Getting to & Around Gustavus, Alaska

To get to Gustavus, Alaska, you have 2 basic choices of transportion: Plane or boat.

Air options include the only jet service that regularly schedules flights into town (during the summer months only) - Alaska Airlines- as well as the many Charter planes that service the area.

There are also a few options via Charter boat.

Since Gustavus is a peninsula, with Glacier Bay National Park surrounding the town from the landside, THERE ARE NO ROADS THAT WILL GET YOU HERE. That's part of the magic of this community...

There is, however, a small and simple "road system" in Gustavus. It basically consists of one main road that goes from the airport to the lodge headquarters at Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay park, with several smaller roads branching off. The main road is about 75% paved, the rest of all the connecting roads dirt and gravel.

See our Gustavus map for details!

By Jet

The only large carrier that flys to Gustavus direct is Alaska Airlines.

They only fly their jets for a few select months during the summer, so advance ticketing is suggested. You can get the best deals with a minimum of a two-week notice.

For information regarding Alaska Airlines reservations and information, call: (800) 426-0333 or visit their website.

Gustavus.com highly recommends trying our Booking Wiz flight comparison tool to save money on your flight to Alaska!

Charter Planes

The other choices of air charters that fly to Gustavus are listed below.

Most flights originate from Juneau, however some companies offer flights from other Alaskan towns such as Ketchikan, Sitka, Haines, Skagway and Hoonah. Most of these air charters also provide FLIGHTSEEING around Glacier Bay National Park.

Air Excursions

P.O. Box 16 - Gustavus, Alaska 99826
Phone: (907) 697-2375 in Gustavus, (907)789-5591 in Juneau, or toll free in Alaska- (800) 354-2479
Contact and owner: Michael Loverink

E-Mail & Reservations

Charter Service throughout Southeast Alaska. Passengers, freight, sightseeing tours and float charters.

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Fjord Flying Service

P.O. Box 48 - Gustavus, Alaska 99827
Phone: (907) 697-2377
Contact and owner: Chuck Schroth

E-Mail & Reservations

(note: Chuck's so busy flying he doesn't regularly check his emails... He much prefers a phone call!)

Comfortable, high wing Cessna 206, providing passenger service, charters and tours in Southeast Alaska. Local service, custom charters, and flightseeing tours of Glacier bay and Juneau icefield. Frequent flights to Juneau, Hoonah, Skagway, Sitka, and Haines.

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More Charter Listings...

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By Boat

An interesting alternative to flying to Gustavus if you have the time (and money) is to travel by boat...

Other than the ferry service running to Gustavus during the summer months, (see details below), these boating alternatives come in the form of "custom charters".

Although Juneau is not a normal charter route for most of the boats in Gustavus, some of them may be willing to work out a custom deal with you.

See the following links for charter boat companies: sportfishing charters, or Glacier Bay sightseeing & "tour"- related charters.

Ferry Service

In 2006 there was NO FERRY SERVICE, either private or commercial, RUNNING TO GUSTAVUS, from anywhere, for any price.

In late May of 2007, Glacier Bay Lodge and Tours (Aramark) began running a ferry between Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay (where the lodge is located) and Auk Bay (10 miles outside of Juneau).

Here is the ferry schedule and information for 2008:

Experience the Glacier Bay Ferry!

• Scheduled service operates on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays departing Bartlett Cove at 4:30 PM and arriving at Auke Bay at 7:30 PM. It then returns to Bartlett Cove at 8:00 PM arriving at 11:00 PM.

• Conveniently timed for passengers departing Juneau on Alaska Airlines scheduled services, the Glacier Bay Ferry allows ample time to reach the airport for transportation home.

• The fare is $75 one way/ per person and no limit on freight. (no vehicles).

Call 888 229-8687 for more details and to purchase tickets.


FYI: There's the possibility that an Alaska State Ferry might eventually make Gustavus a port of call, but only time will tell. (Check out the link for other ferry ports of call throughout Alaska.)

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Getting Around Gustavus

Once you arrive in Gustavus, you'll need to get from the airport to wherever it is you're staying... Most of the lodges and guesthouses will provide shuttle services to pick you up, provided they know when to expect you.

In the event that you arrive without having made arrangements with your lodge, then you have a few simple choices to make: Walk, hitchhike, or call a taxi. Taxi services are friendly and courteous and quite knowledgeable about the community.

After you're situated at wherever it is you're staying, getting around Gustavus is easy and fun. If you're feeling energetic, walking or bikeriding FROM anyplace TO any place in Gustavus is possible. Its only a matter of a few miles to just about any business, with the exception of some lodges and Glacier Bay park, which is approximately 9 miles away.

You could also rent a car here, (unlimited mileage!) or call a taxi, but most guests just prefer to borrow a bike to get around town.... or put out your thumb.

Even if you are just out for a walk someone will most likely ask you if you want a ride..... Just don't forget to wave at everyone you pass. If you don't, they will know you aren't from Gustavus!

Taxis & Rental Cars