Car Rental in Anchorage, Alaska

What to Know Before Driving in Alaska

Driving in Alaska is beautiful, but it is different from driving in many other places. Services can be more spread out once you leave Anchorage, so it is smart to fill up with gas, grab snacks, and plan restroom stops before longer drives. Some routes have limited cell service, so downloading maps ahead of time is also a good idea.

Many Alaska highways are one lane each way, especially through mountain areas. Drivers should be patient, use passing lanes safely, and pull over at safe turnouts when traffic builds up behind them. Roads can also be uneven or bumpy because of freeze-thaw cycles and changing weather conditions.

Wildlife can appear near the road, especially moose. Weather can change quickly, even during summer, and long daylight can make it easy to drive longer than planned. Give yourself extra time, take breaks, and choose a rental vehicle that fits your route, luggage, passengers, and comfort needs.

Popular Road Trips From Anchorage

A rental car in Anchorage gives you access to some of Alaska’s most scenic drives. The drive from Anchorage to Seward is one of the most popular routes, with mountain views, water views, wildlife areas, and plenty of places to stop for photos. Girdwood is a great shorter trip for travelers looking for mountain scenery, trails, restaurants, and a relaxed Alaska stop.

For longer trips, many visitors drive from Anchorage toward Denali, Homer, Whittier, Talkeetna, or the Kenai Peninsula. These routes are beautiful, but comfort and luggage space matter. For longer Alaska drives, it is best to choose your vehicle based on your biggest travel day, not just the short drive from the airport.

Before You Book Your Anchorage Rental Car

Before reserving a rental car in Anchorage, compare the full price, not just the daily rate. Taxes, airport fees, extra driver fees, young driver fees, protection options, and deposits can change the final cost. It is also important to understand where the vehicle is picked up, how the shuttle works, how after-hours pickup works, and what happens if your flight is delayed.

Customers should also check luggage space before booking. Seat count is only one part of choosing the right vehicle. Make sure there is enough room for passengers, suitcases, carry-ons, coolers, strollers, and outdoor gear.

North Star Auto Rentals requires a refundable deposit of $500 for most vehicles and $1,000 for vans. The minimum rental age is 21, and extra fees may apply for drivers under 25 or drivers with less than two years of driving experience.