Mendenhall Glacier Express in Juneau
Juneau, United States

Mendenhall Glacier Express

Outty Ranking 76 4.6 · 694 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $83

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$83
View availability on Viator

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

76/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 694 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Mendenhall Glacier Express worth booking?

Mendenhall Glacier Express is a 3-hour experience in Juneau, United States, from $83 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 694 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
76 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (694)
Duration
3 hours
From
$83 per person

Discover the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier with the Glacier “Blue Bus” Express, direct and scenic transportation from the cruise ship terminal in downtown Juneau. Ideal for travelers looking to explore on their own, th

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier with the Glacier “Blue Bus” Express, direct and scenic transportation from the cruise ship terminal in downtown Juneau. Ideal for travelers looking to explore on their own, this immersive experience provides the perfect blend of convenience and adventure. You will enjoy captivating commentary and scenery on your way to the Mendenhall Glacier that brings to life the rich history and vibrant culture of the region. Arriving at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, you’ll have two hours to explore this stunning natural wonder. Here you can choose to wander trails, photograph the glacier from the distance, or explore the Visitor’s Center. With various walking trails available, visitors of all fitness levels can enjoy spectacular views of the glacier, Mendenhall Lake, and the untouched wilderness. Entry to the Visitor’s Center is included where you can enjoy interactive exhibits and educational presentations.

    What's included

    Included

    • Driver/Guide during the Bus Tour
    • Narrated Roundtrip Transportation
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Park Entrance Fees

    Not included

    • A tour guide while at the Glacier is not allowed per USFS Permit.

    What you'll see and do

    1. Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

      OPTIONAL. You will have a total of 2 hours at the Glacier to explore on your own. Entry fees to the Visitor’s Center are included in the price of your ticket where you can enjoy interactive exhibits and educational presentations that offer a deeper understanding of the glacier’s geological significance and the surrounding ecosystem.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Mendenhall Glacier

      OPTIONAL. You will have a total of 2 hours at the Glacier to explore on your own. Here you can choose to wander trails, photograph the glacier from the distance, or explore the Visitor’s Center. With various walking trails available, visitors of all fitness levels can enjoy spectacular views of the glacier, Mendenhall Lake, and the untouched wilderness.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Nugget Falls

      OPTIONAL. You will have a total of 2 hours at the Glacier to explore on your own. You can see Nugget Falls from the parking lot and Visitor's Center, but IF you choose to hike to Nugget Falls, it takes 45-60 minutes roundtrip to hike. If you are planning on hiking to the falls, please do this first to ensure you do not miss your return bus departure.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Juneau

    You will meet the team on the water side of the Gold Belt Tram building underneath the green canopy tent. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Your Alaska Tales Tour Representative will be holding a sign that reads, M&M Tours.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    You will meet the team on the water side of the Gold Belt Tram building underneath the green canopy tent. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Your Alaska Tales Tour Representative will be holding a sign that reads, M&M Tours.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    M&M Glacier and City Tours

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Your time at the Glacier is for you to explore on your own and is self-guided for 2 hours.

    Photos

    Mendenhall Glacier from the banks of Mendenhall LakeNugget Falls is about a 40 minute roundtrip hike to Nugget Falls from the Visitor's Center.Walking trails around the Visitor's Center.Strike a pose at Mendenhall GlacierView from the visitors center

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 673 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    10 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    673 verified traveler reviews for Mendenhall Glacier Express. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    542
    4 star
    60
    3 star
    37
    2 star
    18
    1 star
    16
    Sort
    melissatV5949QM · August 2026

    Must do Juneau Excursion.

    It was a good trip. Many great sites. Alicia, our driver delivered great information about the area, and did a fantastic job getting us there and back. Will deffinantly recommend.

    via Tripadvisor

    Diane_W · August 2026

    An Excellent Shore Excursion

    Our bus driver/guide Archie was wonderful. He made this excursion a never forgettable experience. A First Nations person himself, he narrated our trip in a humorous and informative manner. He described the scenery, helped us locate eagles and other indigenous animals and plants, and provided a historical background. I recommend this excursion highly.

    via Viator

    Denna3070 · August 2026

    Beautiful scenery

    Kenny was our driver and he was very entertaining and knowledgeable of the area. The visitor center was super crowded and not a great experience because of that. However that is something that can’t be fixed. The line for the bathroom was crazy long… don’t wait to go until it’s urgent!

    via Tripadvisor

    Lori_J · August 2026

    Juneau

    Kenny, our tour guide had lots of stories. The Glacier and waterfalls were pretty and we had a nice sunny day. The 2hrs in the park was sufficient.

    via Viator

    Barbara_B · August 2026

    Comfortable ride but self paced at glacier

    This is really just transportation to the glacier and there are other less expensive ways to get there. Depends on your comfort level with other modes of transportation. The bus was relatively new so comfortable. The bus driver provides some commentary about Juneau. It is all self paced at the glacier.

    Response from the operator: We aim to provide a comfortable, scheduled experience that allows guests to enjoy the glacier without having to worry about arranging transportation back to the cruise ship area. There may be other transportation options available in Juneau, but none are more reliable. We appreciate you riding with us and hope you enjoyed your time at Mendenhall Glacier!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    243
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 76

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)72
    Review evidence (18% weight)74
    Booking momentum (14% weight)71
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)32
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Mendenhall Glacier Express: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Juneau.

    How much does Mendenhall Glacier Express cost?

    +

    Prices start at $83 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Juneau usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Mendenhall Glacier Express take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Juneau is not rushed.

    Is Mendenhall Glacier Express worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 694 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Juneau, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Mendenhall Glacier Express?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Mendenhall Glacier Express suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Mendenhall Glacier Express?

    +

    Around 243 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Juneau can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Juneau and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Mendenhall Glacier Express start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Juneau within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Juneau?

    +

    Juneau runs Mendenhall Glacier trips, whale watching in Auke Bay, helicopter glacier landings with dog sledding, and rainforest hikes. Most tours are timed to cruise ship windows, so we weight clear duration and pickup detail. On Outty we rank every Juneau experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching, Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier, Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Juneau?

    +

    May to September, peaking for humpbacks in June and July. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Juneau?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Mendenhall Glacier Express.

    Pick your date