Driving to Skagway
The South Klondike Highway is Skagway's only road link. It runs 110 miles from Whitehorse through Canada and over White Pass.
The South Klondike Highway
The highway is paved and maintained year-round. It runs about 110 miles between Whitehorse and Skagway, and about 65 miles from Carcross, with a long, steep climb to White Pass. Allow at least 2 hours from Whitehorse, more with stops. Fill up in Whitehorse, Carcross or Skagway; services in between are few. Check conditions on Yukon 511 and Alaska 511.
Crossing the border
You cross between Canada and the US on the way. The US post in Skagway, at Milepost 6.8, is open 7 am to 11 pm daily. The Canadian post at Fraser is listed as open 8 am to midnight; confirm with the Canada Border Services Agency before a late crossing. The Yukon is on permanent UTC−7, so it is 1 hour ahead of Skagway in summer and 2 hours ahead in winter.
What to bring
Canada recommends a passport. A US enhanced driver's licence, or a birth certificate with photo ID, is also accepted, and NEXUS members should still carry a passport. Children travelling without both parents need ID and a consent letter. See CBSA travel documents.
No car? Train and bus
From late May to mid-September, the White Pass & Yukon Route sells train-and-bus connections between Skagway and Whitehorse, via Carcross or Fraser. Passports are required. See wpyr.com.
Where to stay
Arriving by car 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.
Map: Skagway to White Pass
The railway and the Klondike Highway both climb from Skagway to White Pass Summit at the Canadian border.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Sources (checked October 18, 2026): Skagway CVB: getting here · US CBP: Skagway port of entry · CBSA: Fraser office · CBSA: travel documents · Government of Yukon: time zone · WP&YR: Skagway–Whitehorse via Carcross · WP&YR: Skagway–Whitehorse via Fraser · Yukon 511 · Alaska 511. Schedules and border hours change; confirm before you travel.