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Juneau Mendenhall Glacier Express Bus

4.9
179 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

179 total

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Ronald M

On Jul 2026

Great excursion for those that like to walk in trails to see spectacular views and appreciate nature and wildlife. Our driver Kenny was amazing and very entertaining. A must on this trip is to walk 20 minutes each way to see Nugget Falls and take breathtaking photos closer to the waterfall with the glacier on the background.

Michael H

On Jul 2026

Our driver Archie was fantastic and made the ride out and back very fun. Great job Archie!!

Kelsey T

On Jul 2026

Very friendly, but cannot accommodate all scooter types on the handicap accessible tour which was a bit of a damper.

Christy R

On Jul 2026

The meeting tent was easy to find and not too far of a walk. The bus driver, Jay was very knowledgeable about the town and was sure to point out all the eagles along the way. The glacier was beautiful! There is a map that tells each walking trail and how far they are and how long they will take you. Nugget Falls was stunning and puts you even closer to the glacier. This is a great excursion.

Victoria B

On Jul 2026

Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls - a must see in Juneau. Our tour guide Kenny made the short drive very entertaining and kept us all engaged.

$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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