In short
- Capital Transit public bus costs $2 each way but requires a 1.25-mile walk.
- Express shuttles cost $70 to $85 round-trip and drop you at the entrance.
- Taxis cost $35 to $45 each way but can be hard to find for the return trip.
In this article
Juneau cruise passengers have four main ways to travel the 12 miles to Mendenhall Glacier. You can choose the cheapest route, the most direct route, or a convenient guided tour. Your choice depends on how much time you have in port and your budget.
What is the absolute cheapest way to get there?
The Capital Transit public bus is the cheapest option at $2 each way.
The public bus runs from downtown Juneau to the Mendenhall Valley. The ride takes about one hour. The bus drops you off 1.25 miles away from the visitor center. You must walk the rest of the way.
How much is the express shuttle bus?
Private express shuttle buses cost $70 to $85 for a round-trip ticket.
These shuttles offer direct trips between the downtown cruise terminal and the glacier. The ride takes 30 minutes each way. You can buy tickets at the Mt. Roberts Tramway building. Many shuttle tickets include the $5 USFS day pass required for the visitor center.
Should I book a combo tour instead?
Combo tours are the most convenient option if you want to include whale watching.
Guided tours handle all transportation from the cruise ship terminal. They take you to Auke Bay for a boat tour and then to Mendenhall Glacier. These tours cost $150 to $250. They take 4.5 to 5 hours total. This is the easiest way to manage a tight port schedule.
How do I get to Auke Bay for whale watching?
Combo tours provide direct transport from downtown Juneau to Auke Bay.
If you travel independently, you will need a rental car or a taxi to reach Auke Bay Harbor. The harbor is about 30 minutes from downtown Juneau. Public transit options to the harbor are limited.
Can you walk from downtown Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier?
No, walking from downtown Juneau to the glacier is not practical.
The glacier is 12 miles away from downtown. The walk would take several hours each way along busy roads. You should use a bus, shuttle, or taxi instead.
Questions travellers ask
Do you need a ticket to visit Mendenhall Glacier?
The USFS charges $5 per person from May through September to access the Visitor Center and premium trails. The Nugget Falls trail is free.
How far is Mendenhall Glacier from the Juneau cruise port?
The glacier is a 13-mile-long river of ice located 12 miles from downtown Juneau.
Does the Juneau public bus go to Mendenhall Glacier?
The Capital Transit bus goes to the Mendenhall Valley, but it stops 1.25 miles away from the visitor center.
