Avis Car Rental
Alaska

After collecting your luggage from the lower-level baggage claim, you will exit the terminal and look for signs directing you to the Rental Car Center shuttle. This complimentary shuttle runs frequently, even late at night, and takes you on a short ride to the separate rental facility. Once inside, you'll find the Avis counter to complete your paperwork with an agent. Your vehicle will be parked just steps away in the adjacent lot, allowing for a streamlined exit to begin your Alaska journey.

To get to downtown Anchorage, the most direct route is to follow the signs out of the rental car facility onto International Airport Road. Continue east on this road for about three miles until you reach Minnesota Drive. You will then make a left turn onto Minnesota Drive heading north. This road will take you straight into the heart of downtown, where it becomes I Street, placing you right in the city center.

While the drive from the airport to downtown Anchorage is typically only about 15 minutes, a weekday afternoon rush can certainly add to that time. It's wise to budget around 30 to 40 minutes to be safe during peak traffic hours, which generally occur between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. This buffer accounts for potential congestion on Minnesota Drive and at the traffic lights as you enter the downtown area, ensuring a more relaxed start to your visit.

Many visitors make their first stop at one of the large grocery stores conveniently located just a few minutes from the airport. Major chains like Fred Meyer or Carrs-Safeway have locations along routes you'd likely take out of the airport area, such as on Northern Lights Boulevard or Minnesota Drive. These stores offer a wide selection of groceries, coolers, and other essential supplies for your trip, making it an efficient way to stock up before heading to more remote destinations.

The route to Girdwood is both scenic and straightforward, as you'll simply take the Seward Highway (AK-1) south from Anchorage. To get oriented and enjoy the stunning views, look for the well-marked pullouts along Turnagain Arm. Beluga Point, about 20 minutes into the drive, is a fantastic first stop to stretch your legs and watch for whales. A bit further down, Bird Point offers expansive views and interpretive signs, providing a perfect, low-stress break before you continue on to Girdwood.

A frequent mistake first-time visitors make is underestimating the captivating power of the scenery, which can lead to distracted driving. It's crucial to use the designated pullouts for photos rather than slowing down unexpectedly in the travel lane. Another common issue is not anticipating the lack of passing lanes, which can cause frustration. The best approach is to relax, drive at a safe speed, and pull over to let faster local traffic pass, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.

The drive along Turnagain Arm can become challenging during periods of high wind, which can be especially strong along the exposed coastline. Sudden rain or fog can also significantly reduce visibility, requiring slower speeds and increased caution. While the famous bore tide is a spectacular sight, it can also distract drivers, so it's best to be parked in a safe pullout to watch it. Always check the weather forecast before you depart from Anchorage and be prepared for conditions to change quickly.

The safest way to view wildlife is to use the designated, paved pullouts that are common along Alaska's scenic highways. Be sure to signal your intention to exit the roadway well in advance. Pull your vehicle completely off the pavement so you are not obstructing the flow of traffic in any way. When you are ready to leave, wait for a safe gap in traffic before carefully merging back onto the highway, as other drivers may also be focused on the scenery.

To fully enjoy the journey to Seward, you should treat the drive itself as a key part of the day's itinerary. Although the drive can be done in about 2.5 hours, it's best to allocate at least 5 to 6 hours for the trip. This relaxed schedule allows ample time for stops at places like Beluga Point, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and the Portage Valley. Starting your drive from Anchorage in the morning ensures you have plenty of daylight for short hikes and photo opportunities without feeling pressured by time.

Access to Whittier is controlled by the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a one-lane passage shared by cars and trains that operates on a strict schedule. The tunnel typically opens for travel into Whittier for 15 minutes starting at the bottom of the hour (e.g., 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM). It is absolutely essential to check the official schedule on the Alaska DOT website before you leave Anchorage. Plan to arrive at the tunnel entrance at least 15 minutes before the scheduled opening to ensure you make it through.

The drive to Talkeetna on the Parks Highway is on a well-maintained, paved road, but much of it is two lanes with limited passing zones. Be patient, as you will likely be sharing the road with large RVs and commercial trucks. Summer is also construction season, so anticipate potential delays. Wasilla is a good place to stop for fuel and food on the way out of the Anchorage area, and there are several scenic pullouts and rest areas further north for a quick break.

While cell service is generally strong in Anchorage and along the main highway corridors like the Seward and Parks Highways, it can become spotty or completely unavailable in between towns or in mountainous areas. For this reason, it is highly recommended to download offline maps of the regions you plan to visit using your preferred navigation app before you leave the city. This ensures your GPS will continue to function and guide you accurately even without a cellular connection.

For navigating typical summer conditions around Anchorage, a vehicle with higher ground clearance, such as an SUV, can be very beneficial. This provides extra confidence when pulling into unpaved scenic overlooks or parking at trailheads, which can often be uneven or muddy after a rain shower. While not always necessary, all-wheel drive is a popular choice as it offers enhanced traction and stability on wet roads or loose gravel surfaces, which you are likely to encounter on your adventures.

When driving during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, the key is to be cautious and adaptable. In the mornings, be especially wary of frost or black ice on bridges, overpasses, and in shaded sections of the road, even if the main highway seems clear. As the day warms up, traction will improve, but it's wise to maintain a slower speed and increase your following distance throughout the day to safely adjust to any changing conditions.

Locals are conditioned to constantly scan the sides of the road for moose, especially at dawn and dusk when the animals are most active. Visitors should adopt this same vigilance and understand that moose can appear suddenly from the dense brush along the roadside. At night on unlit highways, it is critical to reduce your speed and use your high beams whenever possible to extend your field of vision. If you see one moose, slow down immediately and be prepared for others to follow.

Many downtown Anchorage hotels provide parking for their guests, either in a private lot or a nearby public garage. The 5th Avenue Mall and JC Penney parking garages are also popular and centrally located options for secure overnight parking. For hotels with limited street access, the best strategy is to use their designated loading zone to quickly unload your passengers and luggage. After checking in, you can then move your car to its long-term parking spot.

Driving to the Alaska Native Heritage Center is very straightforward, as it's located just off the Glenn Highway with clear signage. To make the most of your visit and see the scheduled performances, plan to arrive by mid-morning. This timing usually allows you to experience the main attractions before the largest tour groups arrive. You'll find that parking is not a concern, as the center has a large, dedicated lot right on-site with ample space for all visitors.

A half-day trip to Portage Valley is easily achievable and highly rewarding. Plan for a round trip of about four hours from Anchorage. Drive one hour south on the scenic Seward Highway and take the well-marked exit for Portage Glacier. This gives you about two hours to visit the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, take a short walk to view the glacier from across the lake, and explore other easily accessible trails and viewpoints in the valley before making the one-hour drive back.

A true road loop on the Kenai Peninsula isn't possible, as you must return to Anchorage via the same main highways. A manageable and popular itinerary involves driving from Anchorage down the Seward Highway to explore Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park for a day or two. From there, you can drive west on the Sterling Highway to visit Cooper Landing, Soldotna, or Homer. To return to Anchorage, you will backtrack along the Sterling and Seward Highways, so be sure to build that return travel time into your plan.

The drive to Seward is a shorter, more dramatic coastal route along Turnagain Arm, taking about 2.5 hours with fewer towns and services along the way. In contrast, the drive to Homer is significantly longer, at 4 to 5 hours, and travels inland through forests and along rivers once you pass the Seward turnoff. The route to Homer has more towns like Cooper Landing and Soldotna for breaks, but its greater length can lead to more driver fatigue by the time you arrive.

When heading south from Anchorage with children, Girdwood is an excellent first stop, offering cafes, a gas station, and restrooms about 45 minutes into your drive. Further down the Seward Highway, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is another great break point with facilities. If you're continuing on the Sterling Highway toward Homer, the towns of Cooper Landing and Soldotna are your most reliable bets for a variety of restaurants and clean public restrooms.

After picking up your rental, a convenient place to sort your gear is a large public park like Kincaid Park, located just a few minutes west of the airport. Its spacious parking lots provide plenty of room to open your doors and organize your luggage without feeling rushed or in the way. Alternatively, the parking lot of a large retail store, such as Cabela's or a Fred Meyer, offers a great opportunity to reorganize after you've finished stocking up on supplies.

When parking at trailheads in bear country, it's essential to secure all food and scented items to avoid attracting wildlife. Before leaving your vehicle, make sure that any coolers, grocery bags, and even items like toothpaste or air fresheners are stored completely out of sight. The best place is in the trunk of a sedan or under a cargo cover in an SUV. A visible cooler can be an invitation for a bear to break into your car.

A reliable rule for planning driving times in Alaska is to take the estimate from a navigation app and add at least 25% more time. Most scenic highways are two-lane roads, and you'll often travel behind slower-moving RVs with limited opportunities to pass. This extra buffer also allows for unexpected but welcome stops for wildlife viewing, photos, or dealing with summer road construction, ensuring a much more enjoyable and less stressful journey.

For any boat tour or glacier cruise, it's a smart practice to arrive in the departure town at least 90 minutes before your scheduled boarding time. This provides a comfortable cushion to navigate the town, find a parking spot which can be scarce during peak season, and walk to the harbor. It also gives you plenty of time to use the restroom, check in with your tour operator, and line up for boarding without any last-minute rushing.

The most efficient strategy for a quick overnight stay is to pack a small, separate bag containing only the essentials you'll need for that one night. You can leave your larger suitcases and other gear securely locked and out of sight in the trunk of your rental vehicle. This approach saves you the significant time and effort of hauling all your belongings into the hotel and then having to repack the car the next morning.

To best enjoy a day in Girdwood, try to visit on a weekday if your schedule allows. Plan to arrive at the Alyeska Resort by mid-morning to secure a good parking spot before the lunchtime rush. You can then take the scenic tram ride up the mountain and enjoy a hike while crowds are still light. By the time you come down, you can have a late lunch at the resort or in town as the peak dining crowds begin to thin out.

Many first-time visitors wish they had known to use the roadside pullouts more frequently, both to let faster traffic pass and to safely enjoy the views. Another common realization is the scarcity of services between towns, highlighting the importance of starting with a full tank of gas and having snacks and water on hand. Finally, travelers often learn that booking accommodations in popular towns like Seward well in advance is essential, as options can be extremely limited during the summer.

Navigating Alaska's summer construction zones requires heightened awareness and patience. As you approach a work zone, reduce your speed immediately and be prepared for abrupt stops or lane shifts. Pay close attention to the instructions from flaggers and follow temporary signage carefully. It's also important to increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead of you to allow for more reaction time in case of sudden braking.

The most efficient method for a group is to designate one or two drivers to take the rental car shuttle to the main facility to pick up the vehicle. The rest of the group can wait with all the luggage at the passenger pickup area on the arrivals level of the main terminal. Once the drivers have the car, they can easily circle back to the terminal curb to load the passengers and bags, minimizing confusion and waiting time.

A safe timeline for an early morning departure is to plan on leaving your downtown hotel about two hours before your flight. This typically allows 20 minutes for the drive, another 20 minutes to return the rental car and take the shuttle to the terminal, and a comfortable 80-90 minutes for airline check-in and security. It's always wise to build in this buffer, even when traffic is light, to account for any unexpected delays.

If you have a little extra time, Point Woronzof is an excellent choice as it's located just past the airport and offers fantastic views of Cook Inlet and the downtown skyline. Another great option is the Glen Alps Trailhead in Chugach State Park, which is about a 25-minute drive from the airport area. The parking lot itself provides a stunning panoramic vista of the entire Anchorage Bowl, making it a perfect final photo opportunity.

The easiest route to Hatcher Pass is to drive north from Anchorage on the Glenn Highway, take the exit for Palmer, and then follow the clear signs for Hatcher Pass Road. The road is paved for the initial scenic portion but transitions to a well-maintained gravel road as you gain elevation. Expect a slower drive with sharp curves on the gravel section, but the breathtaking alpine scenery makes it well worth the effort.

The drive to Eklutna Lake involves a scenic 10-mile trip down Eklutna Lake Road, which is paved but can be narrow in spots. The parking area at the lake is well-organized but can fill up quickly, especially on sunny summer weekends. To ensure you get a spot and avoid the biggest crowds, it's best to plan your arrival for before 10:00 AM. This allows you to enjoy the morning tranquility on the trails or the water.

A popular and more relaxed approach is to break the 4-to-5-hour drive into two parts by planning an overnight stay in Talkeetna. This charming town is located roughly at the halfway point and serves as an excellent base for flightseeing or enjoying the local atmosphere. By splitting the journey, you can enjoy the scenic Parks Highway at a leisurely pace and arrive in the Denali area the next day feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

During Alaska's long summer days, it's a legal requirement and a good safety practice to keep your headlights on at all times to increase your vehicle's visibility to other drivers. High-quality sunglasses are essential for reducing glare and preventing eye strain from the constant daylight. To combat fatigue, it's important to maintain a regular sleep schedule despite the light outside and to take frequent breaks during long drives, just as you would anywhere else.

While most primary highways from Anchorage like the Seward and Glenn are fully paved, some popular day trips do involve significant gravel sections. The scenic drive over the summit of Hatcher Pass is largely on a well-maintained gravel road. Similarly, accessing some trailheads or more remote areas like the Knik River Valley may require driving on unpaved surfaces. It's always a good idea to check your route and road conditions ahead of time if you prefer to stick to pavement.

Before leaving the rental lot, conduct a quick walk-around of the vehicle. Check the tires to ensure they look properly inflated and take note of any pre-existing scratches or chips on the windshield. Inside the car, confirm that the heater, defroster, and windshield wipers are all functioning correctly. Taking a minute to do this simple check can provide peace of mind and prevent any unwelcome surprises once you are on the road.

The two biggest potential delays when returning your car are refueling and the check-in line itself. To save time, fill up the gas tank at a station a few miles away from the airport, as the one closest to the entrance is often very busy. Before you even get in the return line, make sure you have removed all of your personal belongings and any trash from the vehicle. This ensures a quick and smooth inspection process, helping you get to your flight with less stress.