MendenhallGlacier.com
Aerial view of Juneau airport and the Mendenhall Valley, with the glacier between the mountains

Getting there

Getting to Mendenhall Glacier

Juneau has no road connection to the rest of North America, so you arrive by air, cruise ship or ferry. From town, the glacier is a short ride away. Here is every option, and how long each takes.

Getting to Juneau

By air

Juneau International Airport (JNU) sits in the Mendenhall Valley, only a few miles from the glacier. Alaska Airlines flies year-round, with connections through Seattle and Anchorage, and other airlines add seasonal services. Small airlines link Juneau with nearby towns.

By cruise ship

Most visitors arrive by cruise ship. Ships dock along the downtown waterfront, within walking distance of shops, the Goldbelt Tram and tour pickups.

By ferry

An Alaska Marine Highway ferry sailing past snowy mountains near Juneau
Alaska Marine Highway ferries call at the Auke Bay terminal, north of the glacier.

The Alaska Marine Highway ferries connect Juneau with other towns in Southeast Alaska, and with Bellingham, Washington, and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The terminal is at Auke Bay, about 14 miles north of downtown.

From downtown to the glacier

Ways to reach Mendenhall Glacier from downtown Juneau
Option Time Good to know
Glacier shuttle bus About 20–30 min Runs from the cruise docks in summer. Return tickets let you choose how long to stay.
Tour Varies Transport is included, often with visitor center entry and a guide.
Taxi About 20–30 min Taxis wait near the docks. Agree a return pickup time with the driver.
City bus Longer The cheapest option. The nearest stop is about 1.5 miles from the visitor center.
Rental car About 20–30 min A car park at the visitor center, which fills at peak times.

Driving and parking

From downtown, follow Egan Drive north towards the airport, turn onto Mendenhall Loop Road, then follow Glacier Spur Road to the end. The main car park at the visitor center fills on busy cruise days; arrive before 10 am or after 4 pm for the best chance of a space. Buses and coaches use a separate area.

A sample cruise day

  1. Leave the ship early and take a glacier shuttle or tour from the docks.
  2. Spend two to three hours at the glacier: Photo Point, the visitor center and Nugget Falls.
  3. Return downtown for lunch and a ride up the Goldbelt Tram.
  4. Be back at the ship at least an hour before all-aboard time.
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Good to know

Getting there FAQ

Can I walk to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise ship?

No. The glacier is about 12 miles from the docks. Take a shuttle bus, a taxi, the city bus or a tour.

Is there a bus to Mendenhall Glacier?

Yes, two kinds. Private glacier shuttle buses run from the cruise docks in summer and drop off at the visitor center. Juneau’s public bus, Capital Transit, serves the Mendenhall Valley; the nearest stop is about a mile and a half from the visitor center.

How long does it take to get there?

Allow 20 to 30 minutes by road from downtown, a little longer on the city bus plus the walk from the stop.

Can I use rideshare apps in Juneau?

Rideshare services do operate in Juneau, but there are not many drivers and waits can be long on busy cruise days. Taxis wait near the docks.