Chilkoot Rail and Bus train or bus first?

[Angie_Ohio]

I have searched the boards and most people did the bus first it seems. Of course I was thinking rail first. what do you think?

 

[RedSox68]

We did rail first -- just beautiful first thing in the morning. Then the bus back down which was also relaxing.

 

[SlickWilly]

Everyone has a different opinion. I picked bus first partly due to the later start time (not sure we can get 2 kids and 2 in laws moving off the ship first for a 7:30 start). Only other logical argument I've seen is that it can be foggy in the morning along the train route, but that is definitely not an issue everyday.

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice.

 

[Quellman]

Is this on the White Pass Railway? I have done the train, and found that as it goes up the mountain there is much more information about what it is you are seeing than the return trip. I don't know where the boarding the train is, so it might not matter. But just something else to consider as well. Granted you don't need to know what you are seeing, the view is plenty!

 

[xlxo]

I've done two trips.... I prefer bus first. The low cloud cleared up in the afternoon for the train.

 

[jenpink]

We did train first. It was a beautiful clear day with no low clouds.

 

[RedSox68]

We did train first. It was a beautiful clear day with no low clouds.

Yes -- we could see for miles. In fact, at one point at one of the bends, you could see the cruise ship.

 

[phinz]

I did the train both directions, in the VIP car, which had leather seats, free drinks and food and only 14 people plus our guide. It was phenomenal. On the way down we were the last car so I got all sorts of pictures and video from the porch.

 

[Drusilla99]

We did train first, bus down. It was a beautiful day, no clouds.

 

[Geomom]

In August 2016, we did the bus up, train back. It was very foggy that morning in Skagway. It cleared up when we drove into Canada and we saw the sun there. For the train back...the moment we hit the US the fog was back, but it did get clearer as we got closer to Skagway. Our train ride back didn't have the clear views others have had, but we definitely saw more in the PM than we would've seen if we did the train first. (It was also good to have the later start as you need to meet Chilkoot Charters in the port 15 minutes early.) We also found it nice to just relax on the train ride back to Skagway after a busy morning getting on/off the bus, walking around, etc.

 

[whistlinmickey]

We did the bus up and the train down. We thought it was perfect for our party. Our bus driver/guide was so engaging and interesting on the way up. The bus stopped several times to allow us to get out and enjoy sites. So we were very active and involved as well. After all the activity going up, along with the meal and the dog cart run, we had enjoyed a really full day already. So on the train ride down, it didn't seem like too big of a deal if some in our party just relaxed and maybe even dozed off for a bit. The sites to see are basically the same going up as they are going down; they are just a slightly different perspective from the train versus the bus. But since we did the bus first, when we still had our morning energy, we were able to fully enjoy them at the stops. The train doesn't have those stops and the extra personalization from a tour guide. So it is mostly on you the passenger to choose to stay alert and enjoy the sites or to choose to take advantage of the rhythm of the train to just allow you to relax and enjoy some "quiet" time.
In the end, it may depend on your preferences and touring style. And, frankly, either way is likely to be enjoyable still.