Mendenhall Glacier Express
Badge of Excellence
Juneau, USA
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Narrated Roundtrip Transportation
- Driver/Guide during the Bus Tour
- Park Entrance Fees
- A tour guide while at the Glacier is not allowed per USFS Permit.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 7HWX+CJ6, Juneau, AK, USA
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.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Mendenhall Glacier
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Nugget Falls
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Your time at the Glacier is for you to explore on your own and is self-guided for 2 hours.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.6
based on 704 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
audreyn_G, Sep 2026
Wear comfortable shoes. A must do in Juneau. Driver and guide Archie was fabulous. Knowledgeable with a fun sense of humor.
Sean_K, Sep 2026
this is a mile long dirt wide path from Visitor center to see Nugget Falls close up and the actual glacier will be a small glimpse. This path has some up and down that ends at a sandy rocky beach. Not everyone will be able to do this path. It is an uphill paved path to the visitor center or steps are also available.
great_g, Sep 2026
This excursion is NOT for elderly or mobility challenged persons. Firstly you are expected to wait on the boardwalk under a makeshift tent with NO seats. My relatives in their 80's and 90's were asked to stay there and stand until others arrived.
We should have been dropped off at the designated marked handicapped dropoff area right in front of the visitor centre and park sign. Nope, the bus parked at the farthest spot with hardly any seats.
Next we were told the trail to the waterfall iis uneven and much rather than advertised. Many people were complaining coming back the other directions some gave up. It's far.
Connie_S, Sep 2026
I wish the bus driver would have told us more about the glacier and what to expect when we got there and less about herself. There were two paths, one to the glacier and one to the waterfall. We spent too much time getting to the waterfall and did not have the time or energy to get to the glacier. We are in our 70s and it was totally exhausting. I did not think we could make it back in time to catch the bus.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your visit was more exhausting than expected and that you felt you weren’t given enough information before arriving at the glacier.
We did want to clarify one point that may help future visitors as well. There is not currently a walking path that provides access directly to Mendenhall Glacier. The glacier has receded significantly over the years and is located across Mendenhall Lake. The primary viewing area is near the Visitor Center, while the separate Nugget Falls trail leads approximately one mile to the waterfall and offers additional views of the glacier from across the lake.
We appreciate your comments regarding the information provided by your driver. Our drivers are expected to help guests understand what to expect when they arrive, including the available trails, walking distances, and the importance of allowing enough time to return to the bus. We will use your feedback as a reminder to make sure this information is clearly communicated, particularly for guests who may have mobility or endurance concerns.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience.
Wendy_B, Sep 2026
Our driver Alicia was a native Alaskan and was able to share a wealth of knowledge with us. We learned so much about everyday life in this difficult part of the world. She was able to give us information about the things we were seeing that we may not have discovered any other way in such a short time.
Working with Viator was easy and I will use their service in future.
Duane_K, Sep 2026
We love Mendenhall Glacier and look forward to seeing its current state. Since my first visit in 1968 it has changed dramatically.
Jennifer_W, Sep 2026
A short bus ride out of town but yto far yo walk. Some great views of the Glacier and Waterfall. Nice viewing and visitor centre.
Phillip_F, Sep 2026
Bus trip 30 minutes from the cruise dock. Astounding views. Great experience.
Bus driver is a great character. Lots of fun. Pointed out the wildlife along the way. bald eagles.
Duane_B, Sep 2026
The ride on the bus was a bit nerve wracking. Archive drove the bus through town like it was a subcompact.
He was also a little late, which wouldn't be bad except it was raining very hard.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We take the safety of our guests and the operation of our vehicles very seriously. All of our buses are equipped with GPS speed tracking and onboard camera systems, which allow us to review concerns like this directly.
We would really appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your experience so we can identify the specific trip and review the vehicle data and footage. Please give us a call at 888-204-5301 at your convenience.
We apologize as well for the late arrival, especially given the heavy rain that day. Thank you again for bringing this to our attention.
Tracey_W, Sep 2026
Great way to get to the Mendenhall glacier.
Highly recommend.
Plenty of time to hike and take in the beauty of the glacier.
Karen_R, Sep 2026
The bus was very clean and comfortable. They were very organized and timely. Lexi was a great driver with plenty of information and very personable. There was plenty of time to explore the park. I highly recommend this tour.
Sylvia_B, Sep 2026
Beautiful place, not enough time to visit other sections of the park. Long walk to falls and Glacier. Need to include information and history on Juneau during your bus ride to and from the Glacier. Overall, we enjoyed it.
Annette_B, Sep 2026
Our driver, Alicia, was a local and very knowledgeable about the area. She pointed out places of interest on the drive to Mendenhall Glacier. Once we were dropped off at the parking area close to Mendenhall Glacier, Nugget Falls and Visitors Center the tour was self guided. The driver was prompt picking us up for our return to the port.
Jack_H, Sep 2026
I think this may have been over priced. It was not a guided tour is was just a bus ride to park and pick up two hours later for ride back. Almost certain we could have taken cab or uber for a drop off and pick up.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your feedback. Our Mendenhall Glacier Express is designed to provide comfortable, reliable transportation to and from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Area, including approximately two hours to explore the area at your own pace. This gives guests time to visit Nugget Falls, walk the trails, explore the visitor area, and enjoy the views without being tied to a guided group, but still being able to have a reliable pick up return, and a wonderfully narrated tour while transporting to and from.
We appreciate you joining us and hope you enjoyed your time at the glacier.
Lorrie_C, Aug 2026
Our guide Lexi was amazing. She kept us informed on places we passed and the area. She kept us laughing.
Jeffrey_K, Aug 2026
Well executed with great communication on where to meet. This tour was considerably less expensive than through the cruise ship. Well maintained bus with a great tour guide. Would use Viator again!
JILL_W, Aug 2026
It was very crowded so taking pictures was a bit of a wait for people to move out of the way. Thanks
Nicholas_Y, Aug 2026
Location and hike was amazing. Mendenhall Glacier should be on everyone's list to make a stop here. However, the cost of this trip and it is nothing more than a bus trip as a little disappointing. Our bus driver was great and the location is a must stop. Just grab an uber and save yourself some money.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your feedback and we are glad to hear you enjoyed your experience. Rideshare vehicles are not permitted to enter or pick up at the Mendenhall Glacier. Permits are strictly regulated by the United States Forest Service.
Nancy_L, Aug 2026
It’s easy for people with mobility issues. There are many options to view the Glacier.
You can go all the way out to view it or even view it from the visitor center
Susan_S, Aug 2026
Majestic. Very nice driver. The glacier is just beautiful, an easy trip for any traveler. Highly recommend for the value
Diane_W, Aug 2026
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.
Lori_J, Aug 2026
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.
Barbara_B, Aug 2026
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 Host, Aug 2026
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!
Ann_J, Aug 2026
The Mendenhall Glacier Express tour was just as advertised. A bus, with a fabulous driver/guide, took us to the Mendenhall Glacier, allowed up time to visit the area, and brought us back to our ship. It was exactly what we were looking for.
Kathleen_F, Aug 2026
We were looking for a short excursion while in Juneau and this was perfect. It was just under a 30 minute drive from the pickup point a short walk from where our cruise ship docked. We had two hours on our own to walk around the visitor center and walk some of the trails. Our driver was a native Alaskan, raised not too far from Juneau. He shared a lot of fun information with us.
Alistair_G, Aug 2026
It is only a coach transfer to the glacier which after being dropped off you get 2 hours to wander yourself before returning to coach to get returned to pick up spot
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your feedback. Our Mendenhall Glacier Express is designed to provide comfortable, reliable transportation to and from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Area, including approximately two hours to explore the area at your own pace. This gives guests time to visit Nugget Falls, walk the trails, explore the visitor area, and enjoy the views without being tied to a guided group, but still being able to have a reliable pick up return, and a wonderfully narrated tour while transporting to and from.
We appreciate you joining us and hope you enjoyed your time at the glacier.
Laura_R, Aug 2026
We had Kenny as our bus tour guide. Very entertaining, knowledgeable and friendly. The waterfall of Nugget Falls was spectacular. You could get right up to it. The glacier was understandably farther. You can only get to it via helicopter from what we were told. But if it is a clear non-foggy day you can see it clearly.
Polly_D, Aug 2026
Nice narrated bus ride to and from the glacier. Convenient pick up and drop off in town. We walked to Nugget Falls and also did the photo loop. The visitor center is very informative with a small gift shop. Definitely worth the trip. Our guide, Alicia, was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Kimberly_F, Aug 2026
They were very prompt on the times to pick up and drop off. We booked it off the cruise ship excursion and was extremely impressed. Aiden was amazing informing us the fun facts about Juneau as we went to Mendenhall Falls!
Joe_C, Aug 2026
Another great Viator experience. Easy pickup/dropoff to site. So beautiful even on a foggy misty day.
Likely to Sell Out
From $83.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Likely to Sell Out
Mendenhall Glacier Express
704
3 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$83.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Half-day Tours
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
- Bus Tours
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Outdoor Activities
- Private and Luxury
- Juneau
- Half-day Tours - Hoonah
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Hoonah
- Bus Tours - Hoonah
- Half-day Tours - Haines
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Haines
- Bus Tours - Haines
- Half-day Tours - Skagway
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Skagway
- Bus Tours - Skagway