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Juneau Mendenhall Glacier Express Bus

4.9
162 reviews

Excursion Overview

Experience the beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour offers the perfect way to explore the stunning beauty of Juneau. Departing from the Goldbelt Tramway building in downtown Juneau, this narrated tour takes you on a scenic ride to the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, offering a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and fascinating history. As you travel, enjoy insightful commentary on Juneau’s culture, history, and natural wonders.

Upon arrival at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, you’ll have two hours to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the glacier. The Glacier's visitors center features interactive exhibits, educational presentations, and spectacular views of the glacier and surrounding wilderness. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as black bears, porcupines, and mountain goats, and during the spawning season, watch for salmon in the area.

For those who love the outdoors, a variety of hiking trails await. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike, popular routes like the West Glacier Trail and Photo Point Trail offer incredible views of the glacier and Mendenhall Lake.

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
  • Narration from your expert guide

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

162 total

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Darcy T

On Jul 2026

Wow! Mendenhall Glacier is an incredible sight to see! Transport to and from was flawless! Our driver was fantastic! She had a great personality and provided a lot of information about the sights along the way. Well worth our time! Just wish the time at the glacier was a little longer. I highly recommend booking this!

Gloria M

On Jul 2026

Alaska Shore Excursions did a wonderful job. Don was especially helpful to us during our visit. Thank you! Highly recommend!

Scott H

On Jul 2026

Once in a lifetime view!

James N

On Jun 2026

This was a great excursion. Brand new bus, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Plenty of time at the glacier and lots of sites along the way. Eagles and other wildlife on display

Denise D

On Jun 2026

Archie did an excellent job pointing out places on the drive to and from Mendenhall Glacier. He was informative 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

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