Skagway Cruise Port Guide: Tips For Cruise Passengers

The Skagway cruise port is one of the most walkable ports in Alaska, with ships docking just minutes from the historic downtown. Cruise passengers can easily reach the White Pass scenic Railway, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and souvenir shops and restaurants within a short walk.

Many Alaska cruise itineraries include Skagway along with Juneau and Ketchikan. We cruised to Skagway at least six times. We explain where ships dock, how to get around, and the best things to do in Skagway during a cruise stop.

Part of downtown Skagway is situated within the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. While cruise guests only have one day in Skagway, they can immerse themselves in the town’s storied past, discover more than 20 historic structures, and learn their history.

Where Is The Skagway Cruise Port?

What surprised us on our first visit to Skagway was the cruise port lacks the modern facilities. There is no:

• large building with washrooms.
• welcome center.
• shops.
• tour vendors.
• complimentary Wi-Fi.

For service outside the cruise ship’s internet package, we prefer to purchase an Airalo eSIM.

The port of Skagway can accommodate four large cruise ships at three docks, Ore, Broadway, and Railroad Docks, from west to east.

Tip: You can check where your ship docks in Skagway on the Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska schedules. Large and mega-ships tend to use the Railroad Dock. Small and mid-sized vessels use Ore or Broadway Docks, although Ore was recently renovated to accommodate large ships.

Berth codes are as follows:

• Ore Dock – ORE
• Broadway Dock – BRD
• Railroad Dock back or aft – RRA
• Railroad Dock front or forward – RRF

In recent years, Skagway has been plagued with landslides, some of which have affected the Railway Docks (both RRF and RRA).

When cruising on the Celebrity Edge, we docked at the back of Railroad Dock (RRA). We had to walk through shipping containers to catch a shuttle to the front of the dock. It delayed our time reaching town.

Vessels docked at the front (RRF) or closest to land are tendered ashore. While tender trips are short, rough waters can make the process unsettling.

Tip: If booked on independant excursions, allow more time to disembark your vessel when docked at RRF or RRA.

Walking From The Skagway Cruise Port To Town

The docking area is specifically designed for easy access, allowing vessels to berth close to the downtown area. Bear in mind, the Railroad dock requires a shuttle or tender, before the walk.

Transportation

Getting around town is straightforward. You can get a Skagway car rental, take a bus tour, rent a bike, or take advantage of the proximity to nearby ferry services. Each choice offers unique benefits for exploring beyond downtown.

Skagway SMART Bus

The Skagway Municipal and Regional Transit operates loop services between the docks, Broadway Street and the Skagway Museum. When cruise ships are present, the bus loop runs every 15 minutes. The cost is minimal at USD 3 one-way and buses run 7am to 9pm.

Tip: Purchase the all day pass for USD 5 for unlimited rides.

Additionally, their on-demand service allows guests to travel further afield. By calling for pickup, there’s a USD 5 fee to reach the Gold Rush Cemetery or a USD 15 fee to travel to Dyea.

Access To The Railroad

One of the major attractions near the port is the historic White Pass Scenic Railway. The tracks run to each dock, providing cruise guests with effortless access to the train.

We’ve taken the train journey twice, which offers an insight into the region’s rich history while providing stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls.

A train is assigned to each ship and makes two runs a day. During peak season, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway may make three runs if a mega-ship docks and requires more than two runs.

Tip: When purchasing a ticket through the cruise line, guests board next to their ship. All other train passengers embark at the train station, 10 minutes away.

Rental Cars

For those who prefer more control over their travel itinerary, a Skagway car rental is a fantastic option. Several rental agencies are available within Skagway, allowing exploration at your own pace.

We’ve rented an electric car from Klondike Electric Cars and enjoyed a road trip to Emerald Lake in the Yukon. The route was beautiful and allowed us to experience contrasting climatic zones. Since you cross into Canada, guests will require a passport on the day of travel.

Here are the options for vehicle rentals:

• DIY Jeep Tours is a popular choice on 2nd and State Street. Jeeps seat up to five and provide lots of space for bags.
• Avis has several rental vehicles at 2020 2nd Ave.
• Affordable Car Rental (Skagwaycarrental.com) is at 648 Broadway.
• Klondike Electric Car Rentals (398 5th Ave). Renting one of their five electric cars allows you to do your part for the environment and save on gasoline fill-ups.
• Drive About Car Rental (202 9th Ave) offers the best options for large groups. Their vehicles can accommodate 7 to 15 passengers.
• Turo provides a local host rental. Browse the makes and models and pick a vehicle and price that suits you.

Proximity To The Helipad

Temsco Helicopters has a helipad next to the Skagway Ore Terminal for those who prefer flightseeing. Temsco was the first to offer helicopter glacial tours in Alaska and is the only operator in Skagway.

They offer dog sledding excursions at the dog camp on Denver Glacier. Alternatively, visit Chilkat, Ferebee, or Meade Glacier for flightseeing excursions, including an icefield landing. Both tours are two hours.

Skagway – Haines Fast Ferry

The Skagway to Haines Fast Ferry is another efficient transportation option if you prefer to explore Haines. It takes the passenger-only ferry 45 minutes to reach its destination.

Haines offers a quieter destination as it can only accommodate one vessel a day. When comparing Skagway to Haines, Haines offers lots of outdoor activities with fewer people.

The ride is very scenic, and a naturalist will narrate the journey through Taiya Inlet. Guests may see whales, eagles, other marine life, and three picturesque waterfalls. If you’ve visited Skagway a few times, spending a day in Haines might be a good option.

Things To Do Near The Skagway Cruise Port

The history of Skagway’s port is closely tied to the gold boom era. Today, many of its popular excursions focus on its gold rush history. Top tours include:

• Visit the White Pass by scenic train or taking a bus.
• Skagway Museum.
• Gold Panning at Back Alley Rock Shop.
• Rent a bike and ride to the Skagway Lookout.

For the budget conscious, Skagway offers some free activities.

• Visit Gold Rush Cemetery.
• See Lower Reid Falls.
• Watch a salmon run in Pullen Creek (July and Aug).
• Explore the Moore Homestead.
• Hike one of Skagway’s trails.

Shore Excursions And Tours

There are lots of activities near the cruise port, from family-friendly hiking trails to visiting the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

Nature And Wildlife Tours

The trails to Yakutania Point and Smuggler’s Cove make a great day out for families and the budget conscious. The routes were easy, and we completed them in an hour. If you’re seeking more challenging Skagway hikes, try the Dewey Lakes routes or the one to Denver Glacier.

Alternatively, the 3-hour Waterfalls & Wildlife Tour journeys through the Lynn Canal. This area is of incredible natural beauty, showcasing shipwrecks and the cascading waterfalls that define this region.

Opportunities for wildlife sightings are abundant and may include bald eagles, seals, and perhaps even whales.

Cultural And Historical Tours

Visit one of Skagway’s museums to delve into the region’s history. Choose from the Skagway Museum & Archives, Visitor Center Museum, or the Red Onion Saloon Brothel Museum.

Liarsville Gold Rush Camp and Alaska 360 Dredge Town offer gold panning and a way to relive the Gold Rush era.

Visiting Tutshi Sled Dogs on the Klondike Hwy offers an Iditarod insight experience. The annual race runs 1,000 miles in grueling conditions. At the kennel, meet Michelle Phillips herself, a veteran of the Iditarod.

Adventure And Recreation Tours

Beyond the White Pass railroad and road trip to Emerald Lake, other options exist for enjoying your day. Adventure and adrenaline rush tours include:

• Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak Tour.
• Grizzly Falls Ziplining Expedition.
• Ocean Raft Wilderness Adventure.
• Glacier Point Wilderness Safari.

Arriving at Skagway’s port promises an engaging visit that caters to all interests, with activities ranging from scenic train rides to gold panning experiences.

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