Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour

The Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour provides visitors with a convenient and scenic way to experience the grandeur of the Mendenhall Glacier. Offering round-trip transportation, informative commentary, and ample time to soak in the stunning views, this two-hour excursion caters to those seeking a hassle-free glacier exploration. With prices starting at $83 per person, the tour promises an immersive encounter with one of Alaska’s most iconic natural wonders. But the true delight lies in the journey itself, where travelers can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder.

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Tour Overview

The Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour offers visitors a convenient way to experience the stunning Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska.

The tour costs from $83 per person and accommodates up to 50 travelers. It provides a 2-hour self-guided visit at the glacier, with roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

The tour is stroller accessible, but not wheelchair-friendly, and infants must sit on laps. Travelers receive confirmation upon booking and can cancel for free up to 24 hours prior.

The tour includes informative commentary from the driver and access to the glacier’s visitor center, offering a hassle-free glacier exploration.

Transportation and Meeting Information

Visitors take an air-conditioned vehicle with narrated roundtrip transportation to reach the Mendenhall Glacier. The meeting point is the waterside of the Gold Belt Tram building in Juneau, Alaska.

Travelers should arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. During the bus tour, a driver/guide provides commentary. However, a tour guide isn’t allowed at the glacier per the USFS Permit.

The tour returns to the original meeting point at the end of the excursion. The transportation and meeting logistics aim to provide a seamless way for visitors to access the glacier and enjoy the scenic journey.

Looking for more options in Juneau? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Scenic Highlights

As visitors arrive at the glacier, they’re greeted by stunning panoramic views of the Mendenhall Glacier and the surrounding natural landscape.

The towering, ice-blue glacier dominates the scene, while the roaring Nugget Falls cascade nearby. Informative commentary from the drivers provides context about the glacier’s formation and significance.

Travelers can explore the visitor center to learn more about the glacier’s history and ecology.

The overall scenic experience leaves a lasting impression, allowing visitors to appreciate the raw power and beauty of this natural wonder.

Visitor Experience

Many travelers find the overall visitor experience of the Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour to be quite enjoyable.

The overall visitor experience of the Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour is quite enjoyable for many travelers.

The tour offers informative commentary from the drivers, who often add a touch of humor. Visitors appreciate the cleanliness and comfort of the air-conditioned bus. The tour also provides an opportunity to meet other travelers.

While there have been some complaints about the bus being late or overcrowding during pickup, the majority of feedback is positive.

The tour is recommended for its stunning scenery and easy access to the glacier, making it a popular choice for those visiting Juneau.

Traveler Feedback

While the majority of traveler feedback on the Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour is positive, there are a few areas of concern that have been mentioned.

Passengers have praised the stunning scenery, entertaining drivers, and smooth check-in process.

However, some complaints include the bus being late, lack of historical information, and overcrowding during pickup.

Travelers have suggested implementing a tracking system to ensure passengers board the correct bus.

Recommendations

The Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour is a recommended option for visitors looking to experience the stunning natural beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier.

It offers an easy and convenient way to explore the glacier, with comfortable transportation and informative commentary from the drivers.

While the city bus is a more budget-friendly alternative, it involves a longer walk and potential wait times, making the tour a more efficient choice.

However, it’s important to plan ahead, as the tour can be popular and crowded during peak seasons.

There's plenty more to explore in Juneau

Alternatives

For those looking to visit the Mendenhall Glacier on a tighter budget, the city bus offers a more affordable alternative to the Express Tour.

At only $2 per person, the city bus provides transportation to the glacier’s visitor center. However, this option involves a longer 3-mile round trip walk and potential wait times for the return journey.

Travelers should plan ahead and ensure they leave enough time to catch the last bus back, as missing it could lead to unexpected costs.

While less convenient, the city bus can be a viable option for those on a limited budget.

The Sum Up

The Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour offers a convenient and affordable way to explore the stunning Mendenhall Glacier. With roundtrip transportation, informative commentary, and the opportunity to admire the glacier and Nugget Falls, this self-guided tour is an excellent choice for those seeking to experience the natural beauty of the area without the complexities of navigating the city. It’s an ideal option for visitors looking to make the most of their time in Juneau.