By Air

Flying to Juneau is simple, convenient, and often more affordable than travelers expect. The city is just 2.5 hours nonstop from Seattle—Juneau’s only direct departure point in the Lower 48—and you even gain an hour when entering the Alaska Time Zone. Juneau International Airport sits only 10 minutes from downtown, making arrivals quick and easy.

As the air hub of Southeast Alaska, Juneau offers reliable connections year‑round. Alaska Airlines provides daily service from Seattle and Anchorage, while Delta Airlines adds seasonal flights. Travelers heading to Glacier Bay can also take advantage of Alaska Airlines’ summer route between Juneau and Gustavus. If you can, book a window seat—the aerial views of towering mountains, sprawling glaciers, and massive ice fields are unforgettable.

Regional carriers and charter flights link Juneau to surrounding communities. Small‑plane travel is a true Alaskan experience, offering breathtaking views over the Tongass National Forest—the largest designated wilderness area in the United States. And don’t worry, locals fly in small planes every day.

By Sea

Arriving in Juneau by sea gives you a front‑row view of Alaska’s coastal beauty—humpback whales breaching, orcas slicing through the water, playful porpoises, and glaciers meeting the shoreline.

Cruising is the most popular way to explore the Inside Passage. Ships dock right in downtown Juneau, making it a natural stop for both large and small cruise lines. Big ships offer entertainment, dining, and shopping, while smaller vessels focus on intimate wilderness experiences. No matter the size of the ship, most Alaska cruise itineraries include Juneau.

Independent travelers can enjoy the scenery aboard the Alaska Marine Highway System, the state‑run ferry network serving more than 30 coastal communities year‑round. Ferries offer staterooms, tent‑friendly upper decks, and plenty of opportunities to meet local Alaskans. Vehicles are welcome too—just be sure to reserve early if you plan to bring yours.

For your convenience, click 2026 Cruise Ship Schedule to view the cruise ship schedule.

By Car or “Road”

You can’t drive directly into Juneau without taking a ferry, but you can drive most of the way along the iconic 1,500‑mile Alaska‑Canadian Highway (ALCAN). Fully paved and well maintained, the ALCAN connects Alaska, Canada, and the Lower 48 with year‑round services including gas, lodging, and food.

Bring the latest edition of The Milepost for detailed mile‑by‑mile guidance. This legendary road trip takes you through some of the most remote and spectacular landscapes on the planet.

Getting Around Town

Juneau is easy to navigate—mountains on one side, ocean on the other, and a main road that stretches less than 50 miles. Downtown is very walkable, with many popular spots just 15 minutes from the cruise docks.

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, but if you’d rather sit back and enjoy the scenery, bus tours, shuttles, and taxis are readily available.

Note: Capital Transit, the local bus service, does not reach the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. It stops about 1.5 miles away with no services nearby. A round‑trip using the local bus can take up to 5 hours. This system is designed for residents, not visitors.