Riding the Rails in Alaska: The Cruise Ports Every Train Lover Should Know About

SWA Cruisers
Feb 6
3 min read

Alaska possesses a certain magic. The mountains appear more imposing, the air seems purer, and the landscapes resemble hand-painted masterpieces. To truly connect with the essence of Alaska, one must explore it as the early explorers did — by train.

Fortunately, several Alaska cruise ports offer memorable rail excursions, each providing a unique adventure. Whether you’re passionate about history, captivated by scenery, or enchanted by the romance of vintage railways, these ports should be on your must-see list.

Let's explore the Alaska cruise ports where the rails meet the sea.

⭐ Skagway — The Legendary White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

If there's a train journey you've likely heard of, it's this one—and rightly so. The White Pass & Yukon Route stands as the highlight of Alaska cruise adventures. Constructed during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow-gauge railway ascends almost 3,000 feet over just 20 miles, clinging to cliffs and traversing trestle bridges that are sure to make your heart race.

Why it’s unforgettable:

Vintage railcars
Glacier‑carved valleys
Waterfalls, tunnels, and panoramic mountain views
A sense of stepping back into Gold Rush history

If you only take one train ride in Alaska, make it this one.

⭐ Whittier — Gateway to the Alaska Railroad

Whittier may be small, but it’s one of the most important cruise ports in Alaska. Many one‑way cruises start or end here, making it the perfect jumping‑off point for the famous Alaska Railroad.

From Whittier, you can board:

The Coastal Classic — a stunning route to Anchorage and Seward
The Glacier Discovery — a scenic journey to Portage and Spencer Glacier

Why it’s special: This is where the mountains meet the sea. The moment you step off the ship, you’re surrounded by towering peaks and deep fjords — and the train takes you right through the heart of it.

⭐ Seward — A Scenic Start or Finish to Your Cruise

Seward is another major embarkation/disembarkation port, and it’s home to one of the most beautiful stretches of the Alaska Railroad. The Coastal Classic route between Seward and Anchorage is often called one of the most scenic train rides in the world.

Expect to see:

Glacial rivers
Snow‑capped mountains
Wildlife along the tracks
The dramatic shoreline of the Turnagain Arm

If your cruise begins or ends in Seward, don’t miss the chance to add this rail journey to your itinerary.

⭐ Anchorage — The Hub of Alaska Rail Adventures

Anchorage isn’t a cruise port, but it’s deeply connected to the cruise experience. Many CruiseTours (especially with Princess and Holland America) include rail travel from Anchorage to Denali or Fairbanks. Only have a day in Anchorage, CLICK HERE

Why it matters: If you want to extend your cruise into a land‑and‑sea adventure, Anchorage is where the real exploration begins.

⭐ Fairbanks — The Gateway to Denali by Rail

Fairbanks is another popular stop on cruisetours. From here, you can board the Denali Star, which takes you through the interior of Alaska to Denali National Park and Anchorage.

Why it’s worth it: This is the Alaska of your imagination — wide‑open wilderness, endless forests, and the chance to spot wildlife from your train window. CLICK HERE for more rail trips in Fairbanks

🚆 Which Alaska Train Ride Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Port	Train Experience	Best For
Skagway	White Pass & Yukon Route	Classic Alaska excursion
Whittier	Coastal Classic / Glacier Discovery	Pre‑ or post‑cruise scenic rail
Seward	Coastal Classic	Embarkation/disembarkation rail journey
Anchorage	Alaska Railroad	Cruisetours to Denali
Fairbanks	Denali Star	Deep‑interior Alaska exploration

🌄 Final Thoughts

Alaska is one of those rare places where the journey is just as breathtaking as the destination — and nowhere is that truer than on its historic railways. Whether you’re climbing the cliffs of the White Pass or gliding past glaciers on the Coastal Classic, these train rides turn your cruise into something unforgettable.

If you’re planning an Alaska cruise and want help choosing the perfect itinerary — especially one that includes a train ride — We will be happy to help you map it out.

Shore Excursion Group offers some of these amazing rail excursions while at port.