Alaska Marine Highway Ferry from Juneau to Haines: Everything you Need to Know

The Alaska Marine Highway System has some of the most beautiful stretches of ferry routes in the world, and the ferry from Juneau to Haines / Skagway route is at the top of the list for amazing boat rides. Departing from the Auke Bay area of Juneau and proceeding northward to Haines before continuing onto Skagway, the AMHS provides both an efficient transportation option between these Alaskan ports and they’re a great alternative to seeing the Inside Passage on a cruise ship.

We’ve got the full scoop on the Juneau to Haines / Skagway Alaska Marine Highway System experience and tips to make it a fun trip on the ferry. If you have any questions about riding the ferry system or planning your time in Juneau or Haines, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great Alaska trip.

What’s the Ferry from Juneau to Haines Like?

Even though we use the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) as a means of transportation, it’s also a beautiful sightseeing experience. On shorter routes like this one, the ferry from Juneau to Haines, it’s great to enjoy the views from all sides of the ferry as you go. Every corner is another whale watching opportunity and there is no shortage of bald eagles either. The Juneau to Haines ferry is also wonderful for seeing porpoises, both Dall’s porpoise and harbor porpoises.

I tend to spend most of my time when we’re on the Alaska Marine Highway on the front of the ship because it’s just so beautiful. That’s weather dependent though. As you go, you also can watch for glaciers to the east and two lighthouses on the passage as well. There’s something to see all the time. When the weather gets iffy, there are still places you can be outside but be sheltered, so don’t let a little rain drown out your fun.

Inside there is lots of seating, both as booths and benches or theater style seating. The first to get on the ship will have their pick of seating, but there are several levels for passengers and plenty of seats. You’ll see a lot of people actually sitting out on the sundeck and even setting up their tents and camp chairs, but that’s not required, it’s just the hardcore Alaskan way to do things.

Should I Choose Alaska Marine Highway or Alaska Fjordlines?

Riding the ferry between Juneau and Haines is very different from doing the same route via the Alaska Fjordlines. On the ferry, they operate firstly as transportation and then getting to see wildlife and epic views is second to the ride. The Alaska Fjordlines, which connects Juneau to Haines and Skagway, is a walk-on only fast passenger ferry that serves equally as transportation AND sightseeing. With the Fjordlines they will adhere to their posted schedule, but then they’ll also make stops to watch whales and get you close to the shore to enjoy the many waterfalls. You’ll still make it to Auke Bay (Juneau) or the marina in Haines on time but you’ll have had a little extra time to see wildlife with it.

Which Boats do the Juneau to Haines Ferry Route?

There are three boats that go between Juneau and Haines / Skagway, but the ships can vary depending on maintenance and unforeseen circumstances. The primary ship servicing the day route between Juneau and Haines is the MV Hubbard. It’s a big boat and is very similar to the MV Coho that runs between Port Angeles, WA and Victoria, BC. The MV LeConte also goes between Haines and Juneau, but it is typically on a longer route with this leg being a part of a bigger passage, including overnight service.

The MV Columbia is the largest of the ships that go between Juneau and Haines. This big beautiful boat is one of the nicest and is the largest of the Alaska Marine Highway ships. While it’s usually running the longer routes, you can ride the Columbia as a day route. Its schedule is complex and it actually services Juneau, Haines, Skagway, Sitka, Petersburg, Wrangle, Ketchikan and Bellingham.

Tips for the Ferry from Juneau to Haines

While it’s a very easy ferry ride from Juneau to Haines or onto Skagway, it’s not just something you show up to and magically float away. Reservations, entertainment, snacks… there are important things to consider before you are on a boat for 6 hours or more. Planning is key to an enjoyable journey on the Alaska Marine Highway System no matter which route you’re traveling.

Driving onto the Alaska Marine Highway between Juneau and Haines

If you’re driving onto the Alaska Marine Highway in Juneau with the intent of having a vehicle in Haines or continuing onto the Klondike Highway (Skagway) or Haines Road to the Yukon and mainland Alaska, you’ll need to secure your vehicle reservation plenty in advance. Space is limited on the Alaska ferries, so the reservation system is very important for cars. Walk-on passengers should book in advance as well, but there’s a lot more flexibility, especially on a shorter route like the ferry from Juneau to Haines.

Do I need a Sleeping Cabin on the Ferry from Juneau to Haines?

Passage on the ferry between Juneau and Haines is only about 7 hours, so you don’t need to book a sleeping cabin for this short route. If you’ve been going non-stop and want to use the time onboard to rest, go ahead and book a cabin if you want to/can, but the sleeping cabins do come at a premium rate are aren’t that amazing. With the AMHS, you are always welcome to sleep nearly anywhere on board. People bring tents and sleeping bags and basically camp, including on shorter routes. You’ll see that it’s very mellow and you can just relax wherever suits you. The ferry from Juneau to Haines is beautiful and you’ll likely want to be able to keep your eyes open for at least a bit of it.

Things to Do on the Ferry from Juneau to Haines

I think the best thing to do when you’re riding the Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Juneau to Haines is just enjoy the views and watch for wildlife, but some people need more stimulation and busy time than that. I tend to wander the decks of the boat watching the water and mountains as we sail, but many people use the time onboard to read, work on their computers or even sleep. The atmosphere in the seating areas is such that any of these options will work just fine.

We travel with decks of cards, a cribbage board and usually our tablets to help pass the time, just because sometimes you need to engage with others or zone out. There are lots of tables to be able to play games with others, and if you’re traveling on your own, the community onboard is such that you’ll easily find somebody to play a round of cards with. There are also puzzles on the Alaska Marine Highway ships, although that’s not a guarantee. Many guests collectively work on puzzles and then leave them for the next route to complete.

If you’re feeling social, a great activity is hanging out outside with the people who’ve chosen to camp onboard or are just the jovial ferry-goers you so often meet on the Alaska Marine Highway. Much like the Southeast Alaska State Fair in Haines or the Open North American Dog Mushing Championship, the ferry feels like a wonderful and welcoming community. It’s the best of Alaska on display to engage with.

Dining on the Alaska Marine Highway: Hubbard and Columbia Ships

Depending on which boat you’re traveling on between Juneau and Haines the dining options may vary. For example, the Hubbard and the LeConte only have the cafeteria style galley with very limited offerings for breakfast and lunch, and then dinner is typically the same as lunch, but the Columbia has an actual dining room and can provide a nicer meal setting. You’re welcome to bring your own food onto the ferry, and if you have dietary restrictions or just don’t want simple cafeteria style dining, this is the best option.

I don’t love the offerings in the cafeterias on the ferries, but the cinnamon rolls in the morning can hit the spot. What I find is best is to go to the store the night before and get a selection of fruit and charcuterie to enjoy as a picnic when you’re on the ferry from Juneau to Haines or wherever you’re traveling.

Parking for the Ferry from Juneau to Haines

Getting to the Alaska Marine Highway Terminals in Juneau and Haines: For the ferry from Juneau to Haines / Skagway, you’ll be catching the Alaska Marine Highway in Auke Bay, about 20 minutes north of downtown Juneau. You need to arrive about an hour before your departure to ensure you’re properly ticketed, checked in and can get boarded in plenty of time. If you have a car that you’re NOT taking on the ferry, there is paid parking. It’s unlikely you’ll be leaving a car though unless you’re a Juneau resident (and then you already know all of this).

There is a bus that you can take from downtown Juneau to about a mile from the Auke Bay ferry terminal, but if that’s your plan be sure that the timing is correct and that you won’t miss your boat. Bus service DOESN’T go to the ferry terminal. You’ll still need a taxi from the last stop if you have any luggage, so it’s not easy. You can also take an Uber or taxi from downtown Juneau or the Mendenhall Valley if that’s your departure point. Also, you go to the FERRY TERMINAL, not the marina where Harv and Marv’s Whale Watching and the fishing charters leave from.

At the Haines end of the ferry route, it’s a bit different. It’s about 10 minutes from downtown Haines on Lutak Road that you’ll get the Alaska Marine Highway. At this ferry terminal you can either go to Juneau or Skagway. This is a smaller terminal, but it can be just as busy as Juneau, so plan your timing accordingly. If you don’t have a car, you can call the local taxi for a ride to the ferry, and you may even be lucky with getting a ride through your accommodations.

Note: during the Southeast Alaska State Fair in Haines there is a free shuttle provided between the ferry terminal and the fairgrounds. Check with the State Fair website before counting on their service. You can also call the Haines Shuttle at 907-766-3768.

Cost of the Alaska Marine Highway between Juneau and Haines

How much does it cost to ride the ferry between Juneau and Haines / Skagway? Good question! Here are the base fares for passage between these destinations:

• Adults 12-64 $60
• Children 6-11 $30
• Seniors 65+ $45
• Kids 5-0 FREE
• Vehicle (example of 15′ in length) $126

You don’t need to book a sleeping birth for this route because it’s only 7 hours, but if you think you want it, the Columbia is the only ship that currently does this route that has sleeping births (2026).

More Things to do in Haines

I feel like Haines is kind of this sort of secret spot on the Inside Passage. Most of the cruise ships go to Skagway or Icy Strait Point and completely miss Haines, which makes it wonderful and quiet. I love this town because there is lots to do and it’s beautiful. There are a few museums, you’ve got two state parks, lots of options for fishing, boat charters, LOTS of Chilkat Tlingit totem poles, art and more. Haines is the version of Alaska that I wish still existed all through the Inside Passage and up into South Central AK.

When you’re planning your visit to Haines and your activities, I think spending 3-4 nights is perfect. This gives you plenty of time to hike and enjoy the wildlife and rivers, but then also you can have time in town and up along the Haines Highway. Everyone has a different style of travel and activities they look for, and I think that’s what makes Haines such a good destination to visit.

Here are some of our recommendations for things to do in Haines: