Directions

 

 

Where is Glacier Bay?

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve lies west of Juneau, AK and can only be reached by plane or boat. The only road in Glacier Bay National Park connects the small town of Gustavus and its airport to park headquarters at Bartlett Cove (Approx. 10 miles by road).

Alaska Airlines provides daily jet service from Juneau to Gustavus in the summer season. Year-round scheduled air service to Gustavus is also provided by a variety of small air taxis and charters. The flight between Juneau and Gustavus typically takes about 30 minutes one way.

Many visitors arrive in Glacier Bay as passengers on board cruise ships, tour boats, charter boats, and their own private vessels. Some of these tours and boats depart from Gustavus, some from within the park boundaries in Bartlett Cove, and some cruise ships travel from as far as the lower 48!

No matter how you arrive, a visit to Glacier Bay will be a lasting highlight of your Alaskan adventure!

Find sections below on:

• Air travel
• Boat travel
• Other travel options

 

BY AIR

Serving Gustavus Airfield daily:

Alaska Airlines
Offers daily jet service between Juneau and Gustavus during the summer visitor season only. Juneau has daily jet service from Anchorage and Seattle.

Alaska Seaplanes
Multiple daily flights to Gustavus from Juneau. Serves most of Southeast Alaska.
[phone]
www.flyalaskaseaplanes.com

Other charter or custom flight offerings:
Check our visitor services directory for additional air taxi and transport options.

Air taxis fly a network of routes that link Juneau and Gustavus to Haines, Skagway, and other southeast Alaska towns. Air taxis can also assist in getting you into Glacier Bay's wilderness. Flying time from Juneau to Gustavus is about 30 minutes.

Glacier Bay National Preserve at Dry Bay has air taxi service from Yakutat. Daily jet service to Yakutat is available from Juneau and Anchorage.

 

BY SEA

Alaska Marine Highway System

During the summer months, the Alaska state ferry typically stops in Gustavus twice weekly from Juneau. The ferries "LeConte" or "Hubbard" are the usual ferries that provide service to Gustavus. The ferry dock is located 9 miles from Glacier Bay park headquarters in Bartlett Cove. Check the AMHS website for schedules, times, and rates. If you are planning on bringing a vehicle to Gustavus and Glacier Bay's frontcountry area of Bartlett Cove, please be aware that vehicle based activities may be limited. In winter, although most roads are flat, conditions can be difficult and icy.

 

Take the Ferry to Gustavus
Ride the Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Juneau to Gustavus

 

VISIT BY CRUISE

Many tour vessels and large cruise ships schedule a day in Glacier Bay in their Southeast Alaska itineraries.

A daily boat tour based in the park conducts trips starting at the park's frontcountry area, Bartlett Cove, up-bay to the tidewater glaciers. This daily boat tour also offers two scheduled drop-offs for campers and kayakers.

Private charter boats typically conduct multi-day custom adventures tailored to a small group's preferences. Check the Area Visitor Services Listing for a list of charter vessel operators in Glacier Bay.

Private boaters may obtain permits and reservations to bring their own boats to Glacier Bay.

 

Arriving by Cruise Ship?
Insider's Guide for cruise ship passengers!

 

Bringing your own boat to Glacier Bay?
A perfect way to explore the many inlets and waterways.

 

KAYAK THE BAY

Though there are often challenging conditions, difficult water crossings, and dangerous weather and water conditions, experienced kayakers paddle within Glacier Bay for unmatched recreational opportunities. For a list of kayak rentals and charter operators for Glacier Bay see the Area Visitor Services Directory. Kayaks may be rented from the above operators, or rented elsewhere and brought to Gustavus via the Alaska State Ferry.

 

Learn about Kayaking in Glacier Bay's pristine waters.
Discover unmatched sea kayaking opportunities in Glacier Bay.

 

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

As mentioned, Glacier Bay is only accessible by air or by sea. If you choose to fly or take the ferry into Gustavus, you may need ground transportation to reach the park's visitor center, the Glacier Bay Lodge, or park headquarters in Bartlett Cove, about 10 miles from Gustavus.

If you are staying at the Glacier Bay Lodge, a shuttle bus is available that will provide transportation between the lodge in Bartlett Cove and either the Gustavus Airport or the Gustavus Ferry Terminal/Dock. Private lodges and B&B's in Gustavus may offer similar shuttle services.

Taxis (upon request) run between Gustavus and Bartlett Cove. See the services directory below for a list of approved operators.

Many local B&Bs and Lodges have bicycles to rent or borrow.

See our Area Visitor Services Directory for a list of ground transportation providers.

 

Where to Stay
Lodging and Camping in and around Glacier Bay National Park

 

Still Confused?

See Plan Your Visit for an overview of the park's attractions.

See Things To Do for a list of ways to see Glacier Bay and to choose your experience.

The Area Visitor Services Directory is a listing of businesses in and near Glacier Bay that provide lodging, transportation, travel consulting, tours, and other useful visitor services.

Contact us if you still need help getting here.