Dollar Car Hire
Alaska

On arrival at Anchorage International Airport, collect your luggage from the baggage reclaim on the lower level of the South Terminal. From there, follow the prominent overhead signs to the Rental Car Centre. The airport has a consolidated facility, so you will walk along a well signposted indoor walkway directly to the rental desks. This central arrangement avoids confusion with terminal levels, as the major rental companies are housed together in one building adjacent to the main terminal.

Arriving late at ANC is common and the process remains straightforward. After collecting your bags, follow the signs to the consolidated Rental Car Centre, which is linked to the terminal. Although the airport is quieter at that hour, the rental facility is accustomed to late-night arrivals that align with flight schedules. Completing the rental agreement and collecting your vehicle is generally efficient, allowing you to head to your accommodation without significant delay.

To reach downtown Anchorage with minimal complexity, exit the Rental Car Centre and follow signs for International Airport Road. Stay on that road for about a mile until you see signs for Minnesota Drive North. Take the Minnesota Drive exit and continue north for approximately four miles. That road then becomes I Street, which leads you directly into the heart of downtown and provides a clear route for your first few minutes of driving in the city.

A realistic time allowance from landing to driving on the Glenn Highway is typically between 60 and 90 minutes. This covers deplaning, walking to baggage reclaim, collecting your luggage, then proceeding to the Rental Car Centre to finalise paperwork and pick up your vehicle. During peak summer travel times this can take longer. Once you have the car, it’s about a 15-minute drive from the airport rental facility to the Glenn Highway interchange.

To create an efficient loop from Anchorage, plan your route directionally to minimise backtracking. A popular sequence is to drive south from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula to visit Seward first. After exploring there, drive back north through Anchorage and continue on the Glenn and Parks Highways towards Denali National Park. From Denali, return to Anchorage to complete the loop. This south-then-north approach ensures you see distinct regions of Alaska without repeating long stretches of road.

After collecting your hire car at ANC, the most convenient place to stock up on groceries before driving to Girdwood is South Anchorage. Along the Seward Highway, just a 10–15 minute drive from the airport, you’ll find several large supermarkets such as Fred Meyer or Carrs-Safeway. These stores are located just off the highway, making them an easy, efficient stop to get supplies. That way you arrive in Girdwood prepared without having to hunt for provisions in the smaller resort town.

Driving the Seward Highway in summer requires patience and awareness, as it’s a busy scenic route. When planning to stop, signal well in advance and slow down gradually to alert drivers behind you. Always use designated pullouts and be cautious re-entering traffic, as speeds can be high. Popular spots like Beluga Point or Windy Corner can be crowded, so expect other vehicles and pedestrians, and never stop in a traffic lane to view wildlife.

The choice between Seward and Whittier often comes down to the glacier experience you want and the logistics you’re willing to manage. Seward offers access to dramatic tidewater glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park and a longer coastal drive. Whittier provides access to the calmer waters and dense glacier fields of Prince William Sound, but requires careful timing to negotiate the single‑lane Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. Many choose Seward for coastal scenery and Whittier for a more concentrated glacier viewing experience.

Driving to Whittier is defined by the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a single‑lane tunnel shared by cars and trains. You must plan around the tunnel’s strict timetable, as it opens to traffic towards Whittier for a short period once an hour. Check the schedule online beforehand and arrive with plenty of time, as queues can form, especially on summer weekends. The drive itself is scenic, but the tunnel is the main logistical challenge to manage for a smooth trip.

For an early morning tour in Seward, it’s wise to leave Anchorage no later than three and a half to four hours before your tour check‑in time. The drive is about 2.5 hours without stops, but that buffer allows for summer traffic, roadworks or tempting photo stops along Turnagain Arm. Leaving early ensures a relaxed journey, time to find parking and check in without rushing. Many travellers prefer to drive down the night before for a stress‑free morning.

When taking a full‑day cruise from Seward, visitors typically use the large designated public car parks located throughout the harbour area and near the small boat harbour. These are designed for all‑day use, with clear signage for payment kiosks and daily permits. Parking here is convenient as it’s a short walk to the main tour operators’ offices and boarding points. This lets you leave your hire car securely for the day without concern over time limits or moving it.

The drive between Anchorage and Seward has convenient and scenic stops directly on the highway. For restrooms and coffee, Girdwood is a perfect halfway point with cafés and facilities right off the main road. For scenery there are numerous designated pullouts along Turnagain Arm, such as Beluga Point and Windy Corner, which require no detour. Further south, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is an excellent stop with amenities, just before the turnoff to Portage Glacier.

The drive to Homer is about 220 miles and typically takes 4.5 to 5 hours without stops, so it’s a long but manageable day. The highway is generally well maintained but mostly two lanes, so it requires focus. For those not used to long drives, breaking the trip is ideal. Good stops include Girdwood for a short walk, Cooper Landing for views of the Kenai River, and Soldotna for lunch and a leg stretch before the final scenic run into Homer.

To make the five‑hour drive to Denali more relaxed, many travellers split the journey with an overnight in Talkeetna. This quirky town is roughly halfway and makes a perfect stopover to explore its artsy shops and enjoy mountain views. Driving to Talkeetna on day one leaves a shorter, more manageable drive to the park entrance on day two. This breaks up highway time and adds another memorable Alaskan stop to your itinerary.

Summer is Alaska’s main roadworks season and the Parks Highway often has active work zones between Anchorage and Denali. Expect delays from single‑lane closures, reduced speeds and pilot cars managing traffic. Check the Alaska 511 website for the latest updates before you depart. As a rule of thumb, add at least 60 to 90 minutes to your expected travel time to allow for unforeseen stops and to keep the journey low‑stress.

To cope with limited mobile service on Alaska’s highways, the best approach is to download offline maps of your entire route before leaving Anchorage. Most major navigation apps offer this feature, ensuring your GPS keeps working without a signal. You’ll get coverage in larger towns like Wasilla or Talkeetna, but long stretches between them can be dead zones. Having your route pre‑loaded gives peace of mind and keeps you on track in remote areas.

Best practice for fuel management is to start with a full tank and make a habit of refuelling whenever you drop below half a tank in a sizeable town. For trips south to Seward or north to Talkeetna, you’ll find reliable stations in places like Girdwood, Soldotna, Wasilla and Talkeetna itself. Avoid letting the tank get too low in remote stretches, as services can be sparse. Refuelling during the day in larger communities prevents late‑night searches for an open station.

Driving downtown Anchorage is generally straightforward, with a grid of numbered and lettered streets that’s easy to navigate. Be aware many streets are one‑way so watch signage when turning. The area is very pedestrian‑friendly with numerous crossings, so stay alert for people walking. Parking is available via on‑street meters and public car parks, such as the JCPenney or 5th Avenue Mall garages, which are centrally located and convenient for exploring.

For safe wildlife viewing from your car, the most important rule is never to stop in the travel lane. Signal and pull completely off the road into a designated pullout or wide, stable shoulder. Keep a safe distance from the animals; use binoculars or a zoom lens for a closer look. Stay in or near your vehicle as it provides some protection. These habits ensure your safety, the animals’ welfare and smooth traffic flow for other drivers.

The choice often depends on whether you want a close‑up glacier experience or expansive coastal scenery. Turnagain Arm offers stunning, easily accessible pullouts right off the Seward Highway for mountain views and the unique bore tide. The Portage area, a short detour, is more focused with a visitor centre and the option of a short, easy walk to the edge of Byron Glacier. Many travellers do both, stopping at Turnagain Arm viewpoints on the way to or from Portage Valley.

Driving to Hatcher Pass from Anchorage is a beautiful trip that involves changing road conditions. The road from Palmer up to the Independence Mine State Historical Park is paved and well maintained, suitable for standard hire vehicles. However, the road over the summit becomes rough gravel and is often not recommended for typical rental cars. Most visitors drive up the paved section to the mine, explore the scenic basin and then turn around, enjoying the mountain views without venturing onto the unpaved section.

Driving to Alyeska Resort in Girdwood is a scenic 45‑minute trip from Anchorage along the Seward Highway. On busy winter ski days or major summer festivals the resort’s main car parks can fill quickly. It’s advisable to arrive early to secure a spot near the tram and hotel. The resort manages traffic flow well, with staff directing cars to overflow parking when needed. A little patience and an early start will ensure a smooth arrival and parking experience.

A day trip to Talkeetna is very popular and involves a scenic 2.5‑hour drive north from Anchorage. The town is very walkable and parking is concentrated in a large free public lot at the end of the main street, near the riverfront and the railway. Travellers typically leave their hire car there for the day and explore shops, restaurants and tour operators on foot. This central lot is convenient and makes it easy to access the main attractions without moving the vehicle.

If time is tight, several impressive viewpoints are easily reached by car near Anchorage. Point Woronzof, just minutes from the airport, offers great views of Cook Inlet and the downtown skyline and is popular for watching planes land. For a higher vantage drive to the Glen Alps Trailhead in Chugach State Park for a panoramic overlook of the city and surrounding mountains. Both locations require minimal driving time from the airport or downtown and deliver striking Alaskan scenery.

When driving in heavy rain the main concerns are reduced visibility and the risk of aquaplaning due to standing water. Slow down, increase your following distance and ensure your headlights are on. Be particularly cautious on highways like the Seward and Glenn where water can pool in worn sections. Sudden weather shifts are common, so be prepared to adjust speed and driving style to match changing conditions for a safe journey.

On most popular itineraries from Anchorage—trips to Seward, Girdwood or Denali—you’ll mainly be on well‑paved highways. Gravel roads are generally only encountered if you venture to more remote trailheads or specific destinations such as the road over Hatcher Pass summit or the Denali Highway. If your plans include such roads, factor in much slower travel speeds and check your rental terms. For standard sightseeing you can generally expect to stay on paved surfaces.

Commuting into Anchorage from the Mat‑Su Valley (Wasilla/Palmer) can be slow during weekday mornings, as the Glenn Highway is the primary route for thousands of residents. Morning peak is typically 07:00–09:00, and the evening outbound peak is 16:00–18:00. If you must travel during these times, plan for significant delays and add at least 30–45 minutes to your expected drive time. Outside peak hours the trip will be much smoother and faster.

After collecting your hire car at the ANC Rental Car Centre, take a few minutes to get organised before setting off. The multi‑storey car park provides a covered, calm space to do this. Fit any child seats first and ensure they are secure before loading luggage. Pack the largest suitcases in the boot first and keep a smaller bag with snacks, drinks and essentials accessible in the passenger cabin. This initial setup prevents needing to pull over shortly after leaving the airport.

For early morning fishing charters in Kenai or Soldotna most travellers drive down from Anchorage the day before and stay overnight locally. This avoids the stress of a very early long drive in the dark. Charter operators typically have designated parking areas near the boat launch or docks for clients. Arriving the night before allows you to locate the meeting point and parking in daylight, ensuring a simple and timely arrival for the pre‑dawn departure.

To optimise the drive along Turnagain Arm consider the sun’s position and traffic flow. Driving south from Anchorage in the morning or north towards Anchorage in the late afternoon or evening often provides the best light on the Chugach mountains without direct sun glare. Midday tends to be busiest, with more traffic and fewer open pullouts. Weekdays are generally less stressful than weekends when traffic volume peaks.

To coordinate a group arriving on different flights, designate a clear meeting point inside the airport. The baggage reclaim area for the last arriving flight is a common choice as it’s easy to find and has seating. Alternatively, the pre‑security food court on the upper level provides a comfortable waiting spot. The person picking up the hire car can complete the process and then drive to the passenger pickup curb outside baggage reclaim once the whole party has assembled.

For photographers the Seward Highway offers numerous pullouts with good sightlines for safe entry and exit. Look for the larger, well‑signed pullouts like Beluga Point, Windy Corner and Bird Point. These have longer deceleration and acceleration lanes, making it easier to merge back into highway traffic. Smaller unmarked pullouts can be trickier, so it’s often safer and more convenient to stick to the main established viewpoints for photo stops.

A well‑paced day trip to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) can be very rewarding. A good plan is to drive from Anchorage to the AWCC in the morning—about an hour—and spend two to three hours there. Afterwards visit the nearby Portage Glacier area for a short walk or the visitor centre. On the return make leisurely stops at Turnagain Arm pullouts, arriving back in Anchorage by early evening without feeling rushed.

For a final repack before your flight, Kincaid Park or Point Woronzof, both a few minutes’ drive from the airport, are excellent options. These parks have large car parks where you can comfortably sort through luggage and gear without being rushed, and they provide a scenic backdrop for your last moments in Alaska. Alternatively, the car park of a large store in South Anchorage can also provide the space needed to organise your belongings before returning the hire car.

The decision to drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks in one day versus over several days depends on your priorities. The drive is about six to seven hours and can be done in a single long day if your aim is simply to get there. However, to fully enjoy the journey most travellers break it up. A popular option is to stop overnight near Denali National Park, allowing you to experience that iconic location and turn the transit into a scenic, memorable part of your Alaskan trip.