Getting Around Inside Passage. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation

Public transportation systems commonly hold limitations to local bus services in the larger Inside Passage communities. Smaller towns mainly rely on walking, taxis, or seasonal shuttles.

Juneau: Capital Transit runs bus routes covering most of the city, extending to Mendenhall Glacier. Ketchikan: Public bus service is limited. Sitka: A small public bus system serves its main areas. Skagway, Haines, Petersburg, Wrangell: These rely mainly on walking, taxis, or seasonal shuttles.

Transit Details

Route Maps: Available on town visitor center websites or Capital Transit (Juneau). Buses frequently link downtown areas.
Ticketing & Fares: Fares commonly remain low ($2-$4 per ride). Cash payment upon boarding frequently occurs; exact change often is a requirement.
Hours & Frequency: Operating hours vary by town and season. Buses generally operate during daytime hours, with typical frequency every 30-60 minutes.
Accessibility: Most public buses offer wheelchair accessibility. Direct inquiry with local transit authorities for specific details is advised.

Juneau Transit

Capital Transit links downtown and Mendenhall Glacier.

Taxi Availability

Available in Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka; less reliable in smaller towns.

Walkability

Most downtown areas are highly walkable for exploring sights.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Services

Availability: Taxis exist in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka. Look for licensed taxis with meters.
Hailing: Hailing is possible in busier areas; calling for a taxi often holds more reliability.
Fares & Payment: Fares are metered but can carry higher costs. Cash and credit cards are typically accepted. Confirm fare for longer trips.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

Apps: Uber and Lyft function in Juneau and Anchorage. These services commonly lack prevalence or reliability in smaller Inside Passage towns.
Safety: Licensed taxis commonly present safety. Licensed services should always be utilized for security.
Airport/Station: Taxis commonly appear at airports and ferry terminals upon arrival.

Rental Options

Car Rentals

Car rentals exist in Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka. Booking well in advance is advised.

Motorcycles/Scooters

Motorcycle and scooter rentals remain very limited or absent due to terrain/weather.

Bicycle Rentals

Limited bicycle rentals might exist in local shops in some towns (Juneau, Skagway).

Driving Laws

Standard U.S. Driving laws pertain. Roads might be narrow and steep.

Walking & Cycling

Most downtown areas of port towns (Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka) hold high walkability, especially near cruise ship docks. Dedicated bicycle lanes hold limitations; cyclists commonly share roads with vehicles. Helmet use while cycling supports safety.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Juneau: Downtown, waterfront, and Perseverance Trail.
Ketchikan: Creek Street and the downtown historic district.
Skagway: The entire historic downtown is structured for walking.
Sitka: Downtown area, harbor, and Sitka National Historical Park exhibit high walkability.

Walking Tours & Safety

Walking Tours: Numerous guided historical and cultural walking tours exist. Self-guided walking tour maps frequently appear at visitor centers.
Bicycle Safety: Dedicated bicycle lanes hold limitations. Cyclists commonly share roads. Helmet use while cycling supports safety.
No-Go Areas: Avoid walking or cycling on busy highways outside town centers. Awareness of wildlife in forested areas is prudent.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses: Common in port towns, conveying cruise passengers to major attractions. Some companies present hop-on-hop-off services.
Boat Taxis: Hold utility for accessing remote lodges, fishing spots, or islands. Floatplanes also commonly act as air taxi services.
Cable Cars: Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau has panoramic views and furnishes convenient access to hiking trails.

Accessibility Services: Newer cruise ships commonly hold accessibility features. Public buses in Juneau demonstrate wheelchair accessibility.
Tour Operators: Many tour operators strive to accommodate travelers with mobility needs. Direct inquiry with tour providers regarding specific needs and accommodations is advisable before booking.
Unique Local Transport: Unique specialty vehicles like tuk-tuks or jeepneys are absent. Transportation methods are conventional.

Takeaways for Getting Around

Plan Ahead

For efficient travel between towns, especially smaller ones, planning ahead for ferries or flights stands prudent.

Local Movement

Walking is often the best way to explore downtown areas. Taxis cover longer distances.

Excursion Transport

Tour operators frequently arrange transport for their activities, simplifying logistics.

Final Recommendation

For a comprehensive experience, combine a cruise with a few days pre- or post-cruise in a port town like Juneau.

This approach allows for both the scenic waterway journey and exploration of local attractions and culture.

Getting Around Inside Passage