Arriving in Skagway by Ferry
State ferries run all year, and fast passenger ferries add summer trips from Haines and Juneau.
Alaska Marine Highway
The state ferry serves Skagway year-round on the Mainline route through Juneau and Haines. Haines to Skagway takes about 1 hour and Juneau to Haines about 4½ hours. Ferries carry cars, RVs and foot passengers.
- Book at bookamhs.alaska.gov. Photo ID is required.
- Foot passengers check in 1 hour before sailing (2 hours in Juneau).
- There is no overnight or long-term parking at the terminals.
Where the ferry docks
The Skagway terminal is at Mile 0 of the Klondike Highway, on the waterfront beside the Broadway Dock, so downtown is a short walk. The terminal closed for emergency repairs in August 2026; check the AMHS site for current notices before you travel.
Haines–Skagway Fast Ferry
A passenger-only boat that crosses in about 45 minutes, usually May through September. In Skagway it uses the Small Boat Harbor on Congress Way, not the state ferry terminal. Schedules: hainesskagwayfastferry.com.
Alaska Fjordlines
A summer catamaran linking Skagway, Haines and Juneau. Its 2027 schedule is posted at alaskafjordlines.com.
Getting around once you land
Downtown is walkable. The SMART on-demand shuttle runs year-round, and rental cars are available in town.
Where to stay
Arriving by ferry usually means a night or more in town. Compare hotels, inns, cabins and RV parks.
Plans for a longer visit
Visiting outside cruise season
From about October to mid-April, Skagway is quiet but open. Lodging and some restaurants stay open year-round, while many shops, tours and the Moore House and Jeff. Smith's Parlor museums close until spring. Winter brings skiing, snowmachining and northern lights. Sources: National Park Service, Skagway CVB.
Walking map: the docks and downtown Skagway
The cruise docks sit at the south end of town. Broadway, the historic main street, runs north from the waterfront, and most shops, saloons and museums are within a few blocks of it.
3D walking map with times → · Park Service maps
Map: USGS elevation; streets and buildings © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Sources (checked October 18, 2026): AMHS: Skagway terminal · AMHS: routes · Alaska DOT&PF: August 2026 terminal repairs · Haines–Skagway Fast Ferry · Alaska Fjordlines · Skagway CVB: getting around. Schedules and border hours change; confirm before you travel.
Driving instead? Road and border guide → Cruise ships in port →