KetchikanAlaska - Ketchikan Visitors Bureau

Before you go:
Ketchikan has so much to
offer that you might not want
to leave – just ask some of our
residents who “came for a
visit.” While cruise passengers
are typically in port for six to
eight hours, air and ferry
travelers have more flexibility
in planning their stays. A 3 to
4-day visit will acquaint you
with our island and provide
time for sightseeing and some
activities. You’ll want to plan
additional time in town for
side trips to neighboring
islands and day tours. If
you are planning a remote
getaway to a fishing lodge
or backcountry adventure,
consider adding a few days to
your stay to see more of what
makes our town a great
destination.
Ketchikan is a popular destination
May through September,
and as such, requires some
advance planning to make the
most of your visit. Transportation
and accommodations
should be booked well in
advance. Check with your host
property on location and intown
transportation options
available. October through
April is a slower pace, but be
sure to book in advance to
assure your choice of dates.
What to bring:
• Casual, comfortable clothing
is the norm. Choose lightweight
shirts that can be
layered under sweaters and
jackets so that you can dress
up or down as needed for
the weather. Pants and
shorts, a water-resistant coat
with hood and sturdy, waterproof
shoes will provide you
with the greatest comfort.
• You may wish to bring a hat,
lightweight gloves and
raingear depending on your
chosen activities.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
are also recommended.
• If you are prone to motion
sickness, speak to a physician
before your trip.
Getting around
Ketchikan:
• Ketchikan International
Airport is located on
Gravina Island and requires
a 5-minute ride to town.
Ferries depart the airport on
the hour/half hour. During
peak summer periods,
departures are every 15
minutes. Fares start at $5.00
for adults, $6.00 for vehicles
one way.
• Airport shuttle vans and a
water taxi service meet all
flights, transporting passengers
and luggage from
baggage claim to your
Ketchikan destination.
• Rental cars can be arranged
and picked up at the
Ketchikan International
Airport as well as in town.
• Municipal bus service operates
seven days a week,
providing service on major
streets and larger residential
areas. Fares start at $1.50;
buses run every 30 minutes.
• Public parking lots have time
restrictions and/or require a
permit. One day permits are
$5.00, available for purchase
at City Hall, downtown.
• Taxis meet airport ferry and
state ferry arrivals. Rates are
$3.70 a drop, $3.20 per mile.
Travel Advice
• Air taxis (floatplanes) provide
scheduled commuter
service as well as charters
to remote locations.
• Observe traffic rules. Use
crosswalks and follow directions
provided by crossing
guards at downtown
intersections. Vehicle and
pedestrian traffic is heavy at
times. Do not climb over or
under rails separating the
street from pedestrian areas
(yes, it really does happen).
Ketchikan Visitors
Bureau Services:
The Ketchikan Visitors Bureau
is here to help you make the
most of your visit. We offer an
extensive collection of information
and trip planning assistance
through our Web site,
www.visit-ketchikan.com.
Once you arrive, stop in at
our visitor information center,
located in the heart of downtown
Ketchikan on the cruise
ship dock. Our friendly and
knowledgeable staff will be
happy to answer your questions.
Pick up a copy of the
walking tour map, the
Ketchikan Arts Guide, and
browse through our extensive
collection of brochures on
local services, tours and attractions.
Check our calendar of
events for a list of things to
see and do while in town. Be
sure to visit our tour center to
choose from dozens of activities
ranging from fishing
charters to guided tours.
Public restrooms, pay phones,
a cash machine and phone
card dispenser are provided
for your convenience. Taxi
stands and public transportation
are located nearby.
Ask an Alaskan. Call 1-800-770-3300. Begin your adventure at www.visit-ketchikan.com 37