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Cruise Port Advisor
Destinations › Skagway, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska Cruise Port Guide

Skagway, Alaska cruise port guide — a gold rush era town and gateway to the Yukon, with scenic railway rides and glacier excursions.

Skagway remains a top Alaskan cruise destination, welcoming nearly a million passengers annually. Skagway continues to enhance port infrastructure and visitor experiences.  Going for a walk in Skagway can feel like walking onto a movie set or back in time. Its main, seven-block shopping strip, features wooden boardwalks and false front buildings that evoke the image of the long-gone wild west and the turbulent gold-rush days. Locals garbed in period costumes help to maintain the illusion and walking the streets take visitors back to Skagway’s rich history. 

Skagway, Alaska – Quick Facts

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CurrencyUSD
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LanguageEnglish
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WiFi & PhoneWifi is somewhat limited in Skagway. After 10 am the Library offers free Wifi. If it’s not speedy enough, computers can be rented at the Seaman Center (375 2nd Street) - these will cost $5 for an hour
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Where You DockSkagway Cruise Ship Docks, Broadway, Skagway, Alaska
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Where You Dock in Skagway, Alaska

Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.

There are three piers, all of which are on the Southwest side of town. None of the piers are more than a ten-minute walk from the main streets. Skagway’s cruise port has these main docks: Railroad Dock Forward (RRF), Railroad Dock Aft (RRA), Broadway Dock (BRD), and Ore Dock (ORE). Broadway and Ore docks are closest to downtown (5-10 minute walk), while Railroad Dock passengers may need a free shuttle or tender service (check your cruise line’s schedule).  Railroad Dock: This dock can accommodate two large cruise vessels and has on-dock rail service, which is convenient for those taking White Pass & Yukon Route Railway excursions.  Broadway Dock: Centrally located on the Skagway waterfront, it's a great option for passenger operations and shore excursions, with rail service nearby.  Ore Dock: Originally designed for bulk carriers, it's now used for larger cruise ships, and recently underwent upgrades to handle post-Panamax vessels.  Ferry Dock: While not as common for large cruise ships, smaller vessels may dock here.  alaska-77829_640

Getting Around Skagway, Alaska

Transportation options once you're ashore.

Skagway is a small town and can be easily traversed on foot. Walking is the easiest way to explore downtown Skagway, with all docks within a 15-minute stroll of Broadway Street.  The SMART bus operates May to September, offering a $5 all-day pass or $3 per ride (as of 2025), looping every 20-30 minutes with stops at key sites like the Gold Rush Cemetery. Car rentals remain limited—Avis (at the Westmark Hotel) and Sourdough Rentals (6th Avenue) require advance booking due to high demand.  For a quick side trip, the Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry (45 minutes, departing from the small boat harbor) connects to Haines, with schedules aligning with cruise arrivals—book early during peak season.Rental cars, coaches and shuttle services are available for longer distances. There is also a SMART Bus which has two routes, one from the cruise docks into the main area of town. The second route will take passengers all the way through town and up to the Klondike Gold Field.  In 2025, the cost is $2 one-way or $5 for an all-day pass. Sockeye Cycles (5th Avenue) offers bike rentals for exploring the flat town or venturing to nearby trails like Lower Dewey Lake.

Things To Do in Skagway, Alaska

Make the most of your time ashore.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad This iconic narrow-gauge railway, a must-do excursion, runs from May to September 2025, offering stunning views of mountains and glaciers. Book through your cruise line for convenience (departs near the docks) or at the depot ($120-$150 depending on route).  The Summit Excursion is a  three-hour train ride that takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery that Alaska has to offer. Waterfalls, glaciers, mountains and incredible northern forests, this trip has it all.  

First Summit train of the season, departing northbound on this glorious, sunny May morning.

 

A post shared by White Pass & Yukon Route (@whitepassrailroad) on

 
  Jewell Gardens - A combination of botanical and culinary experience with the option for a hands-on glass blowing lesson. If you don’t want to try it yourself, the professional can show you how it’s done during one of their glass-blowing demonstrations.     Hikes, Fishing and Tours - Depending on the level of physical activity you are looking for, there is a hike or tour for everyone. Whether it’s through basic walking tours or steep hikes up to the Dewey Lakes and the brilliant views that they offer, you’ll be able to commune with nature at whatever speed is right for you. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Open year-round, the visitor center (2nd & Broadway) offers free ranger-led tours of the historic district—check the 2025 schedule for times. The park’s museum is a great rainy-day option. Glacier Activities Helicopter tours with TEMSCO (near Ore Dock) provide glacier landings or dog sledding in Denver Glacier, a premium experience costing $500-$600 per person. Make sure to book early as these fill up fast. Emerald Lake Road Trip Rent a car for the 2-hour drive to Emerald Lake in Yukon, Canada (passport required), a scenic highlight often paired with guided bus tours.  

Shopping in Skagway, Alaska

Where to shop and what to look for.

The Historic Business District is filled with fun, false-front shops that house the wares of a variety of artisans. Souvenir shops, outdoor adventure supplies and unique gift shops are also to be found. If you want the real deal, products genuinely made in the region will sport a “Made in Skagway’ logo.   Skagway Alaska  

Dining in Skagway, Alaska

Where to eat and drink ashore.

For such a small town there are numerous places to eat out and enjoy a nice meal among friends. Skagway Brewing Company  700 C Broadway Street – A pub with its own local micro-brewery. Their unique beers are only available on-tap and on the premises. Their food is pub-style and delicious. Glacial Coffee House Glacial Coffeehouse is locally owned and operated year-round in Skagway, Alaska. Serving espresso, coffee, smoothies, frappes, baked goods, breakfast and lunch sandwiches with homemade soup  The Station Bar & Grill — Morning Wood Hotel  The Station Bar & Grill is open year-round, and is a favorite Skagway restaurant for locals and visitors alike.  Lunch and dinner is served throughout the year, along with daily specials. Some popular menu items include: Homemade Fish & Chips, Pizza & Calzones and Prime Rib.  The Red Onion Saloon– 205 Broadway Street – Famous for being a brothel in gold rush days, tours can still be taken of their upper ‘business’ floor. The Red Onion closes in the winter months.

Cold Beer and Hot Bartenders it's summer in Alaska.

A post shared by redonionsaloon (@redonionsaloon) on

Top Tours & Shore Excursions

Book before you board for best availability and pricing.

Helicopter Glacier Discovery

⏱ 1.5 hours (may vary due to weather) · Low activity

Get a bird’s eye view of Alaska’s beauty with your friendly and experienced helicopter pilot. Fly over majestic mountain...

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Scenic Hike & Float

⏱ 4 hours · High activity

[caption id="attachment_2904" align="alignnone" width="150"]<a href="https://cruiseportadvisor.com/wp-content/uploads/20...

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Skagway City & White Pass Summit

⏱ 2.5 hours · Moderate activity

[caption id="attachment_3716" align="alignnone" width="150"]<a href="https://cruiseportadvisor.com/wp-content/uploads/20...

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Skagway, Alaska – FAQ

Common questions from cruise passengers.

What is Skagway Alaska known for?

Skagway is known for its Gold Rush history — it was the main gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. The entire downtown is a National Historic Park. It's also known for the White Pass & Yukon Route railway, dramatic mountain scenery, and helicopter glacier tours.

What is the White Pass & Yukon Route railway?

The White Pass & Yukon Route is a historic narrow-gauge railway that climbs from Skagway to the White Pass summit (2,865 feet) through dramatic mountain scenery. Built during the Gold Rush, it's now a top-rated cruise excursion.

Can I walk in Skagway from the cruise ship?

Yes — Skagway's docks are right in the historic downtown. Broadway Street with its Gold Rush-era buildings, shops, and restaurants is steps from the pier.

How many cruise ships visit Skagway?

Skagway is one of Alaska's busiest cruise ports despite being a very small town. On peak days multiple large ships can be in port simultaneously, bringing thousands of passengers into the tiny historic district.

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