Budget Car Hire
Alaska

After collecting your luggage from baggage reclaim in the South Terminal, head to the airport's Rental Car Centre. This facility is conveniently connected to the terminal and can be reached via a short, covered walkway. Simply follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars", which will guide you directly to the Budget counter. The whole process is designed to be straightforward for arriving passengers.

Finding the Budget counter late at night is quite simple, as the airport is well lit and clearly signed. From South Terminal baggage reclaim, look for the prominent signs directing you to the Rental Car Centre. The walk is indoors or covered, protecting you from the elements and leading you straight to the rental counters. As all rental companies are consolidated in one building, it’s a centralised and easy-to-navigate destination even during off-hours.

During a busy summer afternoon, it’s sensible to plan for the whole process to take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes after you have your bags. This accounts for the walk to the Rental Car Centre, potential queues at the rental counter, and the time it takes to locate your vehicle in the garage. Factors such as the number of flights arriving at the same time can affect waiting times, so building in a bit of buffer is a good idea for a stress-free start to your trip.

A great meeting point for your group is the baggage reclaim area for your flight. This lets everyone collect their luggage in one place before moving on. Alternatively, the open seating area near the main escalators in the South Terminal, just before the exit towards the Rental Car Centre, is another excellent option. It provides a comfortable place to wait and helps ensure no one gets lost on the way to pick up the car.

The most practical waiting spot is the public seating area in the South Terminal, just before the entrance to the Rental Car Centre. This keeps the group and luggage out of the busy rental counter area while remaining very close by. Once the driver has the keys and knows the vehicle’s location, they can easily arrange where to meet for pick-up, either back at the terminal kerb or directly in the garage.

Your rental agreement from the Budget counter will clearly state the bay number or row where your vehicle is parked. The rental car garage is well organised with large, easy-to-read signs for each row and section. Simply follow the signage to your designated area to find your car efficiently. The logical layout is designed to get you on your way without confusion.

Rather than stopping on a busy airport road, a safer and more relaxed option is to drive to a nearby large car park. Just a few minutes from the airport on International Airport Road, you’ll find several shopping centres or petrol stations. Pulling into one of these provides a safe, low-traffic space to programme your sat-nav, connect your phone to the car’s system, and adjust mirrors and seats before starting your journey.

The main point of confusion for first-time drivers leaving ANC is choosing the correct lane on International Airport Road. You’ll need to decide quickly whether you’re heading towards Minnesota Drive for downtown and north, or the Seward Highway for destinations south such as Girdwood and Seward. Pay close attention to the large overhead signs as you leave the airport complex to make sure you’re in the correct lane for your intended route.

For the most straightforward route to downtown, take International Airport Road east from the airport. Follow the signs to merge north onto Minnesota Drive. This major road leads directly into the downtown area with minimal complex interchanges. It eventually becomes I Street and K Street, putting you right in the heart of the city and making it an easy drive for those unfamiliar with the area.

To reach Midtown, drive east on International Airport Road and take the exit for the Seward Highway heading south. Major Midtown cross-streets such as 36th Avenue or Tudor Road will be your next exits. This route is direct and well signed. Nearly all hotels in Midtown provide ample complimentary parking for guests, so finding a space is typically not a concern.

In winter, expect major roads such as International Airport Road and the main highways to be ploughed and treated, but they can still be snow-packed or icy. Be prepared for reduced visibility from falling or blowing snow. It’s crucial to drive more slowly, leave a significant following distance, and allow for much longer braking distances than you would on dry tarmac.

The drive to Girdwood is both simple and incredibly scenic. From the airport, get on the Seward Highway heading south. This is the only major road you need, and it takes you all the way to the Girdwood turn-off. The highway is a designated National Scenic Byway that winds along the coast of Turnagain Arm, so expect breathtaking views, numerous pull-offs for photos, and potentially slower traffic as others enjoy the scenery.

When driving along Turnagain Arm, watch for sudden, strong crosswinds coming off the water, especially in exposed areas. Many drivers slow unexpectedly to look for beluga whales or Dall sheep, so maintain a safe following distance. While the famous bore tide is fascinating, it can be distracting, so use designated pull-offs if you want to watch it safely.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is conveniently located right off the Seward Highway, about an hour’s drive south of Anchorage. The entrance is clearly marked, making it very easy to find. The centre is designed as a drive-through park, but there is also a large central car park near the gift shop and visitor centre. This lets you park and walk around for a closer look at many of the animal enclosures.

A day trip to Whittier requires planning around the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a one-lane tunnel shared by cars and trains. You must check the official tunnel timetable online for your travel date, as it opens to traffic heading into Whittier for a short period once an hour. Plan to arrive at the staging area at least 15-20 minutes before the scheduled opening to make sure you get through without a long wait for the next cycle.

Whittier has several large paid public car parks specifically for visitors taking glacier cruises or fishing charters. These are close to the harbour and within easy walking distance of the main tour operators. For a stress-free experience, it’s recommended to arrive in Whittier at least 60-90 minutes before your cruise departure to allow time for parking, using facilities, and checking in with your tour company.

The drive to Seward is a straightforward run south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway, typically taking about 2.5 to 3 hours without stops. To break up the journey, consider stopping at Beluga Point for stunning views of Turnagain Arm. A longer stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is popular, or you can pause in the small town of Girdwood for coffee and a short walk.

Driving to Seward in the evening calls for extra vigilance, as wildlife such as moose are most active at dusk. Reduce your speed and actively scan the roadside, as their dark coats make them very difficult to see. Use full beam when there’s no oncoming traffic to improve visibility, but be prepared for winding sections that can be challenging in low light.

To enjoy the 4.5-hour drive to Homer, plan for it to take most of your day. After heading south on the Seward Highway, take the Sterling Highway turn-off at Tern Lake. Good places to stop and stretch include the scenic town of Cooper Landing on the Kenai River and the larger town of Soldotna for fuel and supplies. This relaxed pace lets you appreciate the changing landscapes without feeling pressed for time.

A good way to break up the 4-5 hour drive to Denali is to make your first day’s destination the charming town of Talkeetna. It’s about halfway, roughly a 2.5-hour drive from Anchorage. This gives you time to explore in the afternoon, enjoy mountain views, and get a good night’s rest before making the shorter remaining drive to the park entrance the next morning.

You can expect reliable mobile signal along the Parks Highway from Anchorage through the more populated Mat-Su Valley. However, coverage becomes increasingly patchy and unreliable the further north you travel towards Denali and beyond. It’s strongly recommended that you download regional maps to your phone for offline use before leaving Anchorage so you have consistent navigation.

When visiting Denali, you’ll drive your hire car to the park’s main entrance area. There are large car parks for private vehicles near the Denali Visitor Centre and the Wilderness Access Centre. From these areas, you’ll use the park bus system to travel further into the park, as private vehicle access is restricted beyond mile 15 of the Park Road. You can book bus tours or transit shuttles in advance.

Talkeetna has a large, convenient public car park on the right-hand side as you drive into town, just before the main historic street begins. This is the best place for visitors to park, as on-street parking in the small town centre is extremely limited. From this car park, it’s a short and pleasant walk to the shops, restaurants, and sights of downtown Talkeetna.

The main challenge on the drive to Valdez is crossing Thompson Pass, which is known for heavy snowfall and unpredictable weather. Even in summer you can encounter rain, dense fog, and cool temperatures at this higher elevation. Before you set off, it’s essential to check the Alaska 511 road conditions report for alerts or closures, and be prepared for changing weather throughout the drive.

A reliable fuel strategy in Alaska is the "half-tank rule": when your gauge reaches half full, start looking for the next petrol station to top up. While major highways connect towns with services, the distances between them can be significant. Planning your route ahead and noting towns along the way will help you anticipate refuelling points and avoid stressful situations on remote stretches.

Many visitors are surprised by "frost heaves", which are bumps and dips in the road surface caused by seasonal freezing and thawing, creating a roller-coaster-like ride in some sections. Summer is also peak roadworks season, which can cause significant delays due to single-lane traffic controlled by pilot cars. In addition, expect many scenic pull-offs and some secondary roads to be gravel, requiring lower speeds.

Before heading out on an adventure that includes unpaved roads, it’s wise to do a quick vehicle check. Walk around the car to inspect tyre condition and pressure, as good tread is important on gravel. It’s also sensible to locate the spare tyre and the tools needed to change it, just in case. Confirming that all headlights and indicators work will also contribute to a safer trip.

A mid-size or standard SUV is often the most practical choice for a typical Alaska trip. It provides plenty of luggage and gear space, and the higher ground clearance helps with uneven car parks or gravel scenic pull-offs. While not always necessary, all-wheel drive available on many SUVs can add confidence when driving in rain or on unpaved surfaces.

Before loading up, take a moment to assess the vehicle’s cargo set-up. An SUV with rear seats that fold completely flat will give the most versatile and spacious area for bulky gear. Look for a model with a luggage cover, which is useful for keeping belongings out of sight when parked. Make sure you can arrange items without blocking your view through the rear window.

The best place to fit child seats is in your assigned bay within the rental car garage. It’s out of the way of moving traffic and sheltered from the weather. It provides a calm, safe environment where you can take your time to ensure seats are fitted correctly and children are buckled in securely before you set off.

Shoulder seasons in Alaska (April-May and September-October) are known for highly changeable weather. You could experience sunshine, rain, and snow on the same drive. A pass that was clear in the morning could become icy by afternoon. Always check the forecast for your whole route, plan for slower travel times, and be prepared for any type of weather.

Extreme daylight shifts significantly affect driving plans. In summer, near-endless daylight gives flexibility for long drives and sightseeing, but you also need to be mindful of driver fatigue. In winter, with very limited daylight, you should plan to complete most driving in that short window, as navigating unfamiliar icy roads in the dark can be extremely challenging.

Moose are a common and serious hazard on Alaskan roads, particularly during low-light periods at dawn and dusk when they’re most active. These large, dark animals can be very hard to spot and often step into the road without warning. It’s critical to reduce speed in signed wildlife areas, constantly scan the verges, and be prepared to stop suddenly.

The safest scenic pull-offs are well marked and have long, dedicated lanes for slowing down and speeding up. This allows you to leave and re-join the flow of traffic smoothly and predictably. Avoid sudden stops at unofficial shoulder spots, and always indicate well in advance to alert drivers behind you that you intend to pull over.

The most convenient way to get supplies is to head east on International Airport Road after leaving the rental facility. Within a few miles you’ll find several large supermarkets and supercentres with easy-to-access car parks. These are on the main road before you need to commit to a major highway, making it a simple and efficient stop to stock up for your trip.

You’ll find several convenient petrol stations directly on International Airport Road, the main route leading to the airport. They’re within about a five-minute drive of the Rental Car Return entrance, making them ideal for a quick final top-up. They have large entrances and are easy to spot as you head back towards the terminals.

As you approach the airport on International Airport Road, pay close attention to the large overhead signs. You’ll need to move into the designated lanes for "Rental Car Return". These signs direct you to a specific entrance that bypasses the passenger drop-off and pick-up loops, leading straight into the consolidated rental car facility.

The process is straightforward. First, follow the airport signs for "Departures" and pull up to the kerb for your airline to drop off passengers and luggage. Once they’re on their way, follow the roadway as it loops back around. You’ll then see signs for "Rental Car Return", which guide you to the correct entrance without needing to leave the airport complex.

The Rental Car Centre is directly connected to the South Terminal, so the walk back is very easy. After dropping off your keys at the Budget counter, follow the prominent signs for "Airline Ticketing" or "Departures". These lead you along a covered walkway back into the main terminal building, where you’ll find all airline check-in desks.

On a summer weekend, especially a Sunday afternoon, expect heavy northbound traffic on the Seward Highway as people return to Anchorage from the Kenai Peninsula. This can create significant queues south of the city. Summer is also peak roadworks season, so check for active projects on the Glenn Highway or within Anchorage that could delay your route back to ANC.