Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into JNU, drive to Inside Passage
24 min drive10 milesReservations: moderate
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- JNU
Airport drive- 24 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 7–10 days
Reservation demand- Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes- Standard cars suffice in Juneau or Ketchikan, but regional travel is by boat/plane; check rental policies regarding ferry transport.
Your route
JNU
Juneau International Airport
Inside Passage
About 24 min · 10 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to JNU
Compare fares into Juneau International Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at JNU
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Inside Passage. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at JNU
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Inside Passage
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
Regional Water Transport and Wilderness Access
Travelers must distinguish between the Alaska Marine Highway System (ferries), which require months of lead time for cabins or vehicle space, and Glacier Bay National Park, which uses a permit system for private vessels. Commercial day tours and backcountry permits for Admiralty Island bear viewing are separate bottlenecks. Always verify current schedules with the Alaska Department of Transportation and the National Park Service.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
May – September
Your route
Day 1 · Glacial Giants and Rainforest Vistas
Mendenhall Glacier → Mount Roberts Tramway
Day 2 · Fjords and Maritime Wildlife
Tracy Arm Fjord → Five Finger Lighthouse
Day 3 · Russian Colonial History and Tlingit Heritage
Sitka National Historical Park → St. Michael's Cathedral
Viator
Tours & experiences near Inside Passage
Explore guided activities around Inside Passage. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Inside Passage
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Cool-weather stops
Thermal Neck Gaiter · 2-pack
For cold or windy stops. Confirm fabric, fit and the two-pack variant at the store.
Small-item splash protection
2L Dry Bag
For small items near water; check closure instructions. Not a flotation or safety device.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Inside Passage?
Juneau International Airport (JNU) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from JNU to Inside Passage?
Roughly 24 min (about 10 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Inside Passage?
Travelers must distinguish between the Alaska Marine Highway System (ferries), which require months of lead time for cabins or vehicle space, and Glacier Bay National Park, which uses a permit system for private vessels. Commercial day tours and backcountry permits for Admiralty Island bear viewing are separate bottlenecks. Always verify current schedules with the Alaska Department of Transportation and the National Park Service.