Closest Airports To Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park, located in Alaska, does not have an airport within the park boundaries. However, there are several nearby airports that provide access to the park.

The primary airport serving the region is Gustavus Airport, which is located about 10 miles from the park entrance. From Gustavus, visitors can take a short flight or a ferry to access the park’s wilderness and glacier-covered landscape. In this article, we will explore the various airport options available for those looking to visit Glacier Bay National Park.

Closest Airports to Glacier Bay National Park

Besides Gustavus Airport – which is admittedly a much smaller airport, the closest airports to Glacier Bay National Park are located in Juneau, Alaska.

Juneau International Airport (JNU) is the primary airport in that region, serving several airlines and offering connections to cities throughout the United States and beyond.

• Distance From Glacier Bay National Park: 95 miles
• Airlines Served: Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and more.

Hoonah Airport (HNH) is another smaller regional airport located near Glacier Bay National Park, but offers fewer flight options and connections compared to Juneau International Airport.

• Distance From Glacier Bay National Park: 30 miles
• Airlines Served: Alaska Seaplanes, Harris Aircraft Services

What To Expect On The Ride To Glacier Bay National Park

First off – there is no road access to Glacier Bay National Park from the airports, so you’ll be taking a combination of scenic drives and a ferry to get to the park.

The drive from Gustavus Airport to the Glacier Bay Lodge takes about 10 minutes, and it’s a stunning ride through a forested area with glimpses of the ocean along the way. From there, you can take a scenic drive along Glacier Bay Road, which runs parallel to the park’s coastline. The road is only 10 miles long but offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and ocean.

At the end of the road, you’ll be taking a ferry to explore the park’s glaciers and fjords. The Glacier Bay Lodge offers a variety of ferry tours, ranging from half-day to full-day excursions, that take you up close to the park’s impressive glaciers and wildlife. During the ferry ride, you can expect to see towering glaciers, icebergs, and a variety of marine wildlife, including humpback whales, sea otters, and seals.

Overall, the drive and ferry to Glacier Bay National Park are both incredibly scenic and offer a unique opportunity to see some of the most stunning natural landscapes and wildlife in Alaska.

What Is the Closest City to Glacier Bay National Park?

Glacier Bay National Park is located in Southeast Alaska and is not easily accessible by car. The closest major city to Glacier Bay National Park is Juneau, the capital city of Alaska.

Juneau is a vibrant city with many outdoor activities to offer. You can go on a whale-watching tour, a fishing trip, or hike one of the many trails in the Tongass National Forest. Juneau also has a number of museums and cultural attractions, including the Alaska State Museum, the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, and the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

There are many lodging options in Juneau, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Some of the best restaurants in Juneau include the Salt restaurant, SALT, In Bocca al Lupo, and Tracy’s Crab Shack, which is known for its fresh seafood.