White Pass Scenic Railway Luxury cars - Worth it?

Question

We currently have the White Pass Scenic Railway luxury car booked for this June. It's a 2.75 hr trip that goes RT. I guess we're paying extra for swivel seats and snacks, etc.

I looked at booking direct and it's much cheaper but I don't even see the luxury option on the website other than through our cruise line.

Has anyone done this? Is it worth it?

TIA

Answer

The White Pass Scenic Railway is one of the most popular attractions in Skagway, and the luxury car option is a premium experience designed for those who want extra comfort and convenience during the 2.75-hour round-trip journey.

Here’s what you can expect with the luxury car and considerations for whether it’s worth the extra cost:

Seating Comfort: Luxury cars feature swivel seats that allow you to face the windows at all times, providing optimal views of the scenery without constantly turning around. The seats are larger, more cushioned, and spaced further apart than in standard coaches.
Service & Amenities: You get complimentary snacks and beverages during the trip, which adds a nice touch for a mid-ride break. Staff tend to provide more personalized service in the luxury car.
Crowd & Atmosphere: Luxury cars are less crowded, meaning you won’t be jostling for a window seat or dealing with large groups. The experience feels more relaxed and private compared to the standard seating.
Views: Since the car is smaller and seating is arranged to maximize visibility, you’re more likely to have unobstructed views of the dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls, and historic sites along the route.

Additional considerations:

Booking through a cruise line is often the only way to access the luxury car, which is why it doesn’t appear on the public website. Direct booking options may be cheaper but usually only include standard coaches.
If you are comfortable in standard seating and mainly interested in the journey rather than the premium experience, the standard car still offers excellent views, and the main sights are visible from nearly all seats.
For first-time visitors or those celebrating a special occasion, the luxury car can enhance the overall experience and make the trip more comfortable, especially if you value having more space and less crowding.

In summary, if the extra comfort, quieter environment, and added amenities matter to you, the luxury car is generally considered worth it, particularly for the full enjoyment of the scenic journey. If budget is a concern and you’re fine with standard seating, you can still enjoy the ride without significant compromise.

White Pass Scenic Railway Luxury cars - Worth it?

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