How to Get to Juneau, Alaska

How to Get to Juneau, Alaska

There are tons of ways to get to Juneau. Juneau is not connected to any highway system, so getting there is rough. You are either coming by air, by the sea–or by the birth canal. Whether you want the convenience of air travel, the scenic route of a ferry ride, or the adventure of a road trip, there is something for everyone.

Once there–welcome to the amazing capital city. With a population of 32,000 permanent residents, Juneau is bigger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. The historical downtown area is filled with great eateries, bars and shopping; while the outer areas offer wildlife, fishing, hiking and outdoor activities for every one. But, let’s get here first.

Although I don’t enjoy flying, it is a great choice for quick and efficient travel. Regular flights from major cities and regional airports allow you to reach Juneau in just a few hours easily. Not only does flying offer convenience, but it also provides breathtaking aerial views of Alaska’s stunning landscapes.

Taking a ferry to Juneau is an excellent option for those seeking a more leisurely journey with picturesque views along the way. The Alaska Marine Highway System operates ferries that connect various coastal communities, including Juneau. This mode of transportation allows you to soak in the natural beauty of Alaska’s coastline while enjoying onboard amenities and comfortable seating.

If you’re up for a road trip, driving to Juneau is an unforgettable experience. Although it requires careful planning and logistics due to the absence of road access directly into Juneau, driving through British Columbia and taking ferries along the Inside Passage offers an incredible opportunity to explore remote wilderness areas at your own pace.

Once you arrive in Juneau, a few transportation options are available within the city itself. Local buses provide convenient and affordable transportation around and out of town for about $2.00 a ride, while taxis offer flexibility for getting around on your schedule. I think a cool way of seeing downtown Juneau is from the seat of a guided pedicab tour. I recommend Alaks Pedicab, which is owned by James.

James wasn’t born in Alaska, but he is an Alaskan through and through. He was a Coast Guardsman for 26 years, and when he retired, he came to Juneau, to work as a commercial fisherman. After about a year, he became the owner of a stylish pedicab. His drivers are all amazing, and I often call them to pick up folks from around town. They take you all over, rain or shine, dropping knowledge with a smile.

This year, 2023, his Pedicab was a Travelers’s Choice recipient moving up from #27 to #8 out of 97 Outdoor Tours in Juneau, Alaska! Congratulations–and when in Juneau, tell him Heather said Aloha!

– Flying to Juneau:

If you want to fly to Juneau, Juneau International Aiport serves as the main gateway to the capital of Alaska, connecting travelers from all over the world.

There are many airlines, both domestic and international. Some of the majors are Alaska, Delta, and American. They provide regular flights to and from Juneau, ensuring easy access for visitors and residents alike.

The airport is located seven miles from the town center, and once there you can easily grab a cab. This year, 2023, Uber came to Juneau! As of this writing, there are two Uber drivers–another great option, that will continue to grow.

– Taking a Ferry:

All of the Alaska Marine Highway fleet vessels are named after glaciers, and ours was no exception. We took the M/V Columbia which is named after The Columbia Glacier, which flows from an ice field 10,000 feet above sea level into Prince William Sound in southeastern Alaska. She is one of the most rapidly changing glaciers in the world. (Operative word: changing–not disappearing.)

The M/V Columbia, built in 1974, is 418 feet long, 85 feet wide, and weighs 3946 tons empty and 13,009 tons full. She carries 499 passengers, 63 crew members, and 133 vehicles and uses 397 gallons of fuel per hour.

There are 104 staterooms:

45 four bed cabins–(bunk beds).

56 two-bed cabins.

Our trip was 60 hours long, so we booked a two-bunk bed cabin, which was perfect. It came with a closet, sink, chair, and night table, but the best feature was the toilet and shower, with great pressure and hot water. There’s also a thermostat to keep your room nice and cozy. You should bring an extra blanket or sleeping bag for warmth, as the ones in the cabin are thin. The towels are small and rough, and would be better suited to buffing a car; but, the small slivers of Dial soap were great.

For those who want another type of experience, you can bring a tent and stay on the deck, which people of all ages do. There is a designated area for tents to be duct-taped down. Please make sure they are secure and waterproof, as the winds and rain can be fierce; especially in April, when we came to Juneau.

If you are bringing a pet, they have to be left in the car. Every four hours, the car deck is opened, and you can go relieve them–or in our case, grab items–towels. IF you have a pet, you can walk them along the car deck, but are required to clean up after them; spray bottles and plastic bags are provided and each pet is an additional $25.00.

There are only two ferries in the Alaska Marine Highway System that have a dining room, and the M/V Columbia is one of them. The dining room opens for breakfast and dinner. Cloth linens adorn tables that face floor-to-ceiling, windows, overlooking the aft end of the ferry. The food was surprisingly good and the prices were reasonable. As the ferry is astate-owned and operated entity, tipping is not only discouraged, but prohibited, which is explained with ample signage throughout the vessel. IF any tips are left, they are given to the State General Fund.

Other amenities on the vessel are; a well-stocked and reasonably priced snack bar, a movie lounge and many rooms, spaces, chairs–both inside and outside. The cocktail bar was closed during our trip and the Solarium, which is a cool space on the upper deck with reclining chairs and heaters, was taken over by a Senior School trip of 130 kids. Even though the crew did the very best they could, they were overwhelmed with so many high schoolers; slowing down service, leaving no access to the solarium, and running out of certain foods–(i.e. bacon and sausage). If we had known about this trip before scheduling, we would have chosen a different date.

The inside passage itself is amazing. It is a natural, secluded sea route over 1000 miles long, extending from Seattle, Washington to Skagway, Alaska. The scenery is spectacular as you weave through coastlines, dotted with vibrant villages and towns; totem poles poking up through the hills. In 2002 The Alaska Marine Highway was designated a National Scenic Byway, and in 2005, it became the first and only marine route to be named an All-American Road by the Federal Highway Administration.

– Road Tripping:

Have you dreamed about taking an epic road trip, wind whipping through your hair, and Red Hot Chili Peppers keeping beat with the tires? Well, we have, and that is what we are going to do. (Stay tuned for the adventure!)

There are two routes from Anchorage to Juneau via the Alaska Highway, also known as the ALCAN or Haines Highway. Whether a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable journey, this route offers stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences.

The ALCAN provides a unique opportunity to explore Alaska’s coastal beauty. Driving along the highway, you’ll witness majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and charming towns nestled amidst picturesque scenery. The route also offers access to Alaska’s famous glaciers, where you can stand in awe of their immense size and witness nature’s raw power.

Alternatively, the Haines Highway presents another captivating option for your road trip adventure. This scenic route takes you through the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, offering glimpses of wildlife and rugged terrain along the way. From towering peaks to serene valleys, every turn on this highway promises breathtaking views that will leave you in awe.

Both routes provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting. You can immerse yourself in Alaska’s natural wonders while enjoying the freedom of the open road.

When we left Juneau, we took the ferry to Haines, the Haines Highway to the ALCAN, and the ALCAN to Highway 37–the Cassiar Highway—through Canada and the Yukon, then down to Washington State, to reconnect with our Sceptre 41 Sailboat, Gypsea Explorer.

We have a little post about that epic road trip here.