White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this iconic 3-foot-gauge railroad links the port of Skagway, Alaska to the Yukon interior. Carved through sheer mountain terrain using only dynamite and hand tools, the 110-mile line was completed in 1900 and hailed as an engineering marvel known as the “Scenic Railway of the World”travelalaska.com. Today it stands as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark (an honor shared with the Panama Canal and Eiffel Tower)travelyukon.com, preserving its rich heritage for new generations of railfans and history enthusiasts.

Nestled in a dramatic glacial landscape, the route climbs from sea level at tidewater to nearly 3,000 ft (914 m) at White Pass summit in just 20 miles. The journey offers spectacular geography: deep gorges, thick boreal forests, and alpine vistas unfold around every bend. Passengers travel in vintage rail coaches that wind along cliff-hugging ledges, traverse wooden trestles above roaring rivers, and even pass through a dark tunnel blasted out of solid rockwpyr.com. From cascading waterfalls and hanging glaciers to historic gold rush relics along the right-of-way, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway delivers an unforgettable blend of natural grandeur and turn-of-the-century railway charmtravelyukon.com.

For railfans, the White Pass & Yukon Route is a bucket-list experience showcasing unique technical and historical features. The railroad’s narrow gauge (3 ft) construction allowed tighter curves to navigate the rugged terrainen.wikipedia.org, resulting in steep grades and remarkable engineering feats. One highlight is the famous steel cantilever bridge at Dead Horse Gulch – once the tallest of its kind in the world – which, though bypassed by a newer tunnel in 1969, still stands as a testament to early 20th-century ingenuity. The line’s dramatic climb over White Pass (elevation 2,885 ft) gives rail enthusiasts the rare chance to ride an authentic mountain switchback railway replete with tunnels and precipitous cliffside tracks. Adding to the appeal, the railway occasionally operates steam locomotives (such as restored engine #73) on select excursions, offering sights, sounds and even the coal-fired scent of a bygone eratravelalaska.com. It’s a living museum of Gold Rush transportation, complete with period rolling stock and the original depot, sure to thrill anyone with a love of railroad history and technology.

Beyond the rails themselves, the journey is celebrated for its scenic beauty and historical context – a combination that has earned it the nickname “The Scenic Railway of the World.” Railfans and photographers will appreciate the panoramic views of mountains and glaciers, the sight of the train snaking along steep valleys, and the numerous photo opportunities at spots like Inspiration Point and Glacier Gorge. History buffs, meanwhile, will value the narrated commentary about the Klondike Gold Rush and the very trail that tens of thousands of prospectors once trod (the “Trail of ’98” is visible alongside parts of the track)wpyr.com. In short, a visit to the WP&YR offers a unique blend of rail heritage and breathtaking scenery that is hard to find anywhere else in the world, making it a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about trains or Alaskan history.

A ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is an immersive step back in time. You’ll board restored vintage coaches with varnished wood interiors and large windows, pulled by either classic diesel locomotives or occasionally a historic steam engine. As the train chugs out of Skagway’s downtown depot, friendly onboard guides provide lively narration, pointing out landmarks like Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and the old Brackett Wagon Road while recounting tales of fortune-seekers and railroad builders. The ascent toward White Pass is steep and winding – the train clings to mountainsides and crosses sky-high trestles, affording stunning views down into the canyon. Don’t be alarmed by the screech of steel wheels on tight curves or the echo of the whistle off the granite walls; those are all part of the experience. Depending on your chosen itinerary, you might travel 20 miles to the summit and back (about 2.5–3 hours) or continue beyond the U.S.–Canada border to remote Bennett Lake and Carcross on a full-day adventuretravelalaska.com. (Longer trips require passports for international travel.) In either case, expect spectacular vistas of snow-capped peaks, green valleys, and turquoise lakes throughout your journey.

On board, the atmosphere is casual, informative, and family-friendly. The train cars are heated by potbelly stoves on cooler days and each is equipped with a restroom for passenger comfort. There is no formal dining service on the short excursions, but complimentary bottled water is provided, and you are welcome to bring your own snacks. During the Bennett Scenic Journey (the full-day trip), a hearty boxed lunch is served on board as the train rolls along Lake Bennettwpyr.com. One of the delights of the trip is that you’re encouraged to move about – you can step out to the open-air platforms at the ends of each car for an unobstructed rush of fresh mountain air and panoramic views. These platforms are a paradise for photographers (and a great place to listen to the locomotive’s whistle). Do note that on busy days – especially when multiple cruise ships are in port – the train can be full. However, the railway often adds extra departures to accommodate demand, and the seating is managed such that passengers can switch sides for the return leg, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy the scenery from both sides of the aisle. Overall, you can expect a relaxed, nostalgic journey with friendly crew members, plenty of historic insight, and endless scenery – truly “a ride to remember” on one of the world’s great mountain railwaystravelyukon.com.

The White Pass & Yukon Route operates seasonally, aligning with Alaska’s summer tourism window. Regular service runs from early May through late Septembertravelalaska.com, with multiple trains daily during the peak months of June, July, and August. In spring (May) and fall (September), a slightly reduced schedule is common, but these shoulder months can offer fewer crowds and unique scenery (snow-capped peaks in May, or golden autumn foliage in early September). There is no winter service – the railway shuts down from mid-October until spring due to harsh weather and low demand. Generally, if you visit between late spring and early fall, you’ll find trains running; July and August have the most frequent departures (often timed with cruise ship arrivals in Skagway). Always check the official schedule for exact dates and times, as special excursions or charters may be available on certain dayswpyr.com. It’s wise to book ahead for popular summer dates, since this railroad is a top attraction and trains can sell out.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you’re visiting in the busy summer season or arriving by cruise ship. You can purchase tickets directly from the White Pass & Yukon Route’s official website or ticket office in Skagway, as well as through major cruise lines’ excursion programs. (If you’re on a cruise, booking via the ship is convenient – the train will often pull right up to the dock for cruise excursions.) To secure the best rates, plan to buy tickets at least a day or more ahead of your trip – the railroad notes that its posted fares apply to advance purchases and may be higher for last-minute or same-day bookingswpyr.com. Prices vary by journey: the popular 40-mile round-trip Summit Excursion (to White Pass and back) is about US $150 per adult and $75 per child (ages 3–12). Longer routes such as the full-day Bennett Scenic Journey (train to Carcross, bus return) cost roughly US $270 for adults (with lunch included). Children’s tickets are usually about half the adult price, and infants/toddlers often ride freewpyr.com. There are typically no complex fare tiers – tickets are generally standard class seats in vintage coaches, though some special packages (like private caboose charters or “Luxury Class” cars with extra amenities) may be offered on a limited basis.

The White Pass & Yukon Route makes an effort to accommodate travelers of varying mobility, but there are some limitations to be aware of. Wheelchair access is available on many trains: the railway has a few lift-equipped coaches that can load wheelchair users at the Skagway depotwpyr.com. Because capacity is limited, it’s crucial to notify the reservation office in advance if you or a member of your party requires a wheelchair lift or other assistance. When booking, request seating in an accessible car and the staff will arrange for boarding via a ramp or lift. Note that the full-day Bennett Scenic Journey is not wheelchair accessible on the train portion (those older coaches lack lifts), though one could potentially ride a bus one-way to meet the train if arranged. The good news is that all passenger coaches have ground-level entry from the station platform and are narrow but generally navigable for those with canes or limited walking ability (with assistance stepping up into the car). Onboard facilities include at least one restroom in every car, but these are petite and may not accommodate larger wheelchairs – consider using facilities at the depot before departure. 

Layered clothing is a must for this alpine adventure. The route starts at sea level in Skagway and climbs into the cooler mountain pass, so temperatures can vary greatly; dressing in layers will keep you comfortable from the warm sun on the docks to the chilly winds at White Pass summit. Even on summer days, bring a light jacket or sweater – each railcar is heated, but you’ll likely spend time on the outdoor platforms where the air can be brisk. Don’t forget sunglasses – the high-elevation sun and occasional snowfields can create intense glare (especially in May when snow still blankets the peaks). 

This route is a photographer’s dream, so you’ll want to make the most of it. The train’s open vestibule platforms are the go-to spot for photography – you can lean out (safely) to frame shots of the locomotives rounding curves or endless forested valleys with no window glarewpyr.com. Given the motion of the train, use a fast shutter speed if you have a manual camera, and consider a camera strap or grip for security in the windwpyr.com. One classic shot is to capture the engine and consist curving ahead of your car; to do this, position yourself toward the rear of the train and shoot forward when the track bends (the WP&YR has many sharp curves where the engine comes into view). 

Skagway has a small airport (SGY) with daily air-taxi flights from Juneau, Alaska’s state capitaltravelalaska.com. The flight from Juneau to Skagway is short (about 45 minutes) and incredibly scenic, offering aerial views of the Lynn Canal and coastal mountains. Juneau International Airport (JNU) is the nearest major hub, about 90 miles to the south (no direct road connects Juneau to Skagway, but you can fly or take the ferry). Most visitors coming by air will fly into Juneau, then catch a local flight on a small plane (operators like Alaska Seaplanes serve the route) into Skagway. 

There are no mainstream rail connections into Skagway aside from the White Pass & Yukon Route itself. The WP&YR is an isolated historic railway not linked to any North American freight or passenger rail networken.wikipedia.org. Amtrak does not serve Alaska, and the Alaska Railroad’s lines are far to the west (around Anchorage and Fairbanks) with no rail line extending to Skagway. If you’re coming from the continental U.S., the closest you can get by train is to ride Amtrak to Seattle or Prince Rupert and then switch to ferry or road. From Canada, the nearest railhead is Whitehorse (which the White Pass line historically reached, but today that segment isn’t in regular use for passenger service). In short, you cannot directly “take a train to the train” – you’ll need to arrive by other means (cruise ship, ferry, car, or plane) to board the White Pass Railway. The railroad’s terminus in Skagway is essentially a tourist excursion line starting in town and going up to the border and beyond, so consider it the destination rather than a mode to reach the destination. If you happen to be in Whitehorse, Yukon, note that there are tour companies that can transport you by bus to Fraser or Carcross to connect with a southbound White Pass train into Skagway, but that’s a specialized excursion rather than regular transportation. In summary, plan to reach Skagway by other means – once you’re there, the White Pass & Yukon Route will be ready to take you on its historic journey.

Skagway is one of the few Southeast Alaska towns that is accessible by road – you can drive there! The town lies at the end of the South Klondike Highway (AK-98), which branches off the Alaska Highway in the Yukon. If you’re coming from the Alaska side, you’ll actually drive through Canada: for example, from Alaska’s interior (Tok or Anchorage), you’d take the Alaska Highway into Yukon, then at Whitehorse head south on Yukon Highway 2 (which becomes the Klondike Hwy) for about 110 miles down to Skagwaytravelmath.com. The drive from Whitehorse to Skagway is about 109 miles (175 km)travelmath.com, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours without stops – though you’ll want to stop, as this route is incredibly scenic. You’ll climb up to White Pass (elevation ~3,290 ft / 1000 m at the highway summit) and then descend with hairpin turns, passing lakes and the U.S./Canada border checkpoint on the way down to Skagway. 

Skagway is a small town, and most attractions are within walking distance, so many visitors won’t need to drive much once there. If you do arrive by car or RV, parking is available in town. There is a public parking lot near the ferry terminal and plenty of street parking around downtown (generally free, though time limits might apply on the main street during peak hours). At the railway depot itself, there isn’t a huge dedicated parking lot for passengers, but you can usually find street parking on adjacent blocks (2nd Avenue, 1st Avenue, etc.). During days with multiple cruise ships (when the town is busiest), parking close to the depot might fill up, so allow a little extra time to park a few blocks away if needed. The town is flat and walkable, so even parking on the far end of Broadway (the main street) would still only be a 10-minute walk to the station. 

Once in Skagway, getting around is straightforward – the town is only about 4 blocks wide and a few dozen blocks long. The White Pass & Yukon Route depot is centrally located, just a short walk from the cruise ship docks and the downtown shopstravelalaska.com. In fact, if you arrive by cruise, you can walk from your ship to the train in about 5 minutes. For those who prefer not to walk, Skagway offers the SMART Bus (Skagway Municipal and Regional Transit) which operates a downtown shuttle on cruise days. This shuttle runs frequently, every 20–30 minutes, circulating between the cruise piers and key points in town (with stops along Broadway at 3rd, 5th, 7th Ave, etc.)alaskashoretours.com. The fare is just a few dollars, making it an easy option to get from the dock to the depot or around town. Taxis are also available – you’ll usually find them near the ferry terminal or you can call for one; however, given the short distances, many visitors find walking to be just as quick.