Search
Close this search box.

What You Need to Know about the Juneau Cruise Port: Taxis, Glaciers, & How to Dress

A photo of Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska

About the Juneau, Alaska Cruise Port

Juneau is home to both the Alaskan state capital and one of the state’s busiest cruise ports, which is officially named “Port Juneau”. This port, along with Ketchikan and Skagway, comprise 80 percent of Alaska’s passenger visits, and it’s a great port to visit because downtown Juneau is pedestrian-friendly and adjacent to the port, with lots to do and see.

Free Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska

The town of Juneau is easily walkable from the cruise port, and there are several great shops, bars, and restaurants to visit on foot. The Travel Juneau organization provides a downtown map for cruisers interested in exploring on foot. There are several free activities in Juneau, many of which aren’t too far by taxi from the port, including Nugget Falls (20 minutes), the National Shrine of St. Therese (32 minutes), and Eagle Beach (38 minutes).One of the most popular Juneau destinations, Mendenhall Glacier, is free in the winter season and costs just a $5 entrance fee per person (ages 16+) during peak season. Cruisers should note that if you take a taxi from Juneau cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier, many drivers will pressure you to purchase your admission from them directly at a higher cost, sometimes upwards of $17 per person.  

Cuddling a sled dog in training in Juneau, Alaska

Resist these efforts and instead purchase your admission at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The glacier is approximately 23 minutes by taxi from port and a taxi runs approximately $35 each way. Cell service in this area is spotty, so cruisers should consider making return transportation plans with their driver at drop-off.

Juneau Port Taxis

Uber is an option in Juneau, and there is a bustling taxi stand right at the port, with drivers at the ready-to-take cruisers to popular local destinations. The city sets the cost of a taxi in Juneau, with a meter drop of $3.40 and a $2.20 per mile charge. Many taxis provide shared transportation as a more affordable option, particularly to popular destinations such as Mendenhall Glacier.

Best Excursions in Juneau, Alaska

Alaska cruise excursions are generally more expensive than other itineraries. While this is a great port to explore on foot, here are some of the best things to do in Juneau, outside of town:

Weather in Juneau

Like most other popular Alaska cruise ports, Juneau is generally rainy and cool with precipitation falling 230 days out of the year, so dressing in layers is advised. Juneau has a Subarctic-Maritime climate and is milder than other parts of the state.  During peak Alaskan cruise season (May-September), daytime highs can range from the low 60’s to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Juneau Cruise Port Ship Schedule

Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska (CLAA) publishes the Juneau cruise ship schedule on its website

Juneau, Alaska Time Zone

Keeping track of time zones can get complicated when cruising, especially for Alaskan cruise itineraries where multiple time zone changes can occur on one sailing. Your captain will make announcements during the cruise to update you on these changes, but it’s good to be aware of these differences ahead of time when making plans for your stop at the port, especially for excursions. Juneau’s time zone is Alaska Daylight Time (ADT), which is one hour behind Pacific Time.  

Other Things to do in Juneau
ABOUT ME
Professor Melissa!

Welcome!

Hey there… I’m Professor Melissa. I’m a travel enthusiast who, for too long, let work dominate my life. In recent years, I’ve prioritized pursuing one of my biggest passions — traveling, and I’ve found cruising to be the most affordable and enjoyable way to do that. As an educator (yes, I am an actual university professor), I find joy in sharing with others what I learn along the way.

FOLLOW ME ON

The Ultimate Cruise Guidebook

More Posts

What You Need to Know About Taino Bay: Lazy River and Free Things to Do

The Taino Bay cruise port is located in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, and is pronounced (pronounced Ty-ee-no) Bay.

Getting to Port

If you live close to your departure port, you may drive there, in which case you’ll need to determine where

Subscribe to my cruiseletter for great cruise content delivered straight to your inbox

Sign up to Receive My Newsletter

Drop in your email here to catch up with all of my latest cruise updates and recommendations. As a special bonus, once you sign up you’ll receive my Ultimate Cruise Packing Guide FREE!


Subscription Form for body section

This will close in 0 seconds

Scroll to Top
Get my FREE Cruise Packing List & Planning Guide

Sign up for my weekly cruiseletter for insider tips and info.