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The visitor center sits 12 miles from downtown Juneau. Most travelers make the 30-minute trip via private shuttle buses departing directly from the cruise ship docks.
Glacier Spur Road, Juneau, Alaska
Private shuttles run directly from the downtown cruise ship docks to the visitor center. Companies like M&M Tours operate the 'Blue Bus' Glacier Express, departing roughly every 15 minutes during the summer cruise season. The 13-mile drive takes about half an hour. This is the most straightforward option for cruise passengers. You avoid the long walk required by the public bus.
Capital Transit buses leave from the downtown transit center, but they do not go all the way to the glacier. You'll ride for up to an hour before getting off at the closest stop. From there, you have to walk 1.5 miles along the road to reach the site. That walk takes about 30 minutes each way. Skip this if it is raining heavily or if mobility is a concern.
Driving from downtown Juneau covers 12 miles and takes under half an hour. Head northwest on Egan Drive. Turn right onto Mendenhall Loop Road, which eventually becomes Glacier Spur Road and dead-ends at the visitor center parking lot. The parking area itself requires no fee. If you want to access the visitor center building, restrooms, or the paved Photo Point Trail between May and September, buy a $5 day-use pass at the lot's vending machines.
The glacier is just 5 miles from the airport. Exit the terminal and turn left onto Yandukin Drive, then right on Shell-Simmons Drive. Take a left onto Glacier Highway. The highway curves and turns into Mendenhall Loop Road, leading you straight onto Glacier Spur Road and right to the visitor center. It's a quick 15-minute trip. This makes the glacier an easy stop right after you land or before a flight out.
Several local taxi companies operate out of downtown Juneau and the cruise ship terminals. A one-way ride to the glacier covers 12 to 13 miles and takes about 20 minutes. Expect to pay at least $30 to $40 each way. Cabs drop you right at the visitor center entrance. Finding a taxi for the return trip can be harder, so ask your driver for a card to call them when you're ready to leave.
Glacier Spur Road ends directly at the visitor center's dedicated parking lot, which is free to use without a pass. Taxis and private shuttles drop passengers right at the entrance. From here, wheelchair users have immediate access to building ramps, an elevator, and the fully paved Photo Point Trail.
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| From | Mode | Time | Cost | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise ship dock | Private shuttle bus | 20 to 30 minutes | $45 to $49 round trip | Shuttles depart roughly every 15 minutes during cruise season. Book operators like M&M Tours to skip the 1.5-mile walk required by the public bus. |
| Downtown Juneau Transit Center | Public bus | Up to 1.5 hours | A few dollars | Capital Transit buses do not stop at the visitor center. Expect a one-hour ride followed by a 30-minute walk from the closest stop. |
| Juneau International Airport | Rental car | About 15 minutes | Rental rate plus $5 pass | Take Glacier Highway until it turns into Mendenhall Loop Road. Pay your entry fee at the parking lot vending machines. |
| Downtown Juneau | Taxi | 20 to 25 minutes | $30 to $40+ one-way | Hail a cab straight from your hotel. Taxis bypass the shuttle lines and drop you right at the visitor center. |
Capital Transit buses cost just a few dollars, but they drop you 1.5 miles from the visitor center. That's a 30-minute walk each way. If you're short on time, book a direct private shuttle like the Glacier Express for about $45 round trip.
Skip the main visitor center lines by buying your $5 day-use pass at the parking lot vending machines. You can also grab one inside the Discovery Southeast bookstore. This lets you walk straight onto the Photo Point Trail and Steep Creek boardwalks without waiting.
Black bears fish for sockeye and coho salmon along Steep Creek from August into September. Hit the elevated boardwalks early in the morning or late in the evening when they're most active. Stay on the paths and never approach the wildlife.
Don't try to walk across frozen Mendenhall Lake to reach the ice caves. Juneau officials warn that the ice is unpredictable, and caves from previous years often disappear completely. Book a guided kayak or canoe tour to safely approach the glacier's face.
Glacial lake outburst floods from Suicide Basin occasionally force emergency closures of the entire recreation area. Check the Tongass National Forest alerts page before heading out. Pack waterproof shoes regardless of the forecast, since the 2-mile Nugget Falls Trail gets muddy.
Book a private shuttle like M&M Tours' "Blue Bus" Glacier Express for about $45 to $49 round trip. These depart downtown Juneau roughly every 15 minutes during the cruise season, taking 20 to 30 minutes to reach the visitor center. Taxis are also available at the dock for $30 to $40 or more each way.
Yes, but Capital Transit buses don't go directly to the visitor center. You'll get off at a stop 1.5 miles away and walk about 30 minutes to reach the site. The whole trip from the downtown transit center takes up to an hour and a half each way.
Take Egan Drive out of downtown and turn right onto Mendenhall Loop Road. This street eventually becomes Glacier Spur Road and dead-ends straight into the visitor center parking lot. The 12-mile drive usually takes 25 to 30 minutes.
It sits 5 miles from Juneau International Airport, a drive that takes about 15 minutes. Turn left out of the airport onto Yandukin Drive, right on Shell-Simmons Drive, and left onto Glacier Highway. That road curves into Mendenhall Loop Road and leads directly to the site.
No, the parking area itself is exempt from any pass requirements. You only need to buy the $5 day-use pass if you plan to use the restrooms, bus shelter, visitor center building, or specific trails like Photo Point and Steep Creek.
Purchase the $5 day-use pass from automated vending machines located right in the parking lots. They're also sold inside the visitor center at the Discovery Southeast bookstore. Using the machines lets you skip the lines and head straight to the trails.
Taxis offer the fastest direct route from downtown or the cruise docks, taking 20 to 25 minutes. Expect to pay at least $30 to $40 for a one-way trip. Private shuttle buses take roughly the same amount of time but cost $45 to $49 for a round-trip ticket.
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