Downtown Ketchikan is compact and best explored on foot. The main sights — Creek Street, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, the Chief Johnson totem pole, the waterfront — are all within easy walking distance of the ferry dock and cruise ship piers.
Walking is the right choice for the downtown core. The city climbs steeply up the hillside from the waterfront, so expect stairs and inclines. Many streets have staircases as official right-of-way.
Bus: The Ketchikan Gateway Borough operates a local bus system with a few routes connecting downtown to the North Tongass Highway (towards Totem Bight) and the South Tongass Highway (towards Saxman). Buses run infrequently and stop running in the evening.
Taxi and rideshare: Taxis are available and reliable for getting to Saxman or Totem Bight. Rideshare services have limited availability.
Rental car: Several agencies operate at or near the airport. A rental car is useful if you want to explore Ward Lake, Totem Bight, and the roads north and south of town at your own pace. Remember that the road system is local only — you cannot drive out of Ketchikan.
Floatplane: For Misty Fjords and other wilderness areas, floatplane is the primary option. Several operators run day tours from the downtown waterfront.
Water taxi and kayak: Sea kayaking is a popular way to explore the Tongass Narrows and nearby coves. Outfitters near downtown rent kayaks and guide day tours.