like
The changing mountain scenery is what makes the White Pass train memorable for us. As you climb away from Skagway, the waterfront gives way to forest, rocky slopes, waterfalls, and deep valleys.
Boarding and Settling Into the Carriage
The vintage-style passenger coaches are part of the experience. We enjoyed their traditional appearance and the large windows that let us follow the scenery from our seats.
Once aboard, keep your camera within reach. The views change throughout the journey, and some landmarks pass quickly.
We divided our attention between watching from inside and photographing the landscape. Seeing the train curve ahead of us was one of our favorite subjects.
Mountain Views, Waterfalls, and Tunnels
The route offers much more than one viewpoint at the summit. You follow a mountainside railway through a landscape shaped by steep terrain.
Some stretches open onto broad valley views. Others bring the rock face close to the windows. Tunnels and railway structures add variety between the scenic viewpoints.
Our full summer ride gave us the complete sequence of landscapes. That difference became especially noticeable after our April journey ended before the summit.
Commentary That Connects the Scenery With History
Onboard narration helps explain the railway’s construction and the Gold Rush landscape around it. Hearing that context makes the engineering easier to appreciate.
Rather than treating the journey as transportation to a destination, enjoy the route itself. The climbs, curves, tunnels, and views are the main attraction.
What We Enjoyed Most
For us, the highlights were:
- The mountain scenery, especially the open views across the valleys.
- Photographing the train on curves, with the landscape behind it.
- The historic railway atmosphere, which added character to the outing.
- Combining the ride with Skagway exploring, rather than spending the entire day on one excursion.
The Tradeoffs
The standard Summit excursion returns along the same railway, so you revisit the route rather than following a loop. We still enjoyed the return journey as another opportunity to watch and photograph the scenery.
There are also no sightseeing stops where you can leave the train and explore. A train-and-bus combination offers a different experience if that matters to you.
Our biggest disappointment was the shortened April route. The snowy scenery remained beautiful, but we missed the sights farther up the line.
Overall, we recommend the full Summit ride for travelers who enjoy scenery and history. It gave us a perspective on the mountains that downtown exploring alone couldn’t provide.
Which Side of the White Pass Train Has the Best Views?
Choose the left side when traveling uphill from Skagway, facing the direction of travel. This side offers many of the open valley views, with opportunities to see the train curving ahead.
If your itinerary travels downhill from Fraser toward Skagway, choose the right side, again facing forward.
Does the Side Matter on a Round Trip?
The standard Summit excursion follows the same railway in both directions. You’ll have another opportunity to enjoy the scenery on the return journey.
The distinction matters more on a train-and-bus combination, where you travel only one direction by rail. Choose your side based on the train’s direction rather than where the overall excursion begins.
Photographing From the Outdoor Platforms
The small outdoor platforms at the ends of passenger coaches provide opportunities to photograph without window reflections. Follow the crew’s instructions about access and share the space with other passengers.
A wider view can include the train as it rounds a curve. These compositions are among our favorite subjects from the White Pass ride.
Wear an extra layer outside. The moving air can feel chilly, even when you’re comfortable inside the carriage.
Taking Photos Through the Windows
You can also photograph from your seat. To reduce reflections:
- Hold your lens close to the glass without resting it against the window.
- Avoid using flash.
- Keep bright clothing and reflective objects away from the glass.
- Use a fast shutter speed to help capture scenery from the moving train.
Keep your camera ready when the narration mentions an approaching landmark. However, leave time to enjoy the views without looking through a screen.
Our advice: Aim for the valley side, but don’t let your seat choice dominate the experience. The changing scenery is worth watching throughout the ride.
What Can You See Along the White Pass Railway?
The full Summit route combines mountain scenery with landmarks that reveal the railway’s history. Listen to the narration as you travel. It helps you spot details that are easy to miss from the carriage.
The mile markers below show distances from Skagway. These are sights along the route, rather than stops where passengers leave the train.
| Landmark | Mile from Skagway | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | 5.8 | The crossing over the east fork of the Skagway River, near the Denver Glacier Trail |
| Rocky Point | 6.9 | Views down the valley toward Skagway, with Mount Harding and Harding Glacier beyond |
| Bridal Veil Falls | 11.5 | A waterfall descending the mountainside |
| Tunnel Mountain | 16.0 | The railway’s passage through steep terrain above Glacier Gorge |
| Inspiration Point | 17.0 | Views toward Lynn Canal, Mount Harding, and the Chilkat Range |
| Historic Steel Bridge | 18.6 | The old cantilever bridge, completed in 1901 and retired from service in 1969 |
| Trail of ’98 | 19.3 | Visible remnants of the route used by Gold Rush stampeders |
| White Pass Summit | 20.4 | The U.S.–Canada border at approximately 2,888 feet above sea level |
These locations and mile markers come from the railway’s official route map.
The Historic Bridge Is a Sight, Not the Current Crossing
The train no longer travels over the old steel bridge. A replacement bridge and tunnel changed the route in 1969. Seeing the retired structure beside the mountain railway helps illustrate how the line evolved.
Why the Full Route Matters
Our shortened April ride turned back around mile 14. We still enjoyed snowy mountain scenery, but missed Tunnel Mountain, Inspiration Point, and the landmarks nearer the summit.
That contrast is one reason we appreciated our full summer journey. The sights farther up the railway add variety beyond the lower valley.
Our photography tip: Capture both individual landmarks and wider views of the train within the landscape. Keep your camera ready, since waterfalls, bridges, and trail remnants can pass quickly.
Booking the Skagway Train From a Cruise Ship
You can book the White Pass train directly with the railway or through your cruise line. Compare the route, price, and boarding arrangements before choosing. A train-only Summit ride is different from a package with additional activities.
Booking Directly With the Railway
You can reserve through the White Pass & Yukon Route website or purchase tickets at the Skagway depot, subject to availability.
For the standard Summit excursion, choose a departure that fits your port hours. Include time to leave the ship, reach the boarding point, and check in.
Booking ahead is sensible if you want a particular departure. Waiting until you arrive gives you fewer options if trains are full.
Booking Through Your Cruise Line
Cruise lines sell the Summit ride and other railway excursions through their websites and onboard excursion desks.
Dockside boarding is a useful benefit of cruise-line arrangements. The railway explains that these bookings offer pier-side service alongside the ship. Follow your excursion ticket’s meeting instructions for your particular call.
Cruise-line booking also provides a central contact for excursion questions and schedule changes. Compare that convenience with the direct ticket price.
Our Experience With the Price Difference
On our first Alaska cruise, we booked the train through our cruise line. We paid $80 more per person than the direct railway price.
That was the difference on our sailing. Prices and packages vary, so don’t assume every cruise-line booking carries the same markup.
For two travelers, the price difference can be substantial. Compare the same route and inclusions. Paying more through the cruise line for the standard Summit ride doesn’t mean you get a longer journey or extra sightseeing stops.
Compare the Details That Matter
Before reserving, check:
- Route: Summit round trip or a longer combination.
- Duration: The full excursion, including any transfers.
- Boarding point: Downtown depot or cruise-excursion meeting location.
- Inclusions: Additional sightseeing, meals, or other activities.
- Cancellation terms: The conditions attached to your booking.
Our guide to booking Alaska shore excursions independently or through your cruise line explains the broader differences.
Our advice: Direct booking is worth comparing if you’re comfortable reaching the depot yourself. Cruise-line booking may suit you better if dockside arrangements and coordinated support are your priorities.
Getting From Your Cruise Ship to the Train
Your boarding point depends on how you booked the excursion and where your ship docks. Some passengers join a cruise-line group near the pier, while independent travelers usually head to the downtown depot.
If You Booked Directly With the Railway
Follow your ticket’s instructions for boarding at the White Pass & Yukon Route depot in downtown Skagway.
From the central waterfront, the depot is a short walk. However, the time needed depends on your berth, walking pace, and how you leave the ship. From the Ore or Broadway docks, allow approximately 5–15 minutes to walk to the downtown train depot. From the Railroad Dock exit, allow around 15–20 minutes. Add extra time if you need a shuttle or tender to reach shore.
Allow time for check-in as well as the walk. Keep your ticket handy before joining the boarding area.
If You Booked Through Your Cruise Line
Use the meeting point and time on your excursion ticket. Don’t head to the downtown depot unless your instructions direct you there.
Cruise-line bookings offer dockside arrangements, with rail boarding near the cruise piers. Your group may meet before proceeding to the train together.
Account for Your Cruise Dock
Ore Dock and Broadway Dock are close to the downtown waterfront. Railroad Dock arrangements can involve additional walking, shuttle travel, or tendering, depending on the berth and conditions.
Follow the crew’s instructions for your call. Include waiting time if a shuttle or tender is needed, rather than counting only the journey itself.
Our Skagway cruise port guide explains the dock locations and options for reaching town.
Leave Time Before and After the Ride
Choose a departure that gives you time to get ashore and reach the correct boarding point. After the excursion, allow time to return before your ship’s all-aboard deadline.
If you plan to explore downtown afterward, keep the walk or transfer back to the ship in your schedule.
Our advice: Treat the meeting time as your deadline for being ready to board, rather than the time to leave your ship.
Do You Need a Passport for the Skagway Train?
You do not need a passport for the standard White Pass Summit excursion. This round-trip ride takes you from Skagway to the summit and back without a stop to enter Canada. The railway confirms that no passport is required for this route.
The railway’s name—White Pass & Yukon Route—can cause confusion. It doesn’t mean every excursion travels into the Yukon. The Summit ride we took is different from longer Canada-bound itineraries.
Longer Routes Have Different Requirements
Excursions continuing to Fraser, Bennett, or Carcross involve travel into Canada. Follow the document requirements for your particular itinerary.
For example, the Bennett Scenic Journey requires a passport. Bring the required documents with you when leaving the ship, rather than keeping them in your cabin.
Our advice: Choose your route first, then read its travel-document requirements. The no-passport rule for the Summit excursion does not apply to every Skagway train tour.
Onboard Comfort, Accessibility, and What to Bring
The White Pass train has heated passenger coaches, large windows, and onboard restrooms. You can enjoy the scenery from your seat or step onto the outdoor viewing platforms when permitted.
Seating and Onboard Facilities
The vintage-style coaches have padded bench seating. We found the large windows useful for watching the landscape between photography sessions outside.
The standard Summit excursion includes complimentary water. Bring a small snack if you’d like something to eat during the journey. The onboard route booklet helps you follow the landmarks mentioned in the narration.
Wheelchair Accessibility
The standard Summit excursion has lift-equipped cars, but accessible spaces are limited. Request a lift-equipped space when making your reservation.
Accessibility differs between routes. The Bennett Scenic Journey, for example, does not have a wheelchair lift. Check the specific excursion’s arrangements if you need step-free boarding.
What to Bring
Keep your belongings in a small day bag. Our essentials are:
- An extra layer: Useful when moving from the heated carriage to an outdoor platform.
- A weather-resistant jacket: Protection from wind and rain outside.
- Comfortable shoes: Helpful for the walk to the train and standing on the platforms.
- A camera or charged phone: Keep it within reach for approaching landmarks.
- A spare battery and lens cloth: Useful for photography throughout the ride.
- Sunglasses: Especially helpful when sunlight reflects off snow.
- Your ticket and required travel documents: Carry what your chosen route requires.
Temperatures change as the train climbs from sea level toward the summit. Layers let you stay comfortable without carrying bulky clothing.
Our Alaska cruise packing guide covers clothing and other essentials for your port days.
How to Combine the Train With Exploring Skagway
The standard Summit ride can fit alongside downtown exploring during a longer cruise stop. Plan your walk and other activities around your train departure and the ship’s all-aboard time.
Walk the Historic District
After the train, follow Broadway through Skagway’s historic downtown. Wooden boardwalks, restored storefronts, and Gold Rush buildings make this an easy addition to your day.
You can pause at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center or explore whichever exhibits are open. Our Skagway Historic District walking guide explains the landmarks and suggested stops.
Leave Time for a Meal or a Relaxed Break
A meal, coffee stop, or time browsing local shops can balance the train excursion. We prefer leaving some flexibility rather than filling every remaining hour with another organized activity.
If your port call is short, focus on the train and a brief downtown walk. A longer train-and-bus excursion may leave little time for town afterward.
Build Your Day Around the Departure
A morning train can leave the afternoon for exploring. An afternoon departure lets you walk downtown first.
Our free and budget-friendly things to do in Skagway guide offers more ideas for exploring before or after your train ride.
Our advice: Choose a few downtown stops you’re most interested in, then enjoy them at your own pace. Include the time needed to return from town to your ship.
Final Thoughts
We recommend the White Pass train for travelers who enjoy mountain scenery, photography, and Gold Rush history. The railway offers a memorable way to experience the landscape beyond Skagway.
For a first visit, we like the standard Summit round trip followed by time exploring downtown. A longer train-and-bus combination suits travelers who want additional destinations and have more time ashore.
Compare the route and boarding arrangements when choosing your ticket. Then leave enough time to reach the train and return comfortably to your ship.
For help planning your other port days, visit our Alaska Cruise Planner.
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