How to Get to Glacier Bay National Park: Flights, Ferries & Cruise Ship
Dreaming of visiting Glacier Bay National Park, but unsure how to get there? You’re not alone. This remote, breathtaking park—filled with massive glaciers, whales, and untouched wilderness—is one of Alaska’s top highlights. But with no road access, getting there can be tricky. Whether you’re planning to travel from Anchorage, Juneau, or even hopping a ferry, this guide breaks down all your options. We’ll explain flights, ferries, cruise ship access, and even tiny local airports. We’ll also answer the most common questions—Can you drive to Glacier Bay? What’s the closest airport? How do you take the ferry? Let’s break down how to get to Glacier Bay—step by step.
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Glacier Bay National Park Location & Overview
Glacier Bay National Park is located in Southeast Alaska, west of Juneau. It sits within the Inside Passage and is part of the vast Tongass National Forest.
This one of the most remote Alaska national parks is only accessible by air or sea. There are no roads leading into the park from the rest of Alaska.
The nearest town is Gustavus. It serves as the main gateway to Glacier Bay. Just outside Gustavus is Bartlett Cove, home to the park’s visitor center, lodge, and campground.
The park covers over 3.3 million acres of protected wilderness. It includes tidewater glaciers, fjords, rugged mountains, rainforests, and diverse wildlife habitats.
Glacier Bay is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, shared with Canada. It’s one of the top highlights for Alaska cruise passengers and adventurous travelers.
While most people visit Glacier Bay on a cruise ship, independent travelers can get there too—with some extra planning. In the sections below, we’ll explain how.
Can You Drive to Glacier Bay National Park?
No, you can’t drive to Glacier Bay National Park. There are no roads connecting Glacier Bay to the rest of Alaska or Canada.
Even if you’re in Juneau, the capital of Alaska, you can’t drive there either. Juneau itself is not connected to the North American road system.
The closest you can drive is to a ferry terminal that connects to Southeast Alaska towns. But from there, you’ll need to continue by plane or boat.
The only roads inside the park are in the small town of Gustavus and at Bartlett Cove, where the park’s headquarters are located.
So, if you’re planning a visit to Glacier Bay, you’ll need to fly, cruise, or take a ferry.
What Is The Closest Airport to Glacier Bay National Park?
The nearest airport to Glacier Bay is Gustavus Airport (GST). It’s located in the town of Gustavus, just a 10-mile (16 km) paved drive from Bartlett Cove—the park headquarters and visitor center.
How to Get to Glacier Bay National Park from Juneau
Juneau is one of the easiest starting points to reach Glacier Bay—but don’t expect to drive. You’ll need to rely on either ferry or plane.
Ferry (Alaska Marine Highway)
The state ferry LeConte sails twice weekly from Juneau to Gustavus, the gateway town to Glacier Bay. The ride takes about 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on stops.
The ferry dock is about 9–10 miles from Bartlett Cove, the main entry point into Glacier Bay. From the Gustavus dock, you can take a taxi or park shuttle to the Glacier Bay Visitor Center.
Air Service (Alaska Seaplanes & Air Excursions)
Scheduled flights by Alaska Airlines and Alaska Seaplanes run daily from Juneau to Gustavus, taking about 25-40 minutes. Frequency increases in summer to 4–6 flights per day.
Planes land at Gustavus Airport, just a short drive from the park headquarters. Air travel is fast and scenic—many flights include views of Glacier Bay’s coastline and glaciers from above.
Choosing the Best Option
The ferry route is slower but offers a scenic experience and can transport vehicles. Limited to a couple of days per week. Early booking is essential.
Flights are quicker, more frequent, and ideal if time is tight. Advance reservations are strongly advised.
How to Get to Glacier Bay National Park from Anchorage
You can’t drive from Anchorage to Glacier Bay National Park. But you have two main options: fly or combine a flight and ferry. Either way, plan ahead—it’s remote.
Option 1: Fly from Anchorage to Gustavus
The fastest way is to fly to Gustavus, the gateway to the park.
- Summer flights (May–September): Alaska Airlines operates seasonal nonstop flights between Anchorage Airport (ANC) and Gustavus (GST). Direct fight takes around 3h 30 min.
- Some flights stop in Juneau. In that case, you’ll connect in Juneau and take a small plane to Gustavus.
- Travel time: Around 4 to 6 hours including connections and wait times.
You’ll land in Gustavus, just 10 miles from Bartlett Cove, the Glacier Bay visitor area. The airport is small and easy to navigate.
Option 2: Anchorage to Juneau, then Ferry to Gustavus
If flights to Gustavus are unavailable, fly to Juneau first.
From there, take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry to Gustavus.
- Flights from Anchorage to Juneau take about 1.5 hours.
- The ferry ride from Juneau to Gustavus takes around 4.5 hours.
- Ferries do not run daily, so check the schedule in advance.
This route takes longer but offers scenic views.
Important Notes
- There are no roads between Anchorage and Gustavus.
- Gustavus is not connected to the road system. Everything comes in by plane or boat.
- Summer is the best time for travel Glacier Bay. That’s when most flight and ferry routes operate.
Getting to Glacier Bay on a Cruise Ship
Cruising Glacier Bay is by far the most common way travelers experience this remote national park. In fact, nearly 80% of all visitors arrive by cruise ship. That’s because there are no roads into the park, and getting here independently takes more time and planning.
If Glacier Bay is on your Alaska cruise itinerary, you’re lucky. Only two large cruise ships are allowed to enter the park per day. That makes the experience feel quiet, uncrowded, and incredibly special.
During the day of scenic cruising, you’ll glide past dramatic fjords and glaciers like Margerie and Grand Pacific. Park rangers will board the ship to share insights, answer questions, and help you spot wildlife like sea otters, bears, and whales.
You won’t get off the ship—but you’ll get unforgettable views. Want to make the most of the day? Check out my tips for cruise passengers on scenic cruising Glacier Bay. From what to wear to where to stand on the ship, I share everything based on our first-hand experience.
If you’re planning an Alaska cruise, try to pick a route that includes Glacier Bay. It’s one of the most breathtaking parts of the journey.
Other Ways to Access Glacier Bay: Rafting, Private Boats & Tour Options
Glacier Bay isn’t just for cruisers or fliers. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a few other ways to reach the park.
Private Boats and Yachts
You can enter Glacier Bay National Park aboard a private vessel—but you’ll need a permit.
Permits are free, but they’re limited and required between June 1 and August 31.
Applications open 60 days in advance, and you must attend a mandatory boater orientation at Bartlett Cove. This is a great option for experienced mariners exploring Southeast Alaska on their own boat.
Kayaking and Rafting Adventures
For a true wilderness experience, some travelers arrive by kayak or small raft. Many outfitters in Gustavus offer guided kayak expeditions into the park. You can paddle right up to tidewater glaciers and camp along the shore.
If you go on your own, permits and a backcountry orientation are required. This is one of the most remote and raw ways to explore Glacier Bay.
Local Day Tours from Gustavus
If you’re already in Gustavus, you can join day tours and small boat cruises from Bartlett Cove.
These tours are operated by authorized concessionaires and allow you to experience glaciers, wildlife, and park history without a cruise ship. They usually last 6 to 10 hours and are perfect if you’re staying in Gustavus or nearby lodges.
Charter Flights and Flightseeing
From Juneau, Haines, or even Skagway, you can also charter small aircraft or take a flightseeing tour.
These planes don’t land inside the park but offer breathtaking views of the icefields and fjords from above.
Final Thoughts
Glacier Bay National Park is one of Alaska’s most awe-inspiring places—but getting there takes planning. You can’t drive to the park, so knowing your travel options is key. Whether you fly from Juneau, ride the ferry to Gustavus, or arrive by cruise ship, the journey is part of the adventure.
Chris and I know how remote Glacier Bay feels. That’s what makes it special. Fewer crowds, towering glaciers, wild coastlines, and rich wildlife—this place is worth the effort.
If Glacier Bay is on your Alaska travel list, we hope this guide helps you plan with confidence.
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Your blog posts always provide such a wealthy of information. It was great to know there are different ways to get to Glacier Bay National Park. Having no road access would certainly cause us to wonder. It would be a shame to miss this great UNESCO site if we did not check out access in advance. If we were in Alaska for a longer time, we would definitely want to try the more scenic ferry route. Good reminder that flights and ferries may be far more limited out of the summer season!
Glacier Bay National Park sounds like a great place to visit. Since there is no road access, the ferry route makes it the best route that is slow and scenic! I would prefer to travel in a less-touristy season. I would also consider taking the flightseeing tour for more awesome views of the place. Thanks for this comprehensive guide with all the information.
Alaska is high on my travel list and this thorough and helpful guide has moved it even higher! I love exploring off-the-beaten paths and Glacier Bay seems an ideal destination to indulge in breathtaking scenery and untamed wilderness. I love how you break down all the different ways to reach Glacier Bay, especially since it’s so remote and not accessible by road. The tips about flights, ferries, and cruise options make planning feel much less daunting. Your description really captures the awe of the place—I can almost imagine the towering glaciers and wild coastline. Definitely adding this to my Alaska trip!