Planning a trip to Glacier Bay National Park?
If you’re mapping out your route, you might be wondering, “can you drive to Glacier Bay National Park?”
The straight answer is: no, you can’t.
Given that the park is a preservation area and quite remote, there are no direct roads leading to the park that private and public transportation can access.
But while this might seem like a challenge, it’s actually part of what makes Glacier Bay so special.
Instead of roads, you’ll rely on boats, planes, and local transportation to explore this stunning destination.
Here’s how you can reach Glacier Bay National Park and make the most of your visit.
How to Get to Glacier Bay National Park
By Air
Flying is the quickest way to reach Glacier Bay National Park.
First, you’ll need to fly to Juneau, Alaska.
Given that it’s the capital of the state, Juneau is well-connected to major U.S. cities.
From Juneau International Airport, you can take a 30-minute flight to Gustavus — the gateway to Glacier Bay.
Alaska Airlines offers daily flights during the summer.
There are also air taxi services from nearby towns like Skagway and Haines.
Once in Gustavus, it’s a short 10-mile trip to Bartlett Cove, where the park’s visitor center is located.
If you’ve booked lodging in or near the park, they most likely will provide free transfers from the Gustavus airstrip.
If not, there are dozens of vans available for transport to Bartlett Cove.
Standard fee is $15 for adults and $8 for children.
By Ferry
If you prefer a scenic route, the Alaska Marine Highway ferry connects Juneau to Gustavus.
This ferry ride is a slower option — 4 to 6 hours versus a 30-minute flight — but it’s also more aesthetic, offering stunning views of the Alaskan coastline.
You can even bring a vehicle on the ferry, although it won’t be needed for exploring Glacier Bay itself.
By Cruise Ship
Can you drive to Glacier Bay National Park?
No, but you can certainly take a cruise to it!
Many visitors choose to visit Glacier Bay as part of a cruise.
Cruise ships often include the park in their itineraries, allowing you to experience its glaciers and wildlife from the comfort of the ship.
However, cruises are less flexible and follow a set schedule, so this option might not suit travelers who want to spend more time in the park.
Exploring Glacier Bay National Park
By Boat
The best way to explore Glacier Bay is by boat.
Daily tour boats leave from Bartlett Cove and take visitors close to iconic glaciers like Margerie and Grand Pacific.
Naturalist guides onboard provide fascinating insights into the park’s glaciers and wildlife.
For a more adventurous option, you can rent a kayak and paddle through the serene waters.
Many who’ve tried this report a high chance of spotting whales and sea otters while out on their excursions.
By Air
Flightseeing tours are a fantastic way to see the park from above.
And, luckily, there are plenty of them available in the park at almost all times of the day.
These tours offer breathtaking views of glaciers, fjords, and rugged mountain ranges.
Seeing Glacier Bay from the air gives you a sense of its vastness and beauty that’s hard to capture any other way.
Hiking
If you prefer exploring on foot, Glacier Bay offers a few hiking trails near Bartlett Cove.
The Forest Loop Trail is an easy, 1-mile hike through a spruce-hemlock forest.
For a longer adventure, try the Bartlett River Trail, a 5-mile round trip leading to a scenic estuary.
These trails are great for spotting wildlife and enjoying the coastal rainforest.
Local Transportation in Gustavus
Since the answer to, “can you drive to Glacier Bay National Park?” is a solid no, you might be wondering about local transport.
Don’t worry; once you’re in Gustavus, there are several ways for tourists to get around.
Taxis are available and typically cost about $15 per person for a ride to Bartlett Cove.
Some lodges offer shuttle services for their guests, so check with your accommodations in advance.
And if you’re looking for a fun and active way to explore, many inns offer bicycles for rent.
It’s a perfect way to get around the small town and explore it at your own pace.
Can You Bring Your Own Boat?
Yes, you can bring your own boat to Glacier Bay, but there are specific rules to follow.
From June to August, permits are required to enter park waters, and they are limited to protect the environment.
Navigating Glacier Bay’s waters can be challenging due to tides and weather, so it’s important to plan carefully.
Why Visit Glacier Bay National Park?
Even though you can’t drive to Glacier Bay National Park, the journey is worth it.
The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning glaciers, diverse wildlife, and untouched beauty.
You might spot humpback whales, sea otters, and even bears during your visit.
Whether you explore by boat, air, or on foot, Glacier Bay offers an unforgettable experience.
Ready to Plan Your Glacier Bay National Park Trip?
Can you drive to Glacier Bay National Park?
No, but there are still plenty of affordable and convenient travel options to get there and explore.
Now that you know how to reach Glacier Bay National Park, it’s time to start planning.
Here at Travel by Maeghan, I’ll handle all the details of your Alaskan adventure — from booking flights to arranging boat tours.
All you need to do is focus on enjoying the ride.
Contact me today to create a seamless travel experience that you and your family will cherish forever.