Car Rental in Alaska

Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental 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 rental 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 rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Alaska.

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 rental 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)

At Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in Alaska, there are no rental car counters inside the terminal. All major brands, including Alamo, Budget, and Hertz, operate from the Rental Car Center (RCC) located across from the South Terminal.

To reach the RCC, follow these steps:

• From the South Terminal: take the ground-level tunnel to the free shuttle, which runs every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• From the North Terminal: call the shuttle on the courtesy phone at baggage claim; the shuttle will come on request.
• Off-airport providers such as Caribou Auto Rentals and Alaskan Car Rental operate their own on-demand shuttles, typically 5 to 12 minutes from the airport. Call them from baggage claim to arrange pickup.

At Fairbanks International (FAI) and Juneau International (JNU), rental counters are located on-terminal with direct garage access, so no shuttle is needed at those Alaska airports.

Counter hours at the ANC RCC run approximately 5:30 AM to 2:30 AM during summer peak season. Your booking confirmation will include the specific brand and counter details for your Alaska pickup.

Alaska has almost no toll roads. 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 this Alaska toll:

• The Whittier Tunnel is the longest highway tunnel in North America at 2.5 miles.
• Payment is cash only at a manned toll booth. There is no electronic billing, no E-ZPass, and no cashless option.
• The toll for a standard 2-axle car is US$13, paid directly at the booth before entering.
• Costs increase based on the number of axles and vehicle size.

Because the Whittier Tunnel is cash only, the electronic toll programs offered by rental companies at the counter, such as PlatePass or e-Toll, do not apply here and will not activate for this tunnel. You simply pay cash at the booth.

No other roads in Alaska carry tolls, and there are no congestion charges or emissions zones anywhere in the state. If you are not planning to drive through the Whittier Tunnel, you will not encounter any toll charges during your Alaska rental.

No, most standard rental car agreements in Alaska prohibit driving on unpaved or gravel roads. This is an important restriction to understand before planning your Alaska itinerary.

Alaska's road network is unlike most U.S. states:

• The state has only seven main highways, and many stretch over long unpaved or gravel sections, including the Dalton Highway, the Denali Highway, and portions of the Alcan.
• Major rental brands such as Avis, Hertz, Budget, Alamo, and Enterprise typically restrict their vehicles to paved roads only.
• Driving on restricted surfaces can void your Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), leaving you fully liable for any damage.
• Some local Alaska-based independent rental companies offer gravel-rated or 4x4 fleets specifically designed for off-pavement driving.

Before your Alaska trip, review the usage restrictions section of your rental agreement carefully. If you plan to travel routes like the Dalton Highway or other unpaved Alaska roads, confirm with the rental partner at the counter whether your specific vehicle and rate plan permit it. Driving outside permitted areas can result in significant out-of-pocket costs.

Yes, all bookings include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Alaska rental, including the Whittier Tunnel cash toll.

Since the Whittier Tunnel in Alaska is cash only (US$13 for a standard car), you pay at the booth directly. After your rental ends, you can submit a claim to recover that cost up to the 5% cap.

To claim your Tolls Cashback after your Alaska rental:

• Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle.
• Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback, followed by your reservation confirmation number.
• Attach your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation, the signed rental agreement, and a receipt or proof of the toll payment.
• 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. This benefit applies to all Hola Car Rentals rates for Alaska and covers toll charges only, not fines or parking fees.

To pick up a rental car in Alaska, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:

• A valid, original driver's license in the main driver's name. If your license uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. For all other non-English licenses, an IDP is strongly recommended.
• A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, for the security deposit hold. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted.
• A valid passport or government-issued photo ID.
• Your booking confirmation or printed voucher.
• Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting Alaska from abroad.

All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the counter in Alaska.

The IDP is a translation document only and must always be carried alongside your original license. It cannot be used as a standalone document. If you need an IDP, obtain it in your home country before traveling to Alaska, as U.S. issuers such as AAA do not issue IDPs to non-U.S. license holders.

Alaska has lower speed limits than most U.S. states, and the road network is very different from the lower 48. Understanding these limits is important for anyone renting a car in Alaska.

• Rural interstate-grade roads: 65 mph maximum.
• Urban interstates and state highways: 55 mph maximum.
• Residential and urban areas: 25 mph.
• School zones when children are present: 15 to 25 mph.
• Construction zones: fines are doubled.

Most of Alaska's highways are two-lane roads with a 55 mph limit, not multi-lane interstates. Roads like the Seward Highway, Parks Highway, Glenn Highway, and Sterling Highway all carry specific hazards including winding cliff sections, rockslide risk, wildfire closures, and sudden severe weather even in spring and fall.

Alaska also enforces a move-over law requiring drivers to change lanes or reduce speed when passing stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or maintenance vehicles. Seatbelts are required for all occupants, and texting while driving is banned for all drivers. Headlights must be on from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is reduced, which is especially relevant during Alaska's long winter darkness periods.

Yes, after-hours vehicle returns are available at Anchorage Airport (ANC) in Alaska, and the process is straightforward if you follow the instructions provided with your reservation.

For returns to the Rental Car Center (RCC) at ANC after counter hours:

• Drive to the RCC lot across from the South Terminal and park in the designated return area for your rental brand.
• Scan the barcode or use the key lockbox as directed in your rental agreement or the instructions emailed to you.
• Take a shuttle back to the terminal. Free shuttles run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from the RCC to both the South and North Terminals.

For off-airport providers in Alaska, such as Caribou Auto Rentals (located at 5401 Northwood Drive), the process typically involves dropping keys in a lockbox and following email instructions sent before your return. An on-demand shuttle will then take you back to the terminal.

Before your Alaska return, refuel near the airport, ideally off International Airport Road, to comply with the full-to-full fuel policy. Keep your fuel receipt in case of any dispute. If you have questions about your specific return instructions, check your booking confirmation or contact the rental partner directly using the number on your rental agreement.

Yes, drivers under 25 renting a car in Alaska are subject to a young-renter surcharge, and most vehicle classes are restricted to drivers aged 25 and older.

In Alaska, as in most U.S. states, the standard minimum age to rent without a surcharge is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent but will pay a daily young-renter fee at the counter. The amounts vary by rental brand:

• Avis, Budget, and Payless: US$13 per rental day, capped at US$65 (plus taxes).
• Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: US$13.50 per rental day, capped at US$189 (plus taxes).
• Alamo, National, and Enterprise: US$15 per day (plus taxes).

Vehicle class restrictions also apply in Alaska. Drivers under 25 are generally limited to economy, compact, and intermediate categories. Premium, full-size, SUV, minivan, luxury, and convertible classes typically require the driver to be at least 25.

If you are from Latin America or the Caribbean and are aged 21 to 24, certain Avis and Budget rates in Alaska may waive the underage fee for the main driver. Check your booking confirmation to see if this waiver is shown. All other standard requirements, including a valid license and a major credit card for the deposit, still apply.

Most bookings include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can be especially valuable given Alaska's remote highways and limited cell service in many areas.

If you experience a medical emergency, a legal issue after an accident, or a flight disruption while traveling in Alaska, this coverage can help. Core benefits typically include:

• Travel and medical coverage for up to 5 passengers.
• Legal assistance in the event of a road accident.
• Compensation for baggage lost by the airline.
• Flight cancellation insurance.

To reach assistance 24 hours a day while in Alaska, call +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free) or contact Terrawind via WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.

Important: this travel assistance benefit applies only to non-North American customers. Residents of the United States and Canada do not qualify for this coverage. It also does not cover damage to the rental vehicle itself (that is handled by CDW/LDW) or third-party liability (covered by LIS/ALI/SLI). Always review your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your Alaska reservation.

Yes, a valid foreign driver's license is generally accepted to rent a car in Alaska, but there are important conditions depending on your license type.

• If your license is printed in English or uses a Latin (Roman) alphabet, it is typically accepted by rental partners in Alaska without additional documentation, though an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended as a precaution.
• If your license uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, an IDP is mandatory. Without it, the rental counter in Alaska may refuse to hand over the vehicle.
• The IDP is a translation document only and must always be carried alongside your original license. It is not a standalone document.

Obtain your IDP in your home country before traveling to Alaska. U.S. organizations such as AAA do not issue IDPs to non-U.S. license holders.

In addition to your license, you must present a valid passport, a major credit card in your name with your name printed on the card for the security deposit, and your booking confirmation. All documents must be physical originals. Digital versions are not accepted at rental counters in Alaska.

When renting a car in Alaska, two main types of coverage are worth understanding: protection for the rental vehicle itself, and liability coverage for damage or injury you may cause to others.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) reduce your financial liability if the rental car is damaged or stolen. A deductible may still apply unless your confirmation explicitly shows zero deductible. CDW and LDW do not cover third parties.

Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to other people or vehicles while driving in Alaska. Some U.S. states require rental companies to include a state-minimum liability amount, but not all do. Given Alaska's remote highways, limited cell service, and challenging road conditions, carrying adequate liability coverage is strongly recommended.

Common exclusions to be aware of in Alaska:

• Driving on unpaved or gravel roads, which are common in Alaska, can void CDW and LDW coverage.
• Unauthorized drivers not listed on the rental agreement are not covered.
• Tires, undercarriage, and roof damage are often excluded unless a specific add-on is purchased.

Review your booking confirmation to confirm which coverages are included in your Alaska rate and what deductibles apply before you arrive at the counter.

When picking up a rental car in Alaska, the rental partner will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card. This is not a charge, but it reduces your available credit until the rental is closed and your bank releases the hold.

For standard vehicles rented in the United States, including Alaska, typical holds range from US$300 to US$400. The exact amount depends on the rental brand, the vehicle class, the specific Alaska location, and the season. Premium or specialty vehicles may carry higher holds.

Important requirements for the deposit in Alaska:

• You must present a physical, major credit card with your name printed on the card. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted.
• The card must be in the main driver's name.
• You must have sufficient available credit to cover the hold plus any expected charges.

After you return the vehicle in Alaska, the rental partner releases the hold. However, your bank or card issuer controls when it reappears in your available balance, which can take up to 15 business days. Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined, and notify your bank of your Alaska travel dates to prevent fraud blocks on the authorization.

Yes, rental companies in Alaska will generally hold your reservation if your flight is delayed, but the hold period has limits you should be aware of.

• If your delay is less than 24 hours from your original pickup time, the rental company will hold your booking. Make sure you arrive during counter operating hours at your Alaska location.
• At the ANC Rental Car Center in Alaska, counters typically operate from approximately 5:30 AM to 2:30 AM during peak season, with free shuttles running 24 hours a day.
• If your delay exceeds 24 hours, contact support as soon as possible via WhatsApp at +1 (786) 999-8312 or by email at [email protected]. Changes are not guaranteed but the team will assist where possible.

If you arrive after counter hours at a major Alaska airport, some rental brands and off-airport providers offer after-hours self-service options, including key lockboxes and email instructions. Check your booking confirmation for the specific after-hours process at your Alaska pickup location.

It is always a good idea to contact the rental partner directly using the number on your confirmation if you anticipate a significant delay, so they can note your arrival time and avoid releasing your vehicle.