The fastest route from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier
The cruise port in Juneau sits about 13 miles south of Mendenhall Glacier. You have three main ways to reach it: a tour bus booked through your cruise line, a rental car, or a taxi or ride-share service. Most cruise passengers use the tour buses because they depart directly from the port and return you before the ship leaves—the port handles the logistics so you don't have to.
If you want to go independently, a rental car takes about 25 to 30 minutes to drive from the port to the glacier parking area. A taxi or ride-share will cost more but requires no navigation on your part. The glacier itself is a short walk from the parking area, though the visitor center and trails vary in difficulty.
Key Takeaways
- Cruise line tour buses leave directly from the port and return before departure, making them the safest choice if you're worried about missing the ship.
- A rental car costs less than a tour but requires you to drive unfamiliar roads and return the car on time.
- Taxi and ride-share services are convenient but cost $40 to $80 each way depending on demand.
- The glacier parking area is free, and the visitor center is open during cruise season with no entrance fee.
- Even in summer, bring a jacket—the glacier area is cold and weather changes quickly.
Booking a tour through your cruise line
Your cruise line sells Mendenhall Glacier tours in the onboard shop, through your cabin TV system, or on the cruise line's website before you sail. These tours typically cost $80 to $150 per person and last 3 to 4 hours. The bus picks you up at the port, drives you to the glacier, gives you time to walk the trails or visit the visitor center, and brings you back with time to spare before the ship departs.
The advantage is certainty: the cruise line will not leave without you, and the tour operator coordinates with the port to know exactly when your ship is leaving. You don't have to worry about traffic, directions, or getting back on time. The disadvantage is cost and a fixed schedule—you see what the tour includes and nothing more.
Book early if you're traveling during peak season (May through September), because popular tours fill up. If the tour is sold out onboard, ask the shore excursion desk whether they can add you to a waiting list or recommend an independent operator.
Renting a car at the cruise port
Juneau's cruise port has car rental counters for Avis and Budget. Rental rates vary by season but typically run $50 to $100 per day for a compact car. You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card. The rental desk is inside the port terminal, so you can pick up a car as soon as you disembark.
From the port, follow the signs toward Juneau and then toward Mendenhall Glacier. The drive is straightforward—mostly one main road (Glacier Highway) with clear signage. The glacier parking area is free and has restrooms and a visitor center. You can walk the Mendenhall Lake Trail (3.3 miles round trip, moderate difficulty) or the shorter Photo Point Trail (0.5 miles, straightforward).
The risk is timing: you must return the car to the rental desk before the ship leaves, which is usually 4 to 6 hours after you disembark. If traffic is heavy or you lose track of time, you could miss the ship. Many cruise passengers avoid this stress by booking a tour instead.
Using a taxi or ride-share service
Taxis wait outside the cruise port terminal. Ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft operate in Juneau, though availability depends on how many other cruise ships are in port that day. A one-way trip to Mendenhall Glacier costs roughly $40 to $80 depending on demand and time of day. During peak cruise season, prices can surge if many passengers are requesting rides at once.
The advantage is flexibility: you can spend as much or as little time at the glacier as you want, and you don't have to follow a tour schedule. The disadvantage is cost and the need to arrange a return ride. Ask the driver to wait for you (you'll pay a waiting fee), or use the app to request a new ride when you're ready to return to the port.
If you choose this option, set a firm turnaround time—for example, if the ship leaves at 4 p.m., plan to leave the glacier by 2:30 p.m. to account for the drive back and any delays. Tell the taxi or ride-share driver your ship departure time so they understand the urgency.
What to see and do at Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is a tidewater glacier about 13.6 miles long. The visitor center, run by the U.S. Forest Service, is open daily during cruise season and has exhibits about the glacier's geology and history. Entrance is free. The center has restrooms, a gift shop, and staff who can answer questions about the trails.
The most popular walk is the Mendenhall Lake Trail, a 3.3-mile round trip that follows the shoreline and offers views of the glacier across the water. It's moderately steep in places but well-maintained. The Photo Point Trail is shorter (0.5 miles round trip) and easier, with a direct view of the glacier face. Both trails are free and require no reservation.
Weather in the glacier area is cool and changeable even in summer. Bring a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes, and sunscreen. The trails can be muddy, and afternoon rain is common. If you have mobility concerns, the Photo Point Trail is the most accessible option.
Timing and what to bring
Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours at the glacier if you're going independently—that includes travel time, a walk on one of the trails, and a visit to the visitor center. If you're on a tour, the operator will manage the timing for you.
Bring a light jacket or fleece even if it's warm in Juneau. The glacier area is significantly colder, and wind off the water can make it feel colder still. Wear closed-toe hiking shoes or boots with good grip, because the trails can be wet and slippery. Sunscreen and a hat are important because the sun reflects off the water and snow. A small backpack is useful for carrying water and snacks.
If you're driving yourself, fill up the rental car's gas tank before you leave the port area. There are gas stations in Juneau, but you don't want to waste time searching for one. Bring your phone and read offline maps in case you lose signal on the drive.
What happens if you miss the ship
If you're on a cruise line tour and the bus breaks down or traffic is severe, the cruise line is responsible for getting you to the next port. If you rent a car or take a taxi and miss the ship, you are responsible for your own transportation to catch up with the ship—this can cost hundreds of dollars in airfare or ferry tickets.
For this reason, independent travelers should build in a safety margin of at least 90 minutes between when they plan to return to the port and when the ship departs. If you're uncertain about timing, book a tour instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the glacier from the cruise ship without leaving the port?
No. Mendenhall Glacier is 13 miles inland and not visible from the port. You must travel to it by car, bus, or taxi. Some cruise ships do sail past other glaciers (like Taku Glacier) on the way into or out of Juneau, so ask your cruise line whether that's part of your itinerary.
Is there a shuttle bus from the port to the glacier?
Not a public shuttle. Your options are a cruise line tour, a rental car, or a taxi or ride-share service. Some independent tour operators also run shuttles, but you'd need to book in advance.
How long does it take to walk to the glacier itself?
The Mendenhall Lake Trail gets you closest to the glacier, but you view it from across the water—you cannot walk directly to the glacier face. The trail is 3.3 miles round trip and takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
What if the weather is bad on the day of my cruise?
Rain and clouds are common in Juneau even in summer. The glacier is still visible in light rain or clouds, though photos may not be as dramatic. Heavy fog or storms can reduce visibility, but the trails are still open. If you're on a tour, it will proceed unless conditions are dangerous. If you're going independently, you can decide whether to go or spend your time in Juneau instead.
Do I need to reserve a time slot to visit the glacier?
No. The glacier area and trails are free and do not require a reservation. The visitor center is first-come, first-served. During peak cruise season, the parking area can fill up in the afternoon, so arriving earlier in the day increases your chances of finding a spot.