VERIFIED REVIEWS
About hiring a car with Budget in Alaska
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Budget in Alaska include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in Alaska, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your hire period
- Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected car hire experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Alaska.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Budget counter in Alaska when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Alaska are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the counter in Alaska charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with the hire partner to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
Where is the Budget counter at Anchorage Airport in Alaska?
The Budget counter at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in Alaska is located inside the terminal near the south terminal garage. Vehicles are parked approximately 150 yards from the counter, or you can take the Budget shuttle that runs every 15 minutes to reach the lot.
Counter hours at the Anchorage Budget location are Sunday through Saturday, 6:00 AM to 1:45 AM. If you return the vehicle after hours, drop your keys and completed contract in the drop box at the Budget counter.
Budget also operates at four other Alaska airports:
- Fairbanks (FAI): counter near baggage claim, walk to the west end of the terminal; open 6:30 AM to 1:45 AM daily
- Juneau (JNU): counter next to baggage claim, vehicles parked adjacent to the building; open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
- Ketchikan (KTN): counter at the airport terminal; open 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
- Kenai (ENA): open Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, weekends 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Confirm your specific pickup location on your booking confirmation before travelling.
Are there toll roads in Alaska for Budget hire cars?
Alaska has almost no toll roads, so Budget hire car drivers will rarely encounter any toll charges during a typical trip. The only tolled facility in Alaska is the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, also known as the Whittier Tunnel, which connects the town of Whittier to Highway 1 near Anchorage.
Key facts about the Whittier Tunnel toll for Budget renters in Alaska:
- The toll is US$13 for a standard 2-axle vehicle
- Payment is cash only at a manned toll booth; no electronic toll collection system exists
- No transponder or toll pass programmes (such as E-ZPass or PlatePass) operate in Alaska, so Budget's National e-Toll programme does not apply here
- You simply pay cash at the booth before entering the tunnel
Because Alaska has no cashless toll roads, Budget hire vehicles in Alaska do not come with an active toll transponder programme. There are no congestion charges or emissions zones anywhere in Alaska either.
If you do pay the Whittier Tunnel toll during your Budget hire in Alaska, keep your receipt. You may be eligible for Tolls Cashback of up to 5% of your total booking value.
What documents do I need to pick up a Budget hire car in Alaska?
To pick up a Budget hire car in Alaska, you must present the following documents at the counter:
- A valid, original, unexpired driver’s licence in the main driver’s name (physical card only; digital copies are not accepted)
- A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card, in the main driver’s name, for the security deposit authorisation hold
- A passport or valid government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
If your driver’s licence is not written in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, you must also present an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence. The IDP is a translation only and cannot be used without the original licence.
For Budget hires in Alaska, debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security deposit authorisation hold. A physical major credit card is required.
All documents must be physical originals. Budget Alaska counter staff will not accept digital versions shown on a phone or tablet.
Can I get Tolls Cashback on my Budget hire in Alaska?
Yes, Tolls Cashback is included with all Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Budget hires in Alaska, and you can claim up to 5% of your total booking value back for tolls paid during your hire.
Alaska has only one tolled road, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (Whittier Tunnel) near Anchorage, which charges US$13 cash for a standard vehicle. If you drive through it during your Budget hire in Alaska, that toll qualifies for the cashback.
To claim your Tolls Cashback after your Budget Alaska hire:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - Reservation [Your Confirmation Number]
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the signed hire agreement, and a receipt showing the toll paid
- Include your full name, travel dates, and the last 4 digits of the card used for the booking
Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
What taxes and fees should I expect on a Budget hire in Anchorage, Alaska?
Budget hires in Anchorage, Alaska carry several mandatory taxes and fees on top of the base rate. Anchorage is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive car hire markets in the United States, so understanding these charges in advance helps avoid surprises at the counter.
Typical taxes and fees on a Budget hire in Alaska include:
- Alaska state excise tax: 9% applied to hire fees and costs for passenger vehicles
- Anchorage municipal tax: 8% on motor vehicle hires, capped at GBP 120 for standard passenger cars (based on a GBP 1,500 taxable base)
- Customer facility charge (CFC): a per-day fee charged at airport locations to fund terminal facilities
- Concession recovery fee (ACRF): a percentage added to recover the airport concession fee Budget pays to operate at the airport
- Vehicle licence recovery fee: a small per-day charge to recover fleet registration costs
These charges are standard across Budget and other hire brands operating at Alaska airports. If your booking confirmation shows taxes and fees as included, you should not be billed separately for those items at the counter. Review your confirmation carefully before collection.
Can Budget hire cars in Alaska be driven to other states?
No, most Budget hire cars picked up in Alaska cannot be driven to other U.S. states. Budget Alaska locations generally require that the vehicle remain within Alaska for the duration of the hire.
This restriction is different from Budget hires in the contiguous United States, where cross-state driving is typically permitted. Alaska's geographic isolation means that driving to another state is not physically possible by road, and taking the vehicle on a ferry outside Alaska is also generally prohibited under the hire agreement.
Before your Budget Alaska hire, review the usage restrictions section of your hire agreement carefully. Driving outside the permitted territory can void your cover, including any Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or liability protection included in your booking.
If you have questions about specific routes or whether a particular road or ferry crossing is permitted, confirm directly with the Budget counter in Alaska at the time of collection.
Are there road restrictions for Budget hire cars on Alaska highways?
Yes, Budget hire agreements in Alaska include restrictions on certain roads, particularly unpaved and gravel highways. Standard Budget hire vehicles in Alaska are not permitted on unpaved roads, and specific routes such as the Dempster Highway and Denali Highway are commonly listed as restricted in the hire agreement.
Driving a standard Budget hire car in Alaska on a restricted road can void your Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) cover, meaning you would be personally responsible for any damage that occurs.
If you need to travel on gravel or unpaved roads in Alaska, ask the Budget counter about specialised Gravel Highway Vehicle options. These vehicles have different insurance requirements: each driver must provide proof of full cover automobile insurance (liability, comprehensive, and collision) issued by a U.S. insurer. Credit card cover and travel insurance policies do not meet this requirement.
Towing is also not permitted in a Budget Alaska hire unless it is explicitly authorised in your hire agreement and restricted to specific vehicle classes.
Always review the usage restrictions section of your Budget Alaska hire agreement before setting out on any unpaved or remote route.
Does Budget in Alaska require an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not automatically required for all drivers collecting a Budget hire in Alaska, but it is mandatory in certain situations.
You must present an IDP alongside your original driver’s licence at the Budget Alaska counter if your licence uses a non-Latin (non-Roman) alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script. In that case, the IDP serves as a translation and must be carried together with the original licence at all times.
If your licence is written in English or uses the Latin alphabet, an IDP is generally not required for a Budget hire in Alaska, though it is recommended as a precaution.
Important points to bear in mind:
- The IDP is a translation document only; it is not a standalone licence and will not be accepted without the original
- You must obtain your IDP in your home country before travelling to Alaska; it cannot be issued to you in the United States
- All documents presented at the Budget counter must be physical originals; digital copies are not accepted
Check your booking confirmation for any specific document requirements tied to your Budget Alaska reservation.
What Travel Assistance is included with a Budget hire in Alaska?
Travel Assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection is included with most Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Budget hires in Alaska. This benefit is especially relevant in Alaska given the state's remote highways and long distances between towns.
Coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical cover for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
This cover is designed for travellers who are away from their home country. It does not apply to U.S. or Canadian residents.
If you need assistance during your Budget hire in Alaska, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Phone (toll-free or collect): +1 888 980 9992
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
When you call, have your full name, your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number (for example, HOLA1000000), your current location in Alaska, and a brief description of the situation ready. Always check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your specific reservation.
How much is the security deposit for a Budget hire in Alaska?
When you pick up a Budget hire car in Alaska, the counter will place a temporary authorisation hold on your credit card as a security deposit. This hold is not a charge; it reduces your available credit until it is released after you return the vehicle.
For Budget hires in the United States, including Alaska, the typical security deposit hold is approximately US$300 to US$400 for a standard vehicle. The exact amount can vary depending on the vehicle class, the specific Alaska location, and the season. Premium or larger vehicles may carry a higher hold.
Important requirements for the deposit at Budget Alaska locations:
- A physical, major credit card in the main driver’s name with the driver’s name printed on the card is required
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted for the deposit hold
- The card must have sufficient available credit to cover the hold plus any expected charges
After you return the Budget vehicle in Alaska, the hold is released. Your bank or card issuer controls how quickly it appears back on your available credit, which can take up to 15 business days.
Is there a young driver surcharge for Budget hires in Alaska?
Yes, Budget hires in Alaska include a young driver surcharge for renters under 25 years of age. In the United Kingdom, the standard minimum age to hire without a surcharge is 25, and Budget Alaska follows this national policy.
Drivers aged 21 to 24 can hire from Budget in Alaska but will be charged a daily young-renter fee. For Budget, this fee is US$13 per hire day plus applicable taxes, with a maximum charge of US$65 plus taxes for the hire period.
Additional restrictions that apply to under-25 drivers at Budget Alaska locations:
- Certain vehicle classes are restricted to renters aged 25 and older, including full-size, SUV, premium, luxury, minivan, and convertible categories
- Additional drivers aged 21 to 24 may not be accepted at Budget Alaska locations; Budget generally requires additional drivers to be at least 25
If you are between 21 and 24 and from Latin America or the Caribbean, check your Hola Car Rentals confirmation. Some Budget rates include a waiver of the underage fee for eligible travellers from that region, provided the waiver is explicitly shown on the confirmation and you select an eligible vehicle category.
Drivers under 21 are not permitted to hire from Budget in Alaska.
What is the fuel policy for Budget hires in Alaska?
Budget hires in Alaska follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it with a full tank to avoid fuel charges.
Steps to follow for the fuel policy on your Budget Alaska hire:
- At collection, check the fuel gauge with the Budget agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the hire agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge
- Before returning the vehicle, refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 km of the Budget return location in Alaska so the gauge does not drop below full
- Keep your fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
- For after-hours returns at Budget Alaska locations such as Anchorage, leave the receipt in the key drop envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge
If you return the Budget vehicle in Alaska with less than a full tank, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refuelling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a refuelling service fee.
Make sure to use the correct fuel type for your Budget Alaska vehicle. Wrong-fuel incidents are not covered by the fuel policy and may result in additional charges.
What insurance options are available for a Budget hire in Alaska?
Budget hires in Alaska offer several insurance and protection options that you should understand before collecting your vehicle.
The main coverages available for a Budget Alaska hire include:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): reduces your financial liability for damage to the Budget hire vehicle from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation shows zero deductible. CDW and LDW do not cover damage to other vehicles or injuries to other people.
- Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the Budget hire in Alaska. Some U.S. states require a minimum level of liability cover; confirm what is included in your specific Budget Alaska rate.
Important exclusions to be aware of for Budget Alaska hires:
- Standard CDW and LDW typically exclude tyres, undercarriage, roof, and keys
- Cover is void if the vehicle is driven on restricted roads, such as unpaved highways, or by an unauthorised driver not listed on the hire agreement
- For specialised Gravel Highway Vehicles in Alaska, each driver must provide proof of full cover automobile insurance from a U.S. insurer; credit card cover does not satisfy this requirement
Review your booking confirmation to confirm which protections are included in your Budget Alaska rate before arriving at the counter.
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