
Mendenhall Glacier Express
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 749 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 749 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 (749)
- 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, 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 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
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
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
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 30 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





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 746 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
4 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
746 verified traveler reviews for Mendenhall Glacier Express. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Mendenhall Glacier
What a wonderful excursion. Booked this for our family. Day was rainy but we enjoyed the walk to the waterfall. It was foggy and wasn’t able to see the glacier when we first got there. But about 30 mins before we left it cleared enough to see. Kenny was our driver. He was entertaining and enjoyable.
via Tripadvisor
Great Tour
My friend and I had a great tour. Our driver, Kenny was very knowledgeable about the area and pointed out various sites along our route. He even spotted a bald eagle. He was very humorous and entertaining which made the trip even better. Highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommended Juneau shore excursion
Highly recommended shore excursion. Very easy to find meeting point and comfortable bus. Archie was very knowledgeable, shared lots of stories and funny. It was on time but not feeling rushed. Make sure to do the hike to the Falls. Glacier sightseeing and information center was well worth it. We saw bears along the walkway and eagles along the highway. Do not hesitate to book. They make sure you won’t miss your cruise ship. Well worth it!
via Tripadvisor
Tour through town, glacier and hike.
Great tour guide! Beautiful hike!
via Tripadvisor
Not worth the price
Its so expensive just for a drive to and from the meeting place to the glacier. Museum closed early with still lots of people.
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
- 262
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
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?
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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?
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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?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 749 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?
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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?
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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?
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Around 262 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?
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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?
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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?
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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, Whales and Wilderness Exploration. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
What is included in Mendenhall Glacier Express?
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Included: Driver/Guide during the Bus Tour; Narrated Roundtrip Transportation; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Park Entrance Fees. Not included: A tour guide while at the Glacier is not allowed per USFS Permit. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Mendenhall Glacier Express?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Mendenhall Glacier Express offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Mendenhall Glacier Express?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Mendenhall Glacier Express wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Mendenhall Glacier Express if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Juneau. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Mendenhall Glacier Express?
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Across 749 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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