How to Get to Juneau. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airlines and Routes

Air travel is the fastest way to reach Juneau for many travelers. Juneau International Airport (JNU) serves the city.

Main Carriers and Flight Options

Alaska Airlines: The dominant carrier serving Juneau, with frequent direct flights from Seattle (SEA) and Anchorage (ANC). Many travelers connect through Seattle, a major gateway.
Delta Connection (operated by SkyWest Airlines): Delta offers seasonal flights from Seattle (SEA). Check schedules as these flights might only operate during peak summer.
Consider services like Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.

Airport Transfers

Juneau International Airport (JNU) is the sole airport directly serving Juneau. Several options exist for getting from JNU to downtown Juneau or your accommodation.

Transfer Options from JNU

Taxis: Readily available outside the terminal. A ride to downtown Juneau typically costs approximately $25-$35.
Capital Transit Bus: Juneau's public bus system, Route 3, offers service between the airport and downtown. The fare is $2 per ride.
Hotel Shuttles: Some hotels offer complimentary shuttle service. Check with your accommodation in advance.

Seasonal Flight Availability

Flight frequency and prices are highest during the summer high season (late May to early September). Book flights well in advance.

Price Fluctuations

Fewer flights operate, and prices are generally lower, in the shoulder and low seasons. Utilize Skyscanner for comparing flight prices.

Airport Facilities

JNU is a smaller airport with basic amenities: rental car counters, limited dining, gift shop, ATMs, free Wi-Fi.

Land Transportation

No Road Connection to Mainland

Border Crossing Information: Not applicable. Juneau is not connected by road to the rest of the North American road system.
Train Connections and Services: Not applicable. No train services operate to or from Juneau.
Long-Distance Bus Options: Not applicable. No long-distance bus services operate to or from Juneau.
Self-Driving in Juneau: You can rent a car In Juneau. Standard U.S. driving laws apply. A valid driver's license (with IDP if not in English) is for car rentals.

Driving Conditions and Safety

Road Conditions: Main roads are generally well-maintained. Conditions can be wet or icy, especially in winter. Exercise caution on winding roads.
Wildlife: Wildlife, especially deer, appears on roads, particularly at dawn and dusk. Drive cautiously and be prepared to stop.
Major rental car companies have counters at JNU. Consider DiscoverCars.com for rental comparisons.
Book your rental car in advance, especially for summer travel, as demand is high and availability limits.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Juneau is a major port for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), connecting to other Southeast Alaska communities and the U.S. Road system.

Cruise Ports

Juneau is a main port of call for most Alaska cruises. Docks are conveniently downtown for direct access to city attractions.

Immigration Procedures

Standard U.S. Immigration procedures apply for sea arrivals, including passport and visa/ESTA presentation.

Departure Information

Exit Fees or Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes are upon departure from Juneau or the U.S. Beyond those already included in your airline ticket or cruise fare.

Departure Procedures and Timing

Air Travel: For domestic flights from JNU, arrive at the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before scheduled departure, specifically during peak summer.
Cruise Ship/Ferry: Follow the specific disembarkation and departure procedures provided by your cruise line or the Alaska Marine Highway System.
Confirm your departure details and allow plenty of time for a relaxed end to your Juneau visit.

Airport/Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

Facilities vary depending on your departure point.

Departure Point Amenities

Juneau International Airport (JNU): As a smaller airport, JNU has limited amenities post-security. You will find restrooms and possibly a small cafe.
Cruise Docks: The cruise docks area has souvenir shops and limited dining options for departing travelers.
Ferry Terminal: The ferry terminal has basic waiting areas and restrooms. No extensive shopping or dining facilities.

Connections to Land Transportation

Various options connect sea arrival points to land transportation within Juneau.

Connecting from Ports

Cruise Docks: These are within walking distance of downtown Juneau's shops, restaurants, and attractions. Taxis and public buses are readily accessible.
Ferry Terminal: Located about 14 miles north of downtown in Auke Bay. Taxis, Capital Transit bus service (Route 3), and some hotel shuttles connect to downtown.
Arrange your onward transportation from the ferry terminal in advance.

River Transportation

Juneau does not feature significant river transportation options for passenger travel. Its main waterways are the Gastineau Channel and the open ocean, mainly for marine activities and sea travel.

Waterways and Their Uses

The Gastineau Channel is a narrow waterway mainly for local boat traffic and tours.
The open ocean access from Juneau supports cruise ship arrivals and private marine excursions.
Fishing charters and wildlife viewing boat tours extensively use these marine routes.

Important Travel Reminders

Always confirm flight and ferry schedules, especially during off-peak seasons, as services may be less frequent.
No direct international flights to Juneau. Plan connections through major U.S. Hubs like Seattle (SEA) or Anchorage (ANC).
Be cautious when driving in Juneau, especially for wet or icy roads and potential wildlife encounters.

Juneau is not accessible by road from the North American mainland; land transportation options are limited to within the city.
Familiarize yourself with U.S. Immigration procedures for air and sea arrivals to ensure a smooth entry.
Have all necessary identification and travel documents ready, including passports, visas, or ESTA approvals.

Local Transportation

Public Transportation

Juneau has a public transportation system, Capital Transit, offering useful coverage for visitors.

System Overview and Routes

Capital Transit: Juneau's public bus system operates fixed routes mainly serving populated areas like Mendenhall Valley, Lemon Creek, and Downtown Juneau.
Mount Roberts Tramway: This aerial tramway transports from downtown Juneau directly up Mount Roberts, offering panoramic views and access to alpine trails.
Main transfer points include Downtown Juneau and the Mendenhall Valley Transit Center. Routes along Glacier Highway connect areas.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services provide convenient, on-demand transportation in Juneau.

Availability and Safety

Licensed Taxis: Typically yellow or have clear "Taxi" signs. Hail on the street, find at designated stands (cruise ship docks, airport), or call. Fares are metered, generally $25-$35 from downtown to airport/glacier.
Ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft): Available, but driver availability limits, especially off-peak. Expect longer wait times than larger cities. Surge pricing applies during high demand.
Safety: Use licensed taxis. For ride-sharing, confirm driver and vehicle details in the app match before entering. Share trip details with a friend.

Fares and Passes

Capital Transit: $2.00 per ride, $4.00 day pass. Mount Roberts Tramway: $45-$50 round-trip.

Hours of Operation

Capital Transit: Mon-Sat, early morning to late evening; reduced Sunday/holidays. Tramway: Seasonally (late April/early May to late Sep/early Oct), 9 AM to 9 PM.

Accessibility

Capital Transit buses and Mount Roberts Tramway are wheelchair accessible. Juneau strives for accessible options.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas and Routes

Juneau offers several areas perfect for walking and exploring on foot.

Walking Locations

Downtown Juneau: The historic core is very walkable, with shops, restaurants, and attractions concentrated in a compact area.
Waterfront Areas: The boardwalk along Gastineau Channel offers pleasant walks with views of the water and boats.
Short Trails: Some short trails, like those at Mendenhall Glacier, suit walking.

Bicycle Infrastructure and Safety

Cycling is a good way to explore Juneau, with dedicated paths and rental options.

Cycling in Juneau

Juneau has a paved bike path, the "Juneau Bike Path," running along Glacier Highway, a scenic route between Mendenhall Valley and areas north.
Wear a Helmet and follow traffic laws.
Bicycle rentals are available from local outdoor shops, for exploring paved trails or short rides downtown.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Various private tour operators offer bus tours to Mendenhall Glacier and other sights; these are usually pre-booked excursions. Juneau does not have a formal hop-on-hop-off bus service.

Water Taxis

Water taxis access remote cabins, islands, or specific fishing spots otherwise difficult to reach. These are often privately operated services.

Aerial Transit

The Mount Roberts Tramway serves as Juneau's unique aerial transportation, providing access to hiking trails and views from downtown.

Tips for Navigating Efficiently

For Capital Transit, have exact change for bus fares. Check online schedules to plan routes and avoid long waits. The Capital Transit bus is a budget-friendly way to reach the Mendenhall Glacier area (Route 3), though a short walk to the visitor center is part of the journey.

How to Get to Juneau