How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier from Cruise Port: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier from Cruise Port

Standing 13,620 feet tall, Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Alaska. It’s easy to see why: the glacier is a stunning natural wonder, with its towering ice walls, crystal-clear lakes, and cascading waterfalls. But if you’re visiting Alaska on a cruise, you might be wondering how to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port.

In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about getting to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port, including transportation options, tour options, and things to do at the glacier. So whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a longer excursion, we’ve got you covered.

Transportation Options

There are a few different ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port. The most popular option is to take a shuttle bus. Shuttles run regularly from the cruise port to the visitor center at Mendenhall Glacier, and the journey takes about 30 minutes.

Another option is to take a taxi. Taxis are more expensive than shuttle buses, but they can be more convenient if you’re traveling with a group of people. The journey by taxi takes about the same amount of time as the shuttle bus.

Finally, you can also rent a car and drive to Mendenhall Glacier. This is the most expensive option, but it gives you the most flexibility. You can stop and see other attractions along the way, and you can take your time exploring the glacier.

Tour Options

Once you’re at Mendenhall Glacier, you have a few different options for tours. You can take a guided hike on the glacier, go kayaking on the lake, or take a flightseeing tour.

If you’re interested in hiking on the glacier, there are a few different trails to choose from. The most popular trail is the West Glacier Trail, which takes you to the base of the glacier. The trail is about 5 miles long and takes about 3 hours to complete.

If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, you can try the East Glacier Trail. The East Glacier Trail is about 8 miles long and takes about 5 hours to complete. This trail takes you to the top of the glacier, where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

If you’d rather stay on the water, you can take a kayaking tour on Mendenhall Lake. Kayaking tours typically last about 2 hours and take you around the lake, giving you a close-up view of the glacier.

If you want to get a bird’s-eye view of the glacier, you can take a flightseeing tour. Flightseeing tours typically last about 30 minutes and take you over the glacier and the surrounding mountains.

Things to Do at Mendenhall Glacier

In addition to hiking, kayaking, and flightseeing, there are a few other things to do at Mendenhall Glacier. You can visit the visitor center, which has exhibits on the glacier’s history and geology. You can also take a ranger-guided tour of the glacier. And you can enjoy the stunning scenery at the glacier’s many viewpoints.

No matter how you choose to experience Mendenhall Glacier, you’re sure to have a memorable time. This natural wonder is one of the most beautiful places in Alaska, and it’s a must-see for any visitor to the state.

Method	Time	Cost
Drive	30 minutes	$20
Helicopter Tour	15 minutes	$200
Boat Tour	1 hour	$100

How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From Cruise Port?

Mendenhall Glacier is a popular tourist destination located in Juneau, Alaska. The glacier is about 13 miles (21 km) long and 2 miles (3 km) wide, and it is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. There are a few different ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port in Juneau, and the best option for you will depend on your budget, time constraints, and desired level of convenience.

Options for Transportation

There are four main ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port in Juneau: by cruise ship, by plane, by car, or by bus.

• By Cruise Ship: If you are taking a cruise to Juneau, you will likely be able to take a shore excursion to Mendenhall Glacier. These excursions are typically offered by the cruise line, and they will include transportation to and from the glacier, as well as a guided tour.
• By Plane: You can also fly to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port in Juneau. There are several air taxi companies that offer flights to the glacier, and the flight takes about 15 minutes.
• By Car: You can drive to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port in Juneau. The drive takes about 30 minutes, and you will need to rent a car or take a taxi.
• By Bus: You can also take a bus to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port in Juneau. The bus ride takes about 45 minutes, and the bus leaves from the cruise port several times per day.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Transportation Option

When choosing a transportation option to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port in Juneau, there are a few things you should consider.

• Cost: The cost of transportation will vary depending on the option you choose. The cheapest option is to take the bus, which costs about $20. The most expensive option is to take a shore excursion, which can cost up to $100.
• Time: The amount of time it takes to get to Mendenhall Glacier will also vary depending on the option you choose. The fastest option is to fly, which takes about 15 minutes. The slowest option is to take the bus, which takes about 45 minutes.
• Convenience: The level of convenience of each transportation option will also vary. The most convenient option is to take the shore excursion, as it will include transportation to and from the glacier, as well as a guided tour. The least convenient option is to drive, as you will need to rent a car or take a taxi.
• Accessibility: The accessibility of each transportation option will also vary. The most accessible option is to take the bus, as the bus stop is located right at the cruise port. The least accessible option is to fly, as you will need to take a taxi to the airport.

There are a few different ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port in Juneau, and the best option for you will depend on your budget, time constraints, and desired level of convenience. By considering the factors listed above, you can choose the transportation option that is right for you.

Mendenhall Glacier is a popular tourist destination located in Juneau, Alaska. The glacier is about 13 miles (21 km) long and 2 miles (3 km) wide, and it is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. There are a few different ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port in Juneau, and the best option for you will depend on your budget, time constraints, and desired level of convenience.

In this article, we will discuss the four main ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port in Juneau: by cruise ship, by plane, by car, and by bus. We will also provide information on the cost, time, convenience, and accessibility of each option.

By Cruise Ship

If you are taking a cruise to Juneau, you will likely be able to take a shore excursion to Mendenhall Glacier. These excursions are typically offered by the cruise line, and they will include transportation to and from the glacier, as well as a guided tour.

The cost of a cruise ship excursion to Mendenhall Glacier will vary depending on the cruise line and the length of the excursion. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 per person.

The duration of a cruise ship excursion to Mendenhall Glacier will also vary depending on the cruise line and the length of the excursion. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from 2 to 4 hours on the glacier.

3. How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier from the Cruise Port by Cruise Ship

Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Alaska, and for good reason. It’s a stunning natural wonder that’s easily accessible from Juneau, the state capital. If you’re visiting Juneau on a cruise ship, there are a few different ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier.

Take a shuttle from the cruise ship to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

The easiest way to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise ship is to take a shuttle. Most cruise ships that dock in Juneau offer shuttle service to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The shuttle ride takes about 20 minutes, and the cost is typically included in your cruise fare.

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is located at the end of Mendenhall Lake, just a short walk from the glacier. The visitor center has a variety of exhibits and information about the glacier, as well as a gift shop and a cafe.

Hike or take a bus to the glacier

From the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, you can hike or take a bus to the glacier. The hike is about 3 miles round-trip, and it takes about an hour to complete. The bus ride is about 15 minutes, and it costs $15 per person.

The hike to the glacier is relatively easy, and it’s a great way to get up close and personal with the ice. The bus ride is a good option for those who don’t want to hike, or for those who have limited time.

Tips for visiting Mendenhall Glacier

Here are a few tips for visiting Mendenhall Glacier:

• Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly in Alaska.
• Wear sturdy shoes for hiking or walking.
• Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the glacier.
• Allow plenty of time to explore the glacier.
• Be respectful of the environment and wildlife.

4. How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier from the Cruise Port by Plane

If you’re flying into Juneau International Airport, there are a few different ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier.

Take a taxi or bus to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

The easiest way to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the airport is to take a taxi or bus. The taxi ride takes about 30 minutes, and the cost is typically around $40. The bus ride takes about 45 minutes, and the cost is $10 per person.

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is located at the end of Mendenhall Lake, just a short walk from the glacier. The visitor center has a variety of exhibits and information about the glacier, as well as a gift shop and a cafe.

Hike or take a bus to the glacier

From the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, you can hike or take a bus to the glacier. The hike is about 3 miles round-trip, and it takes about an hour to complete. The bus ride is about 15 minutes, and it costs $15 per person.

The hike to the glacier is relatively easy, and it’s a great way to get up close and personal with the ice. The bus ride is a good option for those who don’t want to hike, or for those who have limited time.

Tips for visiting Mendenhall Glacier

Here are a few tips for visiting Mendenhall Glacier:

• Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly in Alaska.
• Wear sturdy shoes for hiking or walking.
• Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the glacier.
• Allow plenty of time to explore the glacier.
• Be respectful of the environment and wildlife.

Mendenhall Glacier is a truly stunning natural wonder that’s well worth a visit. Whether you’re visiting Juneau by cruise ship or by plane, there are a few different ways to get to the glacier. With a little planning, you can enjoy all that Mendenhall Glacier has to offer.

How do I get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port?

There are a few different ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port.

• By shuttle: There are a number of shuttle companies that offer transportation to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port. The cost of a shuttle ride typically ranges from $20 to $30 per person.
• By taxi: You can also take a taxi to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port. The cost of a taxi ride typically ranges from $30 to $40 per person.
• By rental car: If you have a rental car, you can drive to Mendenhall Glacier yourself. The drive from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier takes about 20 minutes.

What is the best time to visit Mendenhall Glacier?

The best time to visit Mendenhall Glacier is during the summer months, from June to September. This is when the weather is warmest and the glacier is most accessible. However, the glacier is also very popular during the summer months, so you may have to share the experience with other tourists.

What are the different ways to see Mendenhall Glacier?

There are a few different ways to see Mendenhall Glacier.

• Hiking: The most popular way to see Mendenhall Glacier is by hiking. There are a number of different hiking trails that lead to the glacier, ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging.
• Scenic flight: You can also take a scenic flight over Mendenhall Glacier. This is a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of the glacier and the surrounding area.
• Boat tour: You can also take a boat tour of Mendenhall Glacier. This is a great way to see the glacier up close and learn about its history and geology.

What are some of the things to do at Mendenhall Glacier?

There are a number of things to do at Mendenhall Glacier.

• Hiking: Hiking is the most popular activity at Mendenhall Glacier. There are a number of different hiking trails that lead to the glacier, ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging.
• Scenic flights: You can also take a scenic flight over Mendenhall Glacier. This is a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of the glacier and the surrounding area.
• Boat tours: You can also take a boat tour of Mendenhall Glacier. This is a great way to see the glacier up close and learn about its history and geology.
• Camping: There are a number of campgrounds near Mendenhall Glacier. This is a great way to experience the glacier in a more secluded setting.

What are some of the safety precautions to take at Mendenhall Glacier?

There are a few safety precautions to take when visiting Mendenhall Glacier.

• Be aware of the weather: The weather at Mendenhall Glacier can change quickly, so it’s important to be aware of the conditions before you head out.
• Stay on the trails: It’s important to stay on the trails when hiking in Mendenhall Glacier. This will help to protect the fragile environment and keep you safe.
• Be careful around the glacier: The glacier is constantly changing, so it’s important to be careful around it. Stay away from crevasses and other dangerous areas.
• Wear proper footwear: It’s important to wear proper footwear when hiking in Mendenhall Glacier. This will help to protect your feet and keep you safe.

Where can I find more information about Mendenhall Glacier?

There are a number of resources available to learn more about Mendenhall Glacier.

• The National Park Service: The National Park Service is the agency that manages Mendenhall Glacier. They have a website with a wealth of information about the glacier, including hiking trails, camping, and safety information.
• The University of Alaska Fairbanks: The University of Alaska Fairbanks has a research center dedicated to Mendenhall Glacier. They have a website with information about the glacier’s history, geology, and research.
• The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center: The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is located near the glacier. They have exhibits and information about the glacier, as well as a gift shop.

  there are a few different ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port in Juneau. The most popular option is to take a bus tour, which can be booked through your cruise line or a local tour operator. Another option is to rent a car or take a taxi. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also hike or bike to the glacier. No matter how you choose to get there, Mendenhall Glacier is a must-see for any visitor to Juneau. It’s a truly stunning natural wonder that will leave you breathless.