Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour

Exploring the Mendenhall Glacier with the Glacier Blue Bus Express

When you think of Juneau, Alaska, one of the first sights that comes to mind is the iconic Mendenhall Glacier—a massive sheet of ice slowly carving its way through the landscape. The Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour offers a smooth, scenic ride from the cruise ship port straight to this natural wonder, all for $83 per person. The tour lasts about three hours, with around two hours dedicated to exploring the glacier and its surroundings at your own pace.

What we love most about this experience is the combination of comfortable transportation—a newly upgraded, air-conditioned bus with entertaining commentary—and the freedom to explore at your leisure. The tour’s flexibility means you can walk the trails, snap photos, or visit the Visitor Center without feeling rushed. Plus, the included educational exhibits help deepen your appreciation for the glacier’s significance.

A potential consideration is that this is a self-guided experience, meaning there’s no guide with you on the glacier itself. If you’re looking for a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide explaining every detail, this might not be the best fit. However, for travelers who prefer independence and scenic transportation, this tour hits the right notes.

This experience is perfect for independent explorers, families, or travelers with mobility concerns who want a straightforward, scenic visit to the glacier. It’s especially appealing if you value deluxe bus comfort, good value, and the chance to customize your time at the glacier.

Key Points

• Flexible exploration: You get around two hours at the glacier to wander trails, photograph, or visit the Visitor Center.
• Comfortable transportation: The roundtrip ride features modern, air-conditioned buses with narrated commentary.
• Educational value: Entry to the Visitor Center includes interactive exhibits about glaciers and ecosystems.
• Good value: The price includes park entrance fees and a scenic, stress-free transfer.
• Self-guided experience: No guided tour at the glacier; you explore independently.
• Potential for issues: Some reviews mention logistical challenges, especially during busy days.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

Your trip begins with a scenic drive through Juneau’s wilderness, where your driver offers engaging commentary about the region’s natural landscape and history. Once you arrive at the Visitor Center, you have about two hours to explore. The Center itself is packed with interactive exhibits that tell the story of glaciers, climate change, and local ecosystems.

A lot of travelers find this component valuable. As Sandy noted, “The tour guide was informative and nice, making the trip smooth and engaging.” The exhibits are designed to appeal to all ages, making it a good stop for families or curious travelers.

Stop 2: Mendenhall Glacier and Trails

You’ll have a full 30 minutes at the glacier to take in the views. The glacier itself is a breathtaking sight—an immense, slow-moving river of ice. You can witness it from a distance, or if you’re feeling energetic, hike some of the trails that wind around the area.

Some reviews mention that the trails are accessible for various fitness levels, and you’ll love the chance to see Mendenhall Lake and the glacier’s face. As one visitor pointed out, “The walk to Nugget Falls takes about 30 minutes, not the 20 minutes some expect.” So, plan accordingly if you wish to hike to the falls.

Stop 3: Nugget Falls

The highlight for many visitors is Nugget Falls, which you can see from the parking lot and Visitor Center. If you want to hike to the falls, it’s about a 45-60 minute roundtrip walk. It’s worth doing if you have the time and stamina, but remember it’s a moderate hike—some reviews suggest starting with this walk if you want to ensure you return on your scheduled bus.

The falls crash over the rocks with thunderous force, and the backdrop of the glacier makes for stunning photos. This stop offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with narrated roundtrip transportation. The driver acts as your guide during the ride, sharing local insights and jokes that make the journey fun. Park entrance fees are also included, so you won’t need to worry about additional costs on-site.

However, it’s important to note that you won’t have a guide while at the glacier. The Visitor Center’s exhibits are your main source of education, and exploring the trails is self-guided. This setup appeals to those who prefer independence rather than guided commentary.

Considerations from Reviews

Some guests have mentioned logistical issues, like disorganized meeting points or delays. For instance, one reviewer noted that the bus left without them due to a clerical error, but the owner responded quickly and arranged for a follow-up trip. Another pointed out that mobility could be an issue, as some stops are farther from the Visitor Center, making walking more challenging for those with limited mobility.

The Value of the Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour

When evaluating the $83 price tag, consider the inclusions: transportation, park entry, and the flexibility at the glacier. Compared to booking a private Uber or taxi, this tour offers a more scenic, comfortable ride plus educational stops. Plus, the bus is brand new and very comfortable, as noted by guests.

Many reviews speak highly of the informative driver, Archie, who shared local insights and made the ride entertaining. Visitors appreciated the ample time to explore and the stunning scenery—bald eagles, waterfalls, glacier views—which justify the cost for many.

Some travelers mention the price feels high compared to a simple Uber, but the added value of deluxe transportation, educational access, and organized logistics tends to make this a worthwhile option. It’s especially good if you want to avoid the hassle of finding your own transportation and prefer a relaxed, scenic approach.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits independent travelers who want the convenience of transportation but enjoy exploring on their own. It’s ideal for families or mobility-conscious visitors, given the easy access points and trail options. If you’re interested in photos, scenic views, and educational exhibits, this tour offers plenty of opportunity.

If, however, you’re seeking a guided tour with detailed commentary at every stop, or if you prefer a more structured experience, you might want to look elsewhere. Also, keep in mind that some reviews highlight potential logistical hiccups, so patience and flexibility are useful during busy days.

Final Thoughts

The Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour offers an excellent way to see one of Alaska’s most iconic sights without the hassle of driving yourself. With comfortable transportation, educational exhibits, and ample free time, it balances convenience and adventure well. It’s particularly suited for those who want a scenic, flexible experience and enjoy exploring at their own pace.

While some logistical issues have been noted, most travelers find the overall experience rewarding and value-packed. If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic trip with good educational value, this tour can be a highlight of your Juneau visit. Just remember to plan for hikes if you want to reach Nugget Falls, and be prepared for possible busy days at the glacier.

FAQ about the Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour

Does this tour include guided commentary at the glacier?
No, this is a self-guided experience. Your driver offers commentary during the ride, but once at the glacier, you explore independently.

How long do I have at the glacier?
You will have about two hours at the glacier and visitor center to walk trails, take photos, or visit exhibits.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the buses are described as new, air-conditioned, and deluxe, making the journey pleasant regardless of weather.

Can I hike to Nugget Falls?
Yes, hiking to Nugget Falls takes about 45-60 minutes roundtrip. It’s a lovely hike, but plan accordingly, especially if you need to catch the bus back.

What if I am not good at walking or have mobility issues?
Some reviews mention that certain stops are farther from the Visitor Center, which could be a concern. It’s best to assess your mobility level before booking.

Are park entrance fees included?
Yes, the tour price includes all park entrance fees.

What if the weather is rainy or foggy?
Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable. The tour is still worth it — the scenery is stunning even in rain, and the exhibits are indoors.

Is this a good value for the price?
Many guests feel it is, especially considering the comfort, included park fees, and flexibility, but some compare it to cheaper options like Uber. The added convenience and guided commentary during transport add value.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour accommodates up to 50 travelers, which keeps it relatively intimate.

What if I miss my bus or there’s a delay?
Some reviews mention logistical hiccups, but the tour operator has responded quickly in such cases. It’s wise to arrive early and stay flexible.

The Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour provides a laid-back, scenic way to experience one of Alaska’s most famous sights, with enough flexibility for most travelers to enjoy at their own pace. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a curious learner, or simply seeking beautiful views, this tour offers a practical, comfortable way to see the glacier and surrounding wilderness.