Ferry from Ketchikan to Juneau: Routes, Schedule, & Tips!

You can absolutely get to Juneau by ferry. In fact, it’s either that or by plane since Juneau isn’t accessible by road! The Alaska Marine Highway System provides a reliable ferry service between Juneau and dozens of other ports across the 49th state.

We love using ferry travel in Alaska since it’s a unique way to capture some incredible photos of the state’s coastline and increases your chances of spotting marine life, while simultaneously being a practical means of transportation!

The ferry ride from Ketchikan to Juneau typically takes around 20 hours. This duration, however, can be influenced by multiple factors, including weather conditions, the number of stops made along the way, and the specific ferry operating the route.

I mentioned this briefly above, but if you were hoping for a luxury cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage, then the local ferry isn’t the place to look.

Instead, do some research on the local cruise lines that travel between the ports you’re interested in (Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka are all popular ports).

The distance from Ketchikan to Juneau is approximately 240 nautical miles.

This distance is based on the most direct route through the Inside Passage, and the actual travel distance on the ferry may vary due to necessary detours around islands and other geographical features.

We’ll keep saying it: travel times and distances can also be influenced by weather and sea conditions.

The ferry service from Ketchikan to Juneau operates several times a week, although the frequency depends on the season and weather conditions.

During the summer months, there are typically more sailings to accommodate the increased demand from tourists. However, it’s always best to check the official Alaska Marine Highway System schedule for the most up-to-date information.

To find the cheapest ferry from Ketchikan to Juneau, be proactive and book your tickets well in advance! Prices tend to rise as departure dates draw near, especially during peak travel seasons.

We always monitor the Alaska Marine Highway System website for when tickets go on sale for our preferred dates and book them as soon as they become available.

You could also consider traveling during off-peak seasons or at less popular times, as tickets might be cheaper then. Lastly, if you’re a resident, senior, or active military personnel, check if you’re eligible for any discounts!

↪️Pro Tip: When you’re filling out the passenger information, make sure you mark everyone with their exact age. Seniors 65 or older and children between 6-11 often have significant discounts, and children 5 and under are often free!

If you want to know what the fees are for changing or canceling your reservation, click on the dropdown on the “Changes, Cancellation, & Refund” tab on their associated Travel Policies page.

The ferry from Ketchikan to Juneau can typically accommodate around 450 passengers with the addition of more than 80 vehicles.

However, the exact number may vary depending on the specific vessel operating the route. The Alaska Marine Highway System operates a fleet of ferries, each with different capacities.

Yes, the ferry from Ketchikan to Juneau does have a car deck. Vehicles can be transported on the Alaska Marine Highway System ferries, making it an ideal option for those who want to explore the scenic beauty of Alaska in their own vehicle.

The service is also useful for local residents who need to transport vehicles between islands.

However, it’s important to note that there are specific rules regarding vehicle transportation, so be sure to read the Marine Highway System’s vehicle reservation information to understand all the details and requirements of bringing your vehicle onboard (click the “Vehicles & Vehicle Categories” dropdown at the bottom of the list).

Yes, the Ketchikan to Juneau ferry does allow pets. However, there are certain rules you’ll have to follow. Pets are not allowed in the cabin areas and they must be kept in either your vehicle or the designated pet areas on the car deck for the duration of the journey depending on your specific vessel.

This was really hard for us emotionally the first time we brought our dog on a ferry (we didn’t bring her on the Ketchikan-Juneau ferry due to the time length), but you are permitted to visit and care for your pet under crew supervision almost any time you ask.

Our dog slept 90% of the time on a 2.5-hour ferry, plus if you’re extra worried, you can install an interior-view car camera before the journey to keep an eye on them!

20-21 hours on the ferry is a long time, so if you aren’t comfortable bringing your pet onboard, that’s perfectly understandable. If you know your dog can handle the journey without becoming stressed or sick, then you can review the Alaska Marine Highway System’s pet policy to ensure you comply with all requirements.

Being a pet owner ourselves, we weren’t comfortable bringing our pup on the ferry between Ketchikan and Juneau. It would be over 20 hours of having them alone with only a few feeding and bathroom breaks. We knew our dog would be uncomfortable with this, so we opted out.

↪️Pro Tip: If you’ll be traveling with your pet, we would suggest taking a road trip from Ketchikan up to Skagway then hopping on the 6-hour ferry with your pet! It’s much more humane and enjoyable for all who’ll be traveling.

Yes, there is a ferry service that runs from Ketchikan to Sitka provided by the Alaska Marine Highway System. The journey lasts between 3-4.5 hours on average, with the range owing to the region’s ever-changing weather patterns.

You can use the AMHS sailing calendar to see the most current schedule and prices for this route.

Onboard the Alaska ferry, accommodations vary based on the type of ticket you’ve purchased. If you have paid for a cabin, you will have a private or semi-private sleeping area. The cabins come in a range of sizes and configurations, and many have private bathroom facilities.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, reclining lounge seats are available, similar to what you might find on an airplane. Many travelers also opt to pitch a tent on the solarium deck for a truly unique overnight experience!

It’s important to note that amenities can differ from ship to ship, so be sure to check specifics when booking your journey if it’s ultra important that you have a specific type of sleeping quarter.

The AK State Ferry is generally considered comfortable, but it really depends on what you consider “comfortable” and how long you’ll be onboard for. There are usually decent seating options, cabins for overnight travel, and a lounge area where passengers can relax and enjoy the stunning Alaskan scenery.

There are also typically full cafeterias on longer journeys which provide hot meals, drinks, and snacks, while the solarium decks offers the unique opportunity to do some stargazing.

↪️Pro Tip: We’ve never had any issues on the local Alaskan ferries, but we’ve also slept in a tent for a month at a time and didn’t think much of it, so we can’t say that our opinion is exceptionally beneficial to you.

Generally, it’s recommended to bring along any extras you might need for comfort, such as pillows or blankets, especially if you’re planning on sleeping in the lounge area or on the solarium deck. Snacks, water, and things to do (i.e. book, puzzle, etc.), may also come in handy since 20 hours is a long time to look out the window!

While out on the open water, cell service can also be be non-existent, so download some games on your phone that don’t require internet service to operate. There are usually plenty of outlets onboard, but you likely won’t be able to access the internet until you reach port.

Yes, the Alaska State Ferry operates year-round, but the schedule can vary significantly between the summer and winter seasons, however.

During the busy summer months, ferries often run more frequently to accommodate the increase in travelers wanting to visit both Juneau and Ketchikan. On the other hand, during the winter months, the schedule is usually pared back, with less frequent departures.

Cold weather or severe conditions might lead to delays or cancellations, but rest assured, the ferry system makes every effort to maintain its operations throughout the year.