Juneau Mendenhall Glacier Express Bus

4.9
228 reviews

Excursion Overview

The direct route to Mendenhall Glacier!

The Mendenhall Glacier Express is an easy way to get from downtown Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier and back. Your narrated bus ride includes local history and stories about Juneau along the way, with views of the city and surrounding landscape as you head toward the glacier.

Once you arrive at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, you’ll have two hours to explore on your own. Visit the visitor center’s exhibits and educational presentations, take in the views of the glacier and Mendenhall Lake, or head out on one of the nearby trails.

There are hiking options for different experience levels, from shorter walks to more challenging routes. The West Glacier Trail and Photo Point Trail are two popular choices for exploring the area and getting different views of the glacier and lake.

The bus departs from downtown Juneau at scheduled times, and your return seat is guaranteed. After two hours at Mendenhall Glacier, you’ll board the bus for the ride back to downtown Juneau.

Visitor Center: Open daily from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM for the season.

This tour is typically available from April through October. Our excursions were designed for cruise ship passengers but are available to everyone.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation on the Glacier Express bus from the cruise ship terminal
  • Admission to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center for independent exploration

Requirements:

  • There are no additional requirements for this excursion.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours (roundtrip from cruise ship terminal)

  • 30 minutes - driving to the Mendenhall Glacier
  • 2 hours - independent exploration of the Mendenhall Glacier
  • 30 minutes - driving back to the cruise ship terminal

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets at the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway, central to the main cruise ship docks in Juneau. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to climb 4 steps into and out of the bus. There is limited space for walkers. There is no storage available for motorized scooters and wheelchairs. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for collapsible equipment will be required on tour.

    • Fully Wheelchair Accessible: No
    • Limited Mobility Accessible: Yes
    • Stroller Accessible: Yes
    • Collapsible Wheelchair & Stroller Storage Available: Yes

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

You will enjoy the view of Mendenhall Glacier from a distance as you stand on the shore of Mendenhall Lake. The face of Mendenhall Glacier is 1.5 miles from the Visitors Center Viewpoint. You can get a slightly closer view from Nugget Falls. You can get to the falls by the .75 miles from Nugett Falls trail. From Nugget Falls you will be 1 mile from the face of Mendenhall Glacier.

If you are interested in an excursion that allows you to get closer to Mendenhall Glacier, please consider one of our other glacier hiking tours.

Up to 44 passengers may join the scenic bus tour.

Yes, the indoor restrooms will be open Sunday - Friday from 10am - 5pm, and will be closed on Saturdays. Portable restrooms will be available at all times.

There are no age restrictions for this excursion. Guests under 2 years of age may sit on a parent or guardian's lap.

Backpacks, small bags, and purses are permitted on this tour.

Non-alcoholic beverages in closeable containers and snacks are allowed on tour.

As a commercial transport vehicle, car seats are not required and we do not provide them but you are welcome to bring your own.

Yes, there is. We have storage space under the bus for collapsible strollers.

 

Guest Reviews

4.9

228 total

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Sherri A On Oct 2026

our tour guide, Richard, was amazing and very entertaining! the excursion was very well organized.

Bryant B On Oct 2026

The bus driver was very kind and funny. This was a pleasant easy excursion.

Earlene A On Sep 2026

Very disappointed in this excursion. We rode a bus to the glacier, got dropped off and picked up later. Very expensive bus ride with goofy commentary that didn't teach you anything about the area. Don't waste your money on this one.

Janice E On Sep 2026

Such a beautiful sight! I m so glad we did this excursion with you. Everything went very smooth. We had time to walk down close to the glacier. Very friendly bus driver. It was exceptional.

Simon W On Sep 2026

Exactly what we wanted from this excursion Meeting point easy to find and simple process to get the Bus in the return. Our driver Kenny was also very enthusiastic and entertaining

$79.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$79.00

Duration: 3 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3 hours



Adult (12+): $79.00

Child (2-11): $49.00

Infant (under 2): $0.00