Port information & tips for Ketchikan (AK)
Ketchikan is the picturesque gateway to Alaska's Inside Passage and welcomes travelers as the "Salmon Capital of the World" in a breathtaking natural setting. The city impresses with its authentic charm between dense rainforest and the Pacific, while magnificent totem poles tell of the rich culture of the indigenous people. Top highlights in the immediate vicinity include the historic Creek Street built on stilts, the fascinating Totem Heritage Center, and the exciting Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Cruise ships usually dock directly at the central Ketchikan Cruise Ship Docks at Berths 1 to 4. Thanks to this prime location, guests find themselves immediately in the heart of the city and can comfortably reach the most important sights within a few minutes' walk.
As the gateway to the Inside Passage, Ketchikan is a staple of Alaska cruises and impresses with its location directly on the Tongass Narrows. Ships dock either at the four central berths in the city center or at the modern terminal in Ward Cove, located about eleven kilometers north of the center.
Airplane
Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) is the central arrival point and is regularly served via Seattle (SEA) by Alaska Airlines. Since the airport is located on Gravina Island, travelers use the island ferry, which takes passengers to the mainland in about five minutes every 15 to 30 minutes, providing a direct connection to the city area.
Transfer & Shuttle
From the airport ferry terminal, you can easily reach the central berths 1 to 4 by taxi or after a short walk. For guests whose ships dock at the Ward Cove terminal, organized shuttle buses are available to ensure a smooth connection between the city center and the port area in about 20 minutes.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region and the time difference, an overnight stay before the start of the cruise is recommended. A stay in hotels along the Waterfront allows for a relaxed start to the trip and also offers the opportunity to visit the famous Creek Street and the nearby totem pole parks at leisure.
As the gateway to the Inside Passage, Ketchikan is a staple of Alaska cruises and impresses with its location directly on the Tongass Narrows. Ships dock either at the four central berths in the city center or at the modern terminal in Ward Cove, located about eleven kilometers north of the center.
Airplane
Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) is the central arrival point and is regularly served via Seattle (SEA) by Alaska Airlines. Since the airport is located on Gravina Island, travelers use the island ferry, which takes passengers to the mainland in about five minutes every 15 to 30 minutes, providing a direct connection to the city area.
Transfer & Shuttle
From the airport ferry terminal, you can easily reach the central berths 1 to 4 by taxi or after a short walk. For guests whose ships dock at the Ward Cove terminal, organized shuttle buses are available to ensure a smooth connection between the city center and the port area in about 20 minutes.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region and the time difference, an overnight stay before the start of the cruise is recommended. A stay in hotels along the Waterfront allows for a relaxed start to the trip and also offers the opportunity to visit the famous Creek Street and the nearby totem pole parks at leisure.
Ketchikan is a wonderful starting point for exploration thanks to its central location on the Tongass Narrows and offers you direct access to the historic city center.
On Foot
Most cruise ships dock at berths one to four, meaning you can reach the famous Creek Street and the center in just 5 to 10 minutes. The level walk takes you along the waterfront promenade directly to the most important sights and charming shops.
Free Shuttle Buses
The green Downtown Shuttle operates regularly during the season and connects the berths with the city's cultural highlights free of charge. In addition, comfortable transfer buses are available for guests arriving at the slightly more distant Ward Cove terminal for a convenient ride into the center.
Cape Fox Hill Funicular and Taxis
The prominent funicular at Creek Street transports you comfortably to the Cape Fox Lodge and rewards you with a wide view over the harbor. Taxis also wait directly at the terminal exits and allow you a flexible onward journey to attractions such as the Saxman Native Village or Totem Bight State Park.
To make the most of your stay in the lively salmon capital, we recommend exploring the historic core combined with the fascinating evidence of indigenous culture and the wild coastal landscape.
Creek Street
The historic promenade on stilts impresses with its rustic charm and colorful buildings on pilings; furthermore, thanks to its central location on the river, it is the ideal place for a leisurely stroll through small galleries and for observing the spectacular salmon run.
Saxman Native Village
The cultural center offers a fascinating insight into the traditions of the Tlingit thanks to one of the world's largest collections of elaborately carved totem poles; at the same time, the village is easily accessible from the harbor thanks to short transfer times.
Misty Fjords National Monument
This spectacular natural area can be perfectly explored on a flightseeing tour or a boat trip directly from the harbor and impresses with its majestic granite walls and deep blue waterways that lead deep into the untouched wilderness of Alaska.
Creek Street
Historic Creek Street is easily reachable within about ten minutes on foot from the piers and enchants visitors with its charming wooden houses built on stilts and a fascinating history right by the water. This picturesque boardwalk is perfect for a relaxed stroll and also offers first-class local galleries as well as cozy cafés with views of Ketchikan Creek. Thanks to its central location, the exploration can be ideally combined with the adjacent "Married Man’s Trail" to enjoy the idyllic nature and the sound of the water. It is best to visit Creek Street in the morning to experience the special atmosphere before the larger crowds of visitors arrive, and to return to the ship quite relaxed in the early afternoon.
Returning to the ship in Ketchikan is extremely straightforward thanks to the central location of the docking berths and well-organized shuttle connections.
On Foot
Since berths one through three are located directly in the city center, you can comfortably walk back to the pier from Creek Street or Front Street in just a few minutes. The path follows the waterfront promenade and is easy to find at any time thanks to clear signage and the striking silhouettes of the ships.
Shuttle Buses
The free Downtown Loop Bus runs at short intervals and takes you from destinations such as the Totem Heritage Center directly back to the vicinity of the terminals. For guests whose ship is docked at the more distant Ward Cove terminal, reliable transfer buses are available at the parking area near berth four, guaranteeing a punctual arrival at the ship.
Taxi
Centrally located taxi stands can be found at Eagle Park as well as directly at the port exits, enabling a quick return journey from excursion destinations like Saxman Native Village. The drivers are well aware of the current docking locations of the ships and will bring you back to the pier safely and promptly, thanks to the short distances within the city.
