You might know that Juneau has no roads coming into town. Juneau is easily physically accessible via sea or air. The State-owned ferry is called the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) to indicate that water is a transportation system. Nearly one million passengers arrive each summer on cruise ships. About 40 miles of paved road provide local transportation only. Juneau residents own more vehicles than there are people; many here also own light planes, floatplanes, and boats. Local government operates Capital Transit, a bus service; several taxicab companies provide service.

Tour buses also take many cruise ship visitors to local sights and excursions. Alaska Airlines is now the only commercial jet passenger operator here (Western, successor Delta, and start-up Mark Air no longer providing service here), with service to Anchorage, Fairbanks, and most Alaskan communities over 3,000 population and to Seattle and beyond. Barge lines (Alaska Marine Lines, etc.) transport heavy freight; some freight also arrives via AMHS ferries or by jet.

Different jet carriers provide U.S. mail service. Some (relatively few) Juneauites bicycle to work even in inclement weather; many walk, hike, or ride bikes for sport or exercise. Local government did conduct a study to make it a more walk able community; many residents still use cars or pick-ups; four-wheel and front-wheel drives are popular, especially in winter weather. There are several motorcycle clubs.

Islands, waterways, avalanche hazards, steep slopes, extreme weather, wilderness and environmental protection concerns often make road construction and maintenance here difficult, costly, and sometimes impractical; these reasons explain why Juneau’s road system remains separate from the continental road network, except via AMHS ships. The State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities by press release of August 10, 2005, announced a partial road and fast ferry connection — East Lynn Canal Highway to the Katzehin River with shuttles to Haines and Skagway.

Local opinion on the matter remains decidedly mixed, with some seeing the road as a needed link between Juneau and the rest of Alaska, and others having concerns about the environmental, social, and economic impacts a road would have. Construction might have started as soon as 2007 on this 65-mile-long road, however permits have not been granted for the 16-mile section where the planned road traverses a Land Use Designation (LUD) II area in Berner’s Bay, protected by law to remain wild and road less forever. This road plan, announced under out-going Gov, Frank Murkowski, Gov Sarah Palin promptly withdrew after taking office in early 2007.

There are several glaciers near hiking trails (including the Mendenhall Glacier), one bridge to Douglas Island, and five main road termini. Floatplanes and helicopters offer glacier tours in summer; tourist may also ride dog sleds after landing on the glacier or ice cap. Various boat rides are also available. The Mount Roberts Tramway is an aerial tramway constructed with its base terminal on the cruise ship docks and its upper terminal on the southwestern ridge of Mount Roberts. Scheduled airline service is provided at Juneau International Airport. Seaplanes, floatplanes, and wheeled light planes also offer regular service to most other Southeast Alaska communities.

Air transportation is also important throughout Alaska. In 1996, one of every 58 Alaskans was a registered pilot – a rate six times higher than the rest of the country. Thanks to the commitment of Juneau’s major air carrier, Alaska Airlines, the Juneau International Airport - serving a local population of less than 35,000 - is equipped with more precise aids to air navigation than most cities with populations in excess of 200,000. The GPS (or Global Positioning System) computers installed on most of Alaska Airlines’ jets ensure safe and reliable air service to Alaska’s capital city.

Air North services Juneau year-round from Whitehorse, Canada three times a week via a 50-minute flight. Once you are in Juneau, there are a variety of regional airlines available for scheduled and chartered flights to our neighboring communities. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry system offers auto and passenger connections to Juneau. From the north, board the ferry in Skagway or Haines. From the south, board the ferry from Bellingham or Prince Rupert.

Ferry service is available all year, but during the summer, the frequency of service increases. The Alaska Marine Highway System provides daily service between Haines, Skagway and Juneau via the M/V Malispina. The marine highway’s newest addition the M/V Kennicott links the southeast ports to south central and western Alaska. Advance reservations are highly recommended. It is encouraged for travelers to use the on-line reservation system for the marine highway. This link provides several options for getting to Juneau and getting around upon arrival.