Why is Juneau so isolated?

No other capital city lacks a highway connection to the outside world. Juneau can only be reached by air or sea. It is also the only capital city in the nation that borders another country, as the city and borough limits reach to the crest of the mountains to the east that constitute the international boundary.



People Also Ask

The absence of a road network is due to the extremely rugged terrain surrounding the city. This in turn makes Juneau a de facto island city in terms of transportation, since all goods coming in and out must go by plane or boat, in spite of the city's location on the Alaskan mainland.

MORE DETAILS

With no road access to Juneau, it is the only state capital in the United States that can only be reached by airplane or boat.

MORE DETAILS

Getting Around Town Downtown Juneau is very walkable, and you can get to many landmarks within 15 minutes from the docks. You can also explore at your own pace by renting a car. Don't want to worry about logistics so you can just sit back and enjoy the view? Bus tours, shuttles, and taxis are all options.

MORE DETAILS

Yes! Juneau's drinking water meets all the federal and state drinking water standards.

MORE DETAILS

This question, because of the specific requirements and details of “driving to”, and “not passing through Canada” has only one answer - NO, it is not possible! Cars/vehicles transit from the Lower 48 to Alaska all the time, but the ONLY WAY TO DRIVE THEM for that trip is to take the ALCAN, in whole or in part.

MORE DETAILS

While many people go to Mendenhall Glacier with a tour group or on a shore excursion, you can also get to the glacier on your own. You can take a taxi from Juneau, drive to the glacier with a rental car, or take the city bus to Glacier Spur Road and walk the rest of the way (1.5 miles).

MORE DETAILS