How to Get to Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is one of the most extraordinary national parks in the United States, featuring magnificent tidewater glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and an abundance of wildlife.
Located in southeastern Alaska, this remote and pristine park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and photographers alike. However, due to its isolation, getting to Glacier Bay requires careful planning.
In this guide, I’ll break down the different transportation options and logistics to help you make your journey as smooth as possible.
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Where is Glacier Bay National Park?
Glacier Bay National Park is located in the panhandle of southeastern Alaska, near the tiny town of Gustavus, which is accessible only by ferry or plane.
Unlike many other national parks, there are no roads that directly connect Glacier Bay to major cities. This means visitors must rely on a combination of air and/or water transportation to access the park.
The Best Ways to Get to Glacier Bay National Park
Since there are no roads leading directly into Glacier Bay, visitors typically travel to the park via one of the following routes:
1. Arriving by Cruise Ship
The vast majority of visitors experience Glacier Bay as part of an Alaskan cruise. Several major cruise lines, including Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line, offer itineraries that include a day-long visit to Glacier Bay.
While this is a fantastic way to see the park’s glaciers from the water, cruise passengers do not have the opportunity to explore on land unless they arrange separate transportation to Gustavus before or after their cruise.
For this reason, although a Glacier Bay cruise is still pretty amazing, I’d recommend trying to actually set foot on land at Bartlett Cove, inside the park. The following three options allow you to do so.
2. Private Boats and Charters
Another way to reach Glacier Bay is by private boat or charter services. Many adventure travelers, kayakers, and fishing enthusiasts opt to sail into the park from Juneau or other parts of the Inside Passage.
- Private charters allow visitors to explore Glacier Bay at their own pace and access remote locations.
- Kayakers and boaters need to obtain permits from the National Park Service if planning to explore beyond Bartlett Cove.
Check out the Glacier Bay National Park website for a full list of authorized commercial services in the park, including air taxis, charter boats, and tour vessels.
3. Taking the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry
For those who prefer a scenic and budget-friendly route, the Alaska Marine Highway System operates a ferry service from Juneau (and many other places in southeastern Alaska) to Gustavus during the summer months.
The ferry ride offers breathtaking views of the Alaskan coastline, with chances to spot marine wildlife along the way, including humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals, and, if you’re lucky, even orcas.
- Pros of taking the ferry:
- More affordable than flying
- Opportunity to see whales, sea lions, and stunning landscapes
- Can bring vehicles or gear more easily
- Cons:
- Limited schedules (typically a few times per week)
- Longer travel time compared to flying
Visit the Alaska Marine Highway System website for more information about schedules, routes, and reservations.
4. Flying to Gustavus, Alaska
The most efficient way to reach Glacier Bay is by flying into Gustavus (GST), the closest town to the park. It’s about 10 miles from the Gustavus airport to Bartlett Cove in the park. Here’s how you can get there:
- From Seattle, Washington:
- The most common route is to fly to Juneau, Alaska (JNU), the state capital, which has regular commercial flights from Seattle via Alaska Airlines.
- From Juneau, take a regional flight to Gustavus, operated by Alaska Seaplanes. In summer only, Alaska Airlines also has a direct connection between Juneau and Gustavus.
- From Anchorage, Alaska:
- If you’re traveling from Anchorage, you’ll first fly to Juneau before taking a connecting flight to Gustavus. Again, this either with a seaplane or, in summer, Alaska Airlines.
These flights are usually available from mid-May through September, aligning with the park’s peak tourist season. I always recommend checking with the airlines directly for availability, pricing, routes, and times/dates.
In my opinion, flying to Gustavus is by far the best way to get to Glacier Bay National Park. It’s convenient, relatively fast, and can get you there from pretty much anywhere else in the country.
Getting from Gustavus to Glacier Bay National Park
Once you arrive in Gustavus, getting to the park is relatively straightforward:
- Shuttle Services & Taxis: Local transportation services provide rides from Gustavus Airport or ferry terminals to Bartlett Cove, the park’s main visitor hub, which is about 10 miles away.
- Lodging Shuttles: If you’re staying at Glacier Bay Lodge, they offer shuttle services for their guests.
- Bike Rentals: Some visitors prefer to bike the scenic route from Gustavus to Bartlett Cove.
Exploring Glacier Bay National Park
Once inside the park, visitors can explore through various means:
- Ranger-led boat tours: The most popular way to experience Glacier Bay is by taking a guided boat tour departing from Bartlett Cove. Arguably the single greatest activity in the park, these tours offer incredible views of glaciers and wildlife.
- Kayaking: For a more immersive experience, consider renting a kayak and paddling through Glacier Bay’s waters.
- Hiking: There are several hiking trails near Bartlett Cove, ranging from short walks to longer backcountry adventures.
- Camping: The park offers backcountry camping opportunities for those who wish to stay overnight in the wilderness.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park
The best time to visit Glacier Bay is between May and September, when the weather is milder, and services are fully operational. The peak season is June through August, offering the best conditions for wildlife viewing and glacier sightseeing.
Final Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Book transportation and accommodation in advance: Flights and ferries to Gustavus can fill up quickly during peak season, so reserve early. Accommodation in Gustavus is limited and also sells out well in advance, as does the popular Glacier Bay Lodge, the only hotel in the park.
- Dress in layers: Weather in Glacier Bay can change rapidly. Bring waterproof gear, warm clothing, and sturdy hiking shoes.
- Plan for limited services: Gustavus is a small town with minimal amenities and limited opening times, so prepare accordingly.
- Respect wildlife and nature: Follow all park regulations to protect the ecosystem and ensure a safe visit. I also recommend carrying bear spray when out and about in Bartlett Cove. (Learn how to use bear spray correctly here.)
Glacier Bay National Park is an awe-inspiring destination that requires some logistical planning to reach, but the effort is well worth it.
Whether you fly, ferry, or cruise your way in, the breathtaking landscapes and incredibly rich wildlife of this pristine Alaskan wilderness will make your journey unforgettable. Plan ahead, choose your transportation wisely, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Glacier Bay National Park!
