If you are on an Alaska cruise and are looking for Juneau excursions it is likely that a trip to Mendenhall Glacier is on your mind. I mean, how can you be that close to a glacier and not take a moment to appreciate its stunning beauty? Allow me to be your travel guide as we discuss one of my favorite budget-friendly spots, Mendenhall Glacier. If you are looking for Juneau Alaska things to do, you can also take your whole family on a Mendenhall Glacier shore excursion without overspending. Come with me as we explore “How to Visit Mendenhall Glacier on a Budget”.

How to Travel on a Budget

No matter if you arrived in Juneau, Alaska by plane or by cruise ship, this stunning location is just a stone’s throw away. To explore on a budget, it’s essential to identify methods for reducing your costs. If we simply go along with the crowd, we might discover that it leads us to spend more of our hard-earned cash.

Don’t hesitate to think creatively and carve your own path to your destination. Although it might seem simple to have someone guide you on an excursion, it often takes longer to arrive, and your time is constrained by their schedule. Traveling on a budget requires some time spent planning ahead to save money before your trip.

What does it Cost?

Cruise ships can be one of the priciest options for visiting Mendenhall Glacier. Typically, cruise companies charge around $90 for each adult and about $50 for each child. Additionally, the entry fee for the destination is usually separate, which in this case is just $5 per person. Therefore, a family of four using the cruise lines to visit Mendenhall Glacier would end up spending approximately $300.

As mentioned earlier, the fee to visit Mendenhall Glacier is only $5 per person. One way to save some cash is by taking a taxi from the Juneau Cruise Port. I discovered that most taxis charge around $90 for a round trip. This would bring your total to $110. That is a savings of $190. Even if the taxi fare happens to be slightly higher, you would still spend less than the cruise cost and will not be dependent on the excursion.

One more budget-friendly option to explore Mendenhall Glacier is by using the public bus. A round-trip ticket costs $4 per person, which means a family of four would spend a total of $36. Keep in mind that the bus stop is over a mile away from the park entrance. The journey on the bus takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes, followed by a walk. Therefore, if you have the time, this choice is ideal for saving some money.

If you have a rental car like I did, you can take a Juneau Alaska drive, to visit the glacier. This was the simplest way for me since I arrived by plane in Juneau. Driving is an excellent choice if you plan to spend a day or more in Juneau. It gives you the opportunity to explore much more of the stunning surroundings that you might miss otherwise.

Mendenhall Glacier Vlog

Take a look at the video above to witness the stunning Mendenhall Glacier alongside Nugget Falls. I truly hope this video motivates you to experience this beauty firsthand. If a trip to Juneau, Alaska is not in your plans, I hope you can still appreciate the views I have captured. After reading this and watching the video above, you are now equipped as a Juneau, Alaska travel guide, having learned how to visit Mendenhall Glacier on a budget.