Parks Manager

Getting to Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park sits in AK, United States, with Haines the nearest town of any size — about 75.3 mi (121 km) out, or roughly 2 hr 14 min of driving.

Towns to base yourself in

Towns nearest Glacier Bay National Park
TownDistanceEstimated drive
Haines75.3 mi (121 km)2 hr 14 min
Skagway89.4 mi (144 km)2 hr 34 min
Juneau94.4 mi (152 km)2 hr 41 min
Sitka117 mi (189 km)3 hr 14 min
Petersburg190 mi (305 km)4 hr 56 min
Wrangell222 mi (357 km)5 hr 42 min
Craig254 mi (409 km)6 hr 28 min
Ketchikan297 mi (478 km)7 hr 29 min

How to read these numbers

Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.

Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.

Region pages

Common questions

What is the closest town to Glacier Bay National Park?

Haines, about 75.3 mi (121 km) away — roughly 2 hr 14 min of driving.

Where should I stay when visiting Glacier Bay National Park?

The practical bases are Haines, Skagway, and Juneau — all within a reasonable drive of the park.