Most people travel to Gustavus by a short jet, or charter air taxis from Juneau, Alaska's capital. An Alaska Airlines jet services our modern airport during the summer in the late afternoon. This flight connects north to Anchorage and south to Seattle and is the only jet airline service to Southeast Alaska.

During daylight hours, charter air taxis operate to Gustavus from Juneau and other communities in Southeast Alaska. Flight seeing, nature tour drop offs and pickups in remote areas and scheduled service to small communities in the northern panhandle are offered. A triangle tour including Skagway/Haines or Sitka, Juneau and Gustavus is an attractive time and money saver. Travellers may arrange a seat fare on an existing flight or charter the whole plane for their party of 4-6.

Local: taxi, car rental, bikes and walking will get you around our small system of roads (20 miles). The drive to the national park from the airport is 9 miles. Lodgings are spread throughout Gustavus, about 5 miles square, with the approach to the beach, river and airport centralizing most services and our city park. Numerous hiking trails are accessible to the public and the paved flat road is bike paradise. An area map is available for your personal explorations at local businesses.

Gustavus Airport is State-owned with jet capability. The airport has two asphalt runways: 6,700' and 3,010". Alaska Airlines has daily flights in the summer and there are many small planes, corporate jets and several air taxi services that use the airport. Float planes land at Bartlett Cove and there is a 10-mile local road connecting with the airport. Air traffic is relatively high during peak summer months. Cruise ships include the Bay in their itinerary but never dock.

Gustavus Dock is used by small charter boats regularly in the summer. The dock is loading only and heavy tackle is necessary for anchoring nearby. Private boats seek better anchorage in Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay National Park. Park Regulations limit the number of boats entering Glacier Bay, to protect the humpback whale habitat. Permits are required for boaters between June 1 and August 31, and may be obtained from the National Park Service (907-697-2268). Salmon River is tidal and has a small boat harbor and ramp for unloading freight and launching private craft. Kayaks may be rented with guides from the Gustavus Dock.

Because of the large number of tourists who arrive by boat or plane in the area, Gustavus is considered the Gateway to Glacier Bay National Park.

Getting Here