Explore Alaska by Rail On Our Cruise Train Excursions

An Alaska train trip is one wild ride. Alaska trains go into the backcountry where cars cannot, and the scenery is spectacular. Ride over salmon-filled streams, through mountain tunnels, and on the edge of narrow cliffs. There are two options for Alaska train tours: the McKinley Explorer® (part of an Alaska cruise tour), or the White Pass & Yukon Railway.

To plan the perfect combination of sea and rail travel, explore Holland America’s Alaska cruises, featuring itineraries designed to showcase Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, and rugged wilderness.

Whether you’re dreaming of Denali’s peaks or Skagway’s historic trails, here’s what to know before you embark on an Alaska train adventure.

• The McKinley Explorer® glass-domed railcars and White Pass & Yukon Route offer unique scenery and experiences — from panoramic mountain views to Denali’s wild interior.
• Every Alaska cruisetour features a ride through the unspoiled Alaska interior aboard our privately owned, two-level McKinley Explorer® railcars.
• Travelers can spot moose, eagles, waterfalls, and glaciers from the train — making each journey unique.
• Combining an Alaska cruise with a rail journey offers an unforgettable way to experience the state’s glaciers, wildlife, and wilderness.

On Alaska cruisetours, you can take a train through Alaska’s unspoiled interior on the McKinley Explorer®, a privately owned, glass-domed train specifically used for transporting Holland America guests between the ship and Denali National Park & Preserve.

Another Alaska train tour is the White Pass Summit Scenic Railroad in Skagway. The White Pass & Yukon Railway links Skagway and Whitehorse and takes a narrow-gauge ride in the historic path of prospectors. Pass Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, Dead Horse Gulch plus tunnels, trestles, and more on these Alaska train rides. And all of this aboard a vintage, rebuilt or replica train car. Find this Alaska shore excursion and more.

Together, these routes form the foundation of the Alaska Cruise Train Excursion experience — pairing premium rail travel with breathtaking scenery and historic storytelling. Each option provides a window into Alaska’s past and a comfortable way to experience its wild beauty up close.

Whittier is another cruise port that you can visit via Alaska train tours. Nicknamed the “Strangest Town in Alaska,” Whittier hugs the stunning Prince William Sound and almost the whole town lives in the same condo complex. It is only accessible by boat or a tunnel that’s shared by both cars and Alaska trains. Some Alaska cruises port in Whittier.

Holland America’s cruisetour itineraries make it easy to transfer from ship to rail at the port of Whittier. Guests traveling on these combined cruise and land packages can disembark and board the McKinley Explorer® train nearby, with luggage and transfers handled seamlessly by Holland America. While some itineraries include a short coach connection to the rail depot, the process is designed to be smooth and coordinated — offering one of the most effortless transitions from sea to land in Alaska.

Train rides to Alaska and rail tours feature amazing scenery, from sparkling rivers to waterfalls and majestic wildlife, like grizzly bears and caribou. It's possible to explore some of Alaska’s famous interior sights by rail out of Anchorage.

Photographers and nature lovers will find endless opportunities on these rides — wildflowers in bloom, waterfalls cutting through cliffs, and glimpses of moose or eagles along the way. Even frequent travelers say the ever-changing light and landscape make each trip unique.

Explore waterfalls, glacial rivers, and stunning terrain on the White Horse & Yukon Railroad from Skagway to the summit of White Pass. It is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a favorite Alaska shore excursion among Skagway guests.

This excursion remains one of the most popular Skagway excursions for a reason — it combines rich Gold Rush history with panoramic views of the rugged wilderness. Many visitors choose morning departures for softer light and clear views across the mountain valleys.

The McKinley Explorer® route to Denali is the best route for a premium journey between Anchorage and Denali. Every Alaska cruisetour with Holland America includes an incredible journey through the Alaska wilderness aboard our privately owned, two-level, glass-domed McKinley Explorer® railcars.

Each route offers something special. The McKinley Explorer® showcases interior wilderness, while the White Pass & Yukon Railway features a journey into Klondike history.

Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes are best experienced through a combination of sea and rail. Pair your voyage with one of Holland America’s scenic train journeys to fully immerse yourself in the state’s glaciers, wildlife, and mountain views. Alaska cruise and train tours offer the ultimate way to discover the state — whether traveling aboard the McKinley Explorer® or tracing Klondike Gold Rush history on the White Pass & Yukon Route.