Hello!
We're taking a cruise and our cruise stops in Juneau. We're looking to hike Mendenhall Glacier, but would like to do it on our own, not with a tour. Does anyone know the best way to get there? I've read about a 'blue bus' and public transit. Our stop is short, from 7am-1:15, so I want to be sure we have solid transportation back so we don't miss it! Any recommendations? Thanks,
Angie

While doing it on your own wouldn't be difficult at all - w/ such a short port call I'd go w/ an excursion from the ship. Reason being -- if there is a problem or you are delayed they aren't going to wait for you. My cousin and I sat on our balcony watching two women (I'm assuming mother and daughter) literally screaming on the dock because they missed the cut off. If you are on a tour through the cruise line -- more expensive for sure - at least they take responsibility. But then, I'm pretty risk averse . . .

I normally would take the blue shuttle (not the city bus) but it only runs every 30-ish minutes and takes 30 minutes each way. A taxi would be faster since you wouldn't have to wait for the next shuttle.

You can pick up a bus right in town--they line up, so they're easy to find. Just ask when you get there. Actually, the whole thing was easy, since it's such a popular destination. - Musing About Cruising

When you get off the ship there will be two tour companies selling round trip bus tickets. I don't believe there is such a thing as a public bus or the 'blue bus' just these two companies.

The buses run frequently. You'll just want to ask whichever company what time you should head back and add in a cushion.

I would ask on cruise critic because there are probably already people who have been up this season and know what it costs and how often the buses are running.

Don't bother with the ships tour.

Take the "bus" outside the Mt Roberts tram station and pay for a return fare. Taxi is fine getting there but coming back would be a challenge as there is no taxi there unless you made advance arrangement.

Just returned from our visit there. The bus will pick you up at the ship and drive you to the bottom of the glacier. It's only about a 30 min walk from where the bus drops you off to the glacier so you will have plenty of time to visit and catch the same bus back.