Were taken the Blue bus and the white bus numerous times without any problems. Thanks. The buses run less frequently after 5pm and that on the weekends, the buses run a very limited schedule! The first bus to the Glacier had small seats, but we fit myself, my husband, and our toddler in one seat. The driver on the return trip gave us the option to get off in town near The Red Dog Saloon (which we did - browsed and shopped as we walked back to the NCL shuttle pick up point). My daughter and I took a bus over to it when our helicopter glacier ride was canceled. The bus was clean and spacious. Our total cab fare back was $36 including tip. If you're thinking you would take a cab out and back anyway, perhaps you don't need to decide until the day of your visit to Juneau? The visitor center and the areas around it are wheelchair accessable. Glad it worked for you! Again, we have all day so no need to fuss. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Aso is one of the areas you should not miss when visiting Kumamoto. Blue Bus runs to and from the Glacier every 30 minutes on all ship days. It's right in front of the Mt. I love this site, and in September we will probably take the tour bus from the port out to see the glacier. The counterclockwise route would be shorter going to the glacier and the clockwise route the shortest returning. There are short hiking trails that get up close to the glacier. There are tour vendors everywhere selling all sorts of tours. All rights reserved. Very informative, Enjoyed hearing the history of the mine, and it was a fairly quick and easy shuttle to the mine from the cruise shi, My husband and i very much enjoyed this tourwe were picked up and driven to the mine by a very hospitable and know, This was a very interesting tour even if you don't think you are interested in mining. How would you compare Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau with Exit Glacier in Seward? We call that the Anytime Express. There was a long line with no obvious signage to direct passengers to the correct meeting space for THEIR shuttle. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Amazing places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! Learn of our black bears whales and bald eagles. There are taxi stands outside the Red Dog Saloon, near the Fisherman's Memorial, near the restrooms on the Franklin Dock and on the AJ dock. 08:03 AM. Thrilled you were here with us! Thank you for taking the time to share. The visitor center was just okay. The national forest service imposes a five dollar fee for entry into the visitor center but that fee is included in the cost of your tour. Ive never bern there! Mendenhall Glacier is stunning and the trail to the waterfall scenic as well. I went on this trip and enjoyed very much but I like history too. There is a pond below making the area a beautiful and scenic spot great for sightseeing. "The Blue Bus" is a no frills direct express trip to the Mendenhall Glacier. All rights reserved. we just returned from our trip. Skip the hassle of a rental car and admire views during the bus journey to the glacier. For me and the torture I would put my husband through! The city bus drops you off about a mile from the Visitor Center. The second arrived and literally 3 minutes later another blue bus showed up. But, better signage and scheduling would make it better. I think 4pm is the last bus tour. Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. The driver was friendly and informative. Still the best value to Tongass National Forest and Mendenhall Glacier. Hiking to the Falls at Mendenhall Glacier sounds great but I can not find any information about this trail when I look at the Visitor Center Trail information http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/mendenhall/map.html. If you are going through the tunnel to Whittier. Aso, Japan's largest volcano. Very informative information there. Our driver was assigned the route last minute and he didnt have the narration script so he improvised. Routes 3 or 4 are the ones toward the glacier. It was a canoe on the lake (you will be paddling! If you click on the text you'll see a picture of a typical bus. Then in Skagway we are doing a 7 hour Glacier Point Wilderness Safari Adventure. The Blue Bus runs from 8 AM to 6 PM on MOST DAYS! Very easy to find the bus, right where the cruise ship shuttle boats docked! Add Cruise Critic's Community Forums to your iPhone's Home Screen! Pickup and drop off is conveniently located at the cruise ship terminal next to the Goldbelt . Is the $7 bus the blue bus or is it something different. However, we were led to believe we could spend extra time at the glacier and continue with the next bus, but were only allowed to board a shuttle bus back, zero narration, zero information. The Blue Bus trip to the Mendenhall Glacier was excellent. It was a large and extremely well-fortified castle. Didnt know Walmart failed in Juneau after 6 years because the locals banded to support the local family owned business-Fred Myers and Safeway Supermarket. I read there are shuttles that can take you from the dock to the Tram station where all the buses are so you don't have to walk as far. How do I get from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area the fastest? Jun 26, 2023. The knowledgeable guides will narrate about historic Juneau, gold mining and wildlife on your drive to and from the Glacier. But, better signage and scheduling would make it better. If you have an opportunity to use a vendor from your cruise line I would go that route. The earler you can go out to the Glacier the better, crowd wise. The first 2 shuttles to arrive were overcrowded so my family of 5 had to wait more than 45 minutes. Perhaps your friend could check out the Visitor Center, take the short trail at their own pace, while you do a different trail? Great bus tour and guide. I wouldnt book this company again nor recommend them. Dep. Pay the 45.00 and take the Blue Bus - worth every penny. Great way to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise ships! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The visitor center was just okay. You can take a bus trip through your cruise line, but they charge more & really don't give you enough time to see everything. Take your chances upon your arrival to find a cab at the stand, ask if they are permitted to go to the glacier and then get in and go! http://www.mightygreattrips.com/se_alaska_shore_excursions.htm, http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/mendenhall/map.html, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app, 141 reviews of this activity. I consider this just a ride to Mendenhall Glacier as I found the staff unprofessional and snarky. All NCL Bliss passengers MUST RETURN on the 9:30 AM, For return bus we have to wait long time. Nagasaki is the second city of Japan that is suffering atomic bomb attacked after Hiroshima during . What is the The Blue Bus Glacier Express Is a fully narrated trip to the Mendenhall Glacier cancellation policy? We did it this past Aug, there are multiple booths to buy tickets, the pickup is right at the parking lot for the tram. Latitude: 58.49583. Easy to find the blue bus. We got a narrated history, inside scoop and a a super driver. Whether you love nature, culture, food, or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you. Thank for your reply! Maybe we should schedule a taxi. Five of us paid a total of $175 dollars for a round trip tickets to the glacier and back and we were drive there in an old school bus and abandoned there to find our own way back to town. (There are several shuttles at the same meeting point.) The Blue Bus was the least expensive way we found to get to Mendenhall Glacier, and it was well worth the trip. Very uncomfortable and not practical for adults. As an aside, The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center in Ketchikan is also included in the National Park Pass and a short walk from the dock. The bus was clean and spacious. Be aware, when ships arrive and offload, it can be crazy busy! My calculations show that if you book 2 cabs to carry 15 people, the cost round trip would be around $140 ($35x4). https://www.mmtoursofjuneau.com/land-tours, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. That being said, I was able to take some amazing picsbefore the rain startedso I'm glad we saw it. This bus stop is about 1.2 miles from the glacier visitor center. Is it wheelchair friendly around the Mendenhall glacier area? If you are in a hotel or any part of Juneau you can also try to grab a Uber, Lyft or Taxi. This was an economical way to get a tour of Juneau and a ride to the glacier. We walked around Juneau first, then got on the bus for a more extensive tour and ride to the glacier. We cruise a fair amount and when there is a cheaper way, we usually take it. 07:33 AM. I wonder if their actual website would tell you if there is a parking fee? Buses leave every 30 minutes on most days (check the schedule for times). We have done the Blue Bus out to Mendenhall glacier a couple of times. We didn't get to walk to the waterfall but it was beautiful. You have wear a hard hat, Interesting to see how mining takes place and we learned a lot of respect for how hard it Staff super friendly and. How long can you spend at the Glacier ??? Vacation rentals in United States of America, Vacation packages in United States of America, Cancel your hotel or vacation rental booking. Price per person roundtripThis is our no frills experience offering direct transportation 14 miles from downtown to the Mendenhall Glacier. View in a map Activity location Mendenhall Glacier Mendenhall Valley Juneau, Alaska, United States Meeting/Redemption Point 490 S Franklin St 490 South Franklin Street 99801, Juneau, Alaska, United States read more, We booked a Whale Watching/Mendenhall Glacier Tour with M&M Tours while in Juneau aboard the NCL email customer support at marriott-activities@placepass.com or call us at 857-706-1976. Glacier Express Blue Bus to Mendenhall Glacier Juneau AK When in Juneau Alaska, a must see is the Mendenhall Glacier! The knowledgeable guides will narrate about historic Juneau, gold mining and wildlife on your drive to and from the Glacier. More information about our verified reviews, Get helpful alerts about flight status and gate numbers, Access all your travel details, even when offline, Easily contact your hotel by messaging them right in the app. The Blue Bus Glacier Express Is a fully narrated trip to the Mendenhall Glacier price starts from C$60.24. If public bus runs frequently and not far from our destination. Which attractions will I visit with The Blue Bus Glacier Express Is a fully narrated trip to the Mendenhall Glacier? The glacier was awesome and the (easy) walk to Nugget Falls was worth it. You choose when you want to go and you choose when you want to come back.