Car Rentals in Anchorage

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, located in the south-central part of the state. The eclectic metropolis is surrounded by Alaskan frontier, making an Anchorage car rental a great way to get around town or a must before heading out into the wilderness. This vibrant city is alive year round with culture, adventure, recreation, wildlife, and sightseeing opportunities, but the summer months see visitor numbers double. Book your Anchorage rent a car well in advance to ensure selection and to lock in the best rates

If you fly into Anchorage International Airport (ANC), a shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes between North and South terminals and to rental car lots. Anchorage car rentals are provided by Enterprise, Thrifty, Alamo, Avis, Budget, National, Hertz, and Dollar. Downtown in the city of Anchorage, Denali, and Payless as well as a number of independents also offer car rental services, usually for lower rates than those at the airport.  Some rental car companies may offer one-way rentals in and out of the state in the shoulders of the tourist season (one-way into the state before summer and one-way out of the state after summer). Check with each agency for details. It is also possible (but expensive) to rent a vehicle one-way from Skagway to Anchorage through Avis, which can be paired with ferry service from Washington to Alaska.

 Anchorage is connected to the contiguous US (known in Alaska as the Lower 48) and Canada by way of the Alaska Highway. This primary route is paved and meticulously maintained all year. Expect road construction and unavoidable delays in the summer to ensure safe driving year-round.  If an immigration issue prevents you from entering Canada, you may not enter the lower 48 by car from Alaska. Note that Canadian customs regulations state that Canadian residents may not rent a vehicle in the United States (including Alaska) and drive it into Canada. You must present a valid driver's license and credit card issued in your name at most rental car agencies (although some will take a cash deposit depending on a credit check), along with proof of insurance if you decline the vendor's coverage options. Usually age requirements for a Anchorage rent a car are 21 for compact and economy cars, 25 for all others, and an additional young driver charge may apply for anyone under 25 (select agencies will rent to qualifying individuals over 18 for an additional fee). Recently Mount Redoubt has been experiencing activity which could result in ash falling over south-central Alaska. Make travel plans cautious of possible flight cancellations due to ash, and advisories for visitors to wear facemasks and not to wear contacts.