Josephson junction arrays can be used as quantum channels to transfer quantum information between distant sites. In this paper we discuss simple protocols to realize state transfer with high fidelity. The channels do not require complicated gating but use the natural dynamics of a properly designed array. We investigate the influence of static disorder both in the Josephson energies and in the coupling to the background gate charges, as well as the effect of dynamical noise. We also analyze the readout process, and its back action on the state transfer.