There are only two passenger railroad companies in Alaska: the Alaska Railroad and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, both of which provide unique experiences that are perfect for anyone who enjoys slow travel with a large dose of beautiful scenery. While the Alaska Railroad operates recent locomotives and train cars to take people and goods as far as Fairbanks from Anchorage, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad runs steam and diesel locomotives which pull old-fashioned cars on a short, touristy route from Skagway to White Pass Summit (and sometimes a little beyond that.) If you lack the time for a full-blown Alaskan train trip, a trip on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is your best bet — you’ll get an eyeful of Alaska’s stunning landscapes, get a thorough history lesson in a very vintage setting, and be back before dinner.
This Train Takes You High Up to Alaska's Former Goldfields and Into Canada
- What is the route of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad?
- How long is the White Pass and Yukon route?
- What is special about the White Pass Railroad?
- What is the scenery like on the Skagway train?
- How much is the White Pass train from Skagway?
- How can I purchase a ticket for the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad?
- Do you I need a passport to ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad?
- Are there bathrooms on the Skagway train?
- Can you purchase food on the Skagway train?
- Who owns the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad?
What is the route of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad?
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad offers travelers the chance to reach various destinations, always along the same route. The train always departs from the small town of Skagway and chugs up the mountain along the historic Klondike Trail. Depending on the excursion you book, the train can go all the way to White Pass Summit, stop in an earlier location like Denver or Inspiration Point, or all the way to Fraser, BC, Canada; Bennet, BC, Canada; and Carcross, YT, Canada.
How long is the White Pass and Yukon route?
The length of the ride depends on the excursion you book:
- If you book an excursion to White Pass Summit, the round-trip ride is between 2.5 and 2.75 hours.
- If you book an excursion to a destination lower than White Pass Summit, such as Inspiration Point, the round-trip ride is 2.5 hours.
- If you book an excursion to Carcross, YT, Canada, the round-trip takes eight hours. It includes the trip to Carcross by train, a 45-minute stop in Bennet, BC, Canada, and a return trip to Skagway by bus.
What is special about the White Pass Railroad?
The railroad was built to ease the passage of gold prospectors who struggled to hike the steep and long trails that led to the Klondike, where the goldfields were located. Building the railroad was an enormous project that took two years (between 1898 and 1900), 450 tons of dynamite, 35,000 laborers, and cost $10 million.
What is the scenery like on the Skagway train?
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad usually operates from late April to mid-October, allowing passengers to see the area during three seasons: spring, summer, and fall. The trip onboard the train is always scenic, no matter the time of year, as can attest the above White Pass & Yukon Route photos. The railway company’s Instagram feed is also a good place to get an idea of what the views are like from the train.
How much is the White Pass train from Skagway?
The ride from Skagway to White Pass summit costs $146 for adults and $73 for children between the ages of three and 12. Children under the age of three ride for free.
If you wish to take a shorter or longer ride aboard the train, such as an excursion to Inspiration Point or to Carcross, YT, Canada, the price will vary.
How can I purchase a ticket for the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad?
To make a booking, visit the official website or call 1-800-343-7373 between Monday and Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM local time.
Skagway is a very popular stop for cruises to Alaska, and cruise ship passengers often ride the train when in town. Cruise ship passengers can book the ride via their cruise line when booking other shore excursions.
Do you I need a passport to ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad??
Photo: username/Shutterstock
Travelers who book a ride across the Canadian border, such as the excursion to Carcross, YT, need to carry their passports with them to be checked by border agents at the border crossing.
Travelers on train rides to White Pass Summit do not need to carry their passports with them.
Are there bathrooms on the Skagway train?
Photo: Alexandre.ROSA/Shutterstock
Each train car on the Skagway train is equipped with a bathroom, with a toilet and a sink. The train cars on the train are not luxurious with extremely comfortable seats, tray tables, glass-dome ceilings, etc. They are historic, rustic train cars with no frills.
Can you purchase food on the Skagway train?
There is no food available for purchase on the Skagway train but passengers are allowed to bring snacks, sandwiches, and refreshments.
The exception is the Bennett Scenic Journey excursion, which takes passengers all the way to Carcross, YT. It offers a 45-minute lunch served on board between Bennett, BC, Canada, and Carcross, YT, Canada.
Who owns the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad?
The Carnival Corporation, a huge British-American cruise operator, owns the railroad since 2018. 