Getting Around Ketchikan: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

Ketchikan's downtown area is compact and easily walkable, especially for those staying in or near the downtown core. You can find shops, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. The waterfront promenade connects the cruise ship berths, offering a scenic walking route. However, some sites and attractions are further out, potentially requiring transportation. While the core is walkable, a longer stay might involve venturing beyond the immediate downtown area. The terrain can be hilly in some areas, which might affect walkability for some.

Ketchikan has a public bus system ('The Bus') that operates daily, providing service to the city and some surrounding areas. Buses run hourly, except on Sundays. A free downtown shuttle operates from May through September, which is useful for getting around the main tourist areas. Taxis are available 24/7. Ride-sharing options like Lyft are also available. Overall, public transit is somewhat limited in frequency and coverage, especially outside the peak tourist season. It can be a viable option for some routes, but not necessarily convenient for all destinations or schedules.

Biking in Ketchikan presents challenges. Downtown can be congested with traffic and has limited shoulder space. Some suggest biking south towards Saxman Native Village, where there is less traffic and eventually a bike path along the coast. There are limited bike rentals and some bike tours available. While there are some maintained logging roads on the island suitable for mountain biking, generally, Ketchikan is not highly bike-friendly due to traffic, terrain, and limited infrastructure.