Ketchikan Map & Getting Around

Your Ketchikan Cruise Port Map: Docking Location

Welcome to Ketchikan, Alaska’s “First City.” Your cruise ship will dock at one of four berths located along Tongass Avenue, the main waterfront street that serves as the artery of the town.

• Berths 1, 2, & 3: These are the prime spots, placing you directly in the heart of downtown Ketchikan. Step off the ship, and you are just a few flat, easy steps from the main shopping district, restaurants, and the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau. The downtown core is only 0.1 to 0.3 miles away, making it incredibly convenient.
• Berth 4: This berth is the furthest from the town center, about a 10-15 minute walk to the heart of downtown. While still manageable, a free downtown shuttle is also available to quickly connect you to the main attractions.

Some ships, particularly those from Norwegian Cruise Line, may dock at Ward Cove, a newer terminal located about a 20-minute drive north of town. If your ship docks here, a continuous free shuttle service will be provided to transport you to and from downtown Ketchikan, typically dropping you near Berth 4.

Getting Around Ketchikan: Your Transportation Options

Ketchikan is a compact and accessible port, making it one of the easiest to explore independently. Here are your best options for getting around.

On Foot: The Best Way to See Downtown

For 90% of what cruise visitors want to see, your own two feet are the best transportation. Downtown Ketchikan is built for walking. The terrain is mostly flat, sidewalks are well-maintained, and signage is clear.

From the central docks (Berths 1-3), you can comfortably walk to most key attractions:

• Creek Street: A 5-10 minute walk (0.4 miles). Follow the waterfront path south.
• Totem Heritage Center: A pleasant 15-minute walk (0.8 miles) along Ketchikan Creek.
• Tongass Historical Museum: Less than a 5-minute walk from the docks.

Public Transit: The Silver Line Bus

For destinations further afield, Ketchikan’s public bus system is a fantastic, budget-friendly option. A single ride costs $2.00 for an adult, and a day pass is just $5.00.

The key route for visitors is the Silver Line.

• Silver Line North: Takes you directly to Totem Bight State Historical Park. The bus leaves from downtown hourly and the trip takes about 25 minutes.
• Silver Line South: Heads towards Saxman Native Village.

You can download the “Token Transit” app to purchase passes on your phone.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis are readily available near the cruise ship docks. They are a good option for small groups or those with mobility concerns who want to visit sites outside of the downtown core without waiting for a bus.

• To Totem Bight State Park: Expect to pay $20-25 each way for the 10-mile journey. This can be cost-effective if you have 3-4 people.
• To Walmart: A taxi is the best bet for the 2-mile trip if you need to pick up supplies, costing around $10-15.

Ride-sharing services like Lyft are also available in Ketchikan, though availability can be more limited than in larger cities.

Key Destinations: From the Dock to Your Destination

Here’s a practical breakdown of how to get to Ketchikan’s most popular spots from your ship.

Walkable Ketchikan: What’s Near the Cruise Port

• Creek Street: This is a must-do. Simply walk south along the waterfront from your dock. In just 0.4 miles, you’ll be on the historic boardwalk, ready to explore the former red-light district’s colorful buildings, now home to charming shops and galleries.
• Totem Heritage Center: An easy and scenic 0.8-mile walk from the pier. Follow the signs for the “Ketchikan Creek Walking Tour.” It’s a mostly flat route that takes you past the salmon ladder. Admission is around $6 for adults.
• Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: Located directly across Tongass Avenue from the cruise docks, you can’t miss it. It’s a 2-minute walk.
• Downtown Shopping: The area immediately in front of the docks is filled with shops, from the large Tongass Trading Company to smaller, locally-owned souvenir and jewelry stores.

A Short Ride Away: Reaching Top Sights

• Totem Bight State Historical Park: This impressive collection of totem poles is 10 miles north of the cruise docks. Your best options are the Silver Line North bus ($2 fare, 25-min ride) or a taxi ($20-25 fare, 15-min ride). The park has a $5 entrance fee per person during the summer season.
• Misty Fjords National Monument (Flightseeing): All flightseeing tours that depart from the Ketchikan International Airport area (about 2 miles from the dock) will include a transfer as part of your excursion package. Your tour operator will give you clear instructions on where and when to meet your transport near the ship.
• Deer Mountain Trailhead: For serious hikers, the trailhead is 1.5 miles from the docks. While technically walkable, it’s a significant uphill climb. A short taxi ride is recommended to save your energy for the strenuous trail itself.
• Walmart / Local Grocers: If you need to stock up on essentials, the Walmart is about 2 miles from the downtown docks. Taking the bus or a taxi is your most efficient option.