Totem Bight State Historical Park on a bus

Question

Hi,

We arrive in Ketchikan on 11th July (10-6pm ) on Royal Princess.

We're a family of 3 and want to visit Totem Bight State Historical park on our own using public transport.

Please can you tell me where I can take the bus and which stop do we get off?

This is the first activity that we'll do when we get off the ship. Would 3 hours be sufficient including travel?

If we find that bus doesn't work, is it easy to get uber/taxi and what fare should we expect?

Thanks,

Megha

Answer

Visiting Totem Bight State Historical Park from Ketchikan using public transport is possible, but it requires a bit of planning. The local public bus system, the Ketchikan Area Transit (KAT), runs routes that can take you close to the park, but service is not frequent, especially for tourists with limited time.

Here’s how you can plan your visit:

From the cruise terminal, you can walk or take a short local bus to downtown Ketchikan, where the main bus routes operate.
Take KAT Route 4 (North Tongass) toward Totem Bight. You would board at a downtown stop along Water Street or near Main Street; confirm the exact stop with the bus driver or KAT schedule when you arrive.
The stop for Totem Bight State Historical Park is typically labeled “Totem Bight State Park.” You may need to ask the driver to alert you when you reach the park as some stops are request-based.
The one-way bus ride from downtown Ketchikan to Totem Bight takes roughly 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.

Regarding timing:

Three hours can be sufficient if your timing is precise: roughly 30 minutes each way for travel and 1.5–2 hours at the park to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the totems.
However, this does not leave much buffer for bus delays, waiting times, or additional sightseeing.

If the bus schedule seems tight or infrequent, using Uber or a taxi is a convenient alternative:

Uber or local taxi can pick you up directly from the cruise terminal or downtown area.
The ride typically takes 10–15 minutes each way and is more reliable than public transport.
Expect fares around $15–$25 one way, depending on traffic and exact pickup/dropoff locations.

In summary, the bus is possible but requires careful timing and familiarity with the local schedule. For a stress-free visit and more flexibility, a taxi or Uber is recommended, especially with only a 10-6pm window from your cruise arrival.

Totem Bight State Historical Park on a bus

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