National Car Hire
in Alaska

Finding your way from baggage claim to the rental car facility at Anchorage International Airport is very straightforward. After collecting your luggage on the lower level of the South Terminal, simply follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Cars." These signs will lead you outside to a designated shuttle stop. A frequent, clearly marked shuttle bus will then take you on a short ride directly to the consolidated Rental Car Centre, where the National counter is located.

A late‑night pickup at ANC is usually a smooth process, as the airport is much quieter. Although the rental counters are open, staffing may be reduced, so having your reservation details and driving licence readily accessible will help speed things up. The roads from the airport into Anchorage will have minimal traffic, making your initial drive to your hotel less stressful. Just be sure your accommodation offers a late check‑in option and use a satnav to navigate the unfamiliar, dark roads with confidence.

Under normal conditions, the drive from the ANC rental car centre to downtown Anchorage is relatively short, typically taking about 15 to 20 minutes. However, during a weekday afternoon you may encounter commuter traffic which could extend the journey to 25 or 30 minutes. The most direct route is to take International Airport Road to Minnesota Drive, then connect to the numbered or lettered streets downtown. It’s always sensible to allow a little extra time for traffic lights and finding your bearings in the city centre.

Joining the Seward Highway (AK‑1 South) from the airport is extremely easy and well signed, making it ideal for first‑time visitors. From the rental car facility you will exit onto Postmark Drive and then turn onto International Airport Road. Follow this road east as it becomes the Walter J. Hickel Parkway. You will see clear signs for Seward Highway South; simply follow the exit ramp to merge onto the highway, which takes you south towards Girdwood, Portage and Seward.

Rather than stopping on a busy road shoulder, it’s much safer to find a large public car park shortly after leaving the airport. A good option is to head to a large supermarket or retail store on Dimond Boulevard, just a few minutes’ drive from the airport. Alternatively, you could visit a nearby public park such as Kincaid Park or the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail access points. These locations provide ample space to get organised without the pressure of passing traffic.

One of the most frequent mistakes is underestimating driving times and distances, as Alaska’s scale is vast. Another common issue happens on scenic routes like the Seward Highway, where visitors slow abruptly or stop in the travel lane to view wildlife or scenery. It’s crucial to use the designated, paved pullouts for all stops. Additionally, unfamiliar drivers sometimes follow other vehicles too closely, not leaving enough room for sudden stops, which can occur due to wildlife or changing road conditions.

During peak times such as a major event or when cruise passengers are arriving, the rental car centre can be significantly busier. The best approach is to build extra time into your schedule, anticipating longer waits for the airport shuttle and at the rental counter. To smooth the process, ensure your reservation is complete and have all necessary documents ready. If travelling with a group, designate one person to head to the rental counter while others collect the luggage to save time.

Driving the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm is a world‑class scenic experience, but it requires full attention. The road is a winding two‑lane highway with a steady flow of traffic, including large RVs. For a first‑time driver, the key is to be patient and use the numerous, well‑marked pullouts and viewpoints like Beluga Point. These designated areas are the only safe places to stop for photos or wildlife watching, so plan to use them frequently rather than slowing in the main travel lanes.

To enjoy the most relaxed and scenic drive to Seward, plan to leave Anchorage early in the morning, ideally before 08:00. This lets you get ahead of the main wave of tourist traffic and RVs that typically depart mid‑morning. An early start gives you ample time for unhurried stops at popular spots such as the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or the Begich‑Boggs Visitor Center at Portage Glacier. In summer there’s plenty of daylight, but an early departure ensures you arrive in Seward with time to settle in before evening.

The drive between Anchorage and Girdwood is renowned for its scenery, with many easy‑access pullouts for views of Turnagain Arm. For services, the most convenient stop is the town of Girdwood itself, about 40 miles south of Anchorage. The exit is clearly signed, and a very short drive off the highway leads you to a petrol station with a convenience store and toilets. This is the most straightforward option for a quick break without navigating complex side roads.

Arriving at Alyeska Resort is straightforward, as it’s the main destination in Girdwood. The resort has several large, free car parks available for guests. For the most convenient luggage handling, it’s best to pull up directly to the hotel’s main entrance under the covered portico. You can unload your bags with the help of the bell staff there, and then one person can move the car to one of the nearby car parks for the duration of your stay.

The drive to Whittier is not difficult, but it does require careful planning because of the unique Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This one‑lane tunnel is shared by cars and trains and operates on a strict schedule, allowing traffic to flow in only one direction at a time. Check the current tunnel timetable online before you go to time your arrival. You will wait in a designated staging area until your scheduled entry time, so include this waiting period in your travel plans.

To ensure a stress‑free morning for a Kenai Fjords tour, plan to leave Anchorage very early. The drive to Seward takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours without significant stops. For a tour departing at 10:00, it’s sensible to be on the road from Anchorage no later than 06:00. This generous timeline allows for a quick coffee stop, potential traffic, finding parking at the Seward harbour and checking in for your tour without feeling rushed.

The drive from Anchorage to Homer is a beautiful journey of about 4.5 to 5 hours, covering varied landscapes. The route follows the Seward Highway and then the Sterling Highway, which are primarily two‑lane roads. The pace is generally steady, but be prepared to follow slower‑moving RVs for stretches. There are designated passing lanes periodically, but patience is key. Good places for a break include Cooper Landing or Soldotna, which offer fuel, food and toilets.

Driving to Denali on your arrival day is realistic if your flight lands in the morning, but it makes for a long day. The drive itself is about 4 to 5 hours without stops. The most common pitfall is underestimating this drive time and the fatigue after a long flight. Another issue is arriving at your accommodation near the park late in the evening, leaving little time to eat, check in and prepare for an early park tour the next morning. If your flight arrives in the afternoon, consider staying in Anchorage or Wasilla for the first night.

For a substantial stop with groceries and fuel early in your drive, Wasilla or Palmer are directly on the route and easy to navigate. Further north, the small town of Talkeetna is a popular and worthwhile detour for a meal and a stretch, though it adds some time. For a quick scenic stop without a major detour, the Denali Viewpoint South pullout offers spectacular mountain views on a clear day and has toilet facilities, making it an ideal spot for a brief pause.

If you’re staying in a nearby town like Healy, planning ahead is the key to a smooth morning. First, confirm the exact driving time from your lodging to the Denali Bus Depot or Wilderness Access Center where tours depart. Leave your hotel with a generous buffer, factoring in 15–25 minutes of driving plus time to park and walk to the depot. Pack snacks and coffee the night before so you can get on the road quickly and avoid missing your scheduled bus departure.

For a more relaxed itinerary, most first‑time visitors find it best to drive south to Seward first. The drive from Anchorage to Seward is shorter (about 2.5 hours) and serves as a beautiful introduction to Alaska’s scenery without being overwhelming after a long flight. After exploring the Kenai Peninsula for a few days, return to Anchorage and then embark on the longer 4–5 hour drive north to Denali. This approach breaks up the driving and allows you to acclimatise before the longer journey.

A day trip to Hatcher Pass from Anchorage is a fantastic excursion, taking about 90 minutes to reach the scenic area. Plan for a full day to allow for hiking and sightseeing. Bear in mind that while much of the road to the pass is paved, the final section over the summit is a winding, unpaved gravel road. Always check the official road status before you go, as the pass can close due to weather even in summer and may not be suitable for all vehicle types.

Driving to the Portage Valley is an easy and popular side trip from the Seward Highway. The turnoff onto Portage Glacier Road is very clearly signed about 45 miles south of Anchorage. The road ends at the Begich‑Boggs Visitor Center, which has a large car park right on the shore of Portage Lake. This area can become quite busy, especially at midday in summer when tour buses arrive, so consider visiting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon for a more peaceful experience.

On sunny summer weekends, car parks at very popular trailheads such as Flattop Mountain or those in Chugach State Park can be full by 09:00 or 10:00. To secure a spot, your best bet is to arrive early in the morning. A good backup plan is to have a second, less‑crowded trail in mind, perhaps one that starts from a different access point like the Eagle River Nature Center. Alternatively, shifting your hike to a weekday or later in the afternoon can also help you avoid the biggest crowds.

Navigating downtown Anchorage requires attention because of its grid of one‑way streets. The easiest approach is to use a satnav and drive slowly to read the signs. For parking, the least stressful option is to use your hotel’s designated parking, even if there is a charge. If that’s not available, public parking garages such as the JC Penney or 5th Avenue Mall car parks are plentiful, centrally located and simpler to use than searching for a street space.

The key to safe wildlife viewing along Turnagain Arm is to use the designated, paved pullouts and viewpoints only. Areas like Beluga Point, Windy Corner and Bird Point are specifically designed for this purpose, offering safe parking completely off the highway. Never stop in the travel lane or on a narrow, unpaved shoulder, as this is extremely dangerous for you and other drivers. Be patient; use the pullouts to scan the mountains for Dall sheep or the water for beluga whales.

For any Alaska road trip, it’s sensible to have a small preparedness kit in your car. This should include extra layers such as a fleece and a waterproof jacket, as weather can change rapidly. Also pack plenty of water, non‑perishable snacks, a basic first‑aid kit and a portable power bank for your phone. As mobile coverage can be spotty, downloading offline maps of your route is also a crucial part of being prepared for long stretches between towns.

A reliable strategy for fuel management in Alaska is the half‑tank rule: when your gauge reaches half, start looking for a filling station at the next town. Fill up in Anchorage before heading out on a long drive. Major towns along the main highways, like Wasilla, Seward, Soldotna and Cantwell, have reliable services. Avoid letting your tank get critically low, as smaller, remote stations may have limited hours, especially late at night.

The most effective way to deal with intermittent mobile coverage is to prepare before you lose signal. While in Anchorage, use Wi‑Fi to download maps of your entire route and destination area for offline use in your preferred navigation app. This ensures your GPS continues to work without a data connection. It’s also good practice to inform someone of your travel plans and estimated arrival time as a general safety measure.

To keep your drive enjoyable, build extra time into your itinerary specifically for photo opportunities. Rather than making sudden, unplanned stops, make a habit of using the numerous designated scenic viewpoints and pullouts that are placed along highways such as the Seward and Parks. This approach is much safer and more relaxing than feeling rushed. It allows everyone to get out, stretch and enjoy the scenery without disrupting the flow of traffic or the trip’s schedule.

While most driving rules in Alaska are standard for the United States, a few are particularly important here. The state has a strict "Move Over" law requiring you to slow down and move to an adjacent lane for stopped emergency vehicles. Also, wildlife can effectively have the right‑of‑way; always be prepared to stop for moose or other animals on the road. Finally, be aware that headlights are required at all times on certain major highways, like the Seward Highway.

Before embarking on a long drive, a great place to let children burn off energy is Cuddy Family Midtown Park, which has a large playground and a pond. Another excellent option is the Delaney Park Strip downtown, offering wide open green spaces. For a quick nature‑based stop as you leave town towards Seward, the Potter Marsh boardwalk is perfect. It’s an easy, flat walk where kids can look for birds and enjoy the fresh air right off the highway.

When selecting a vehicle, think beyond just the number of passengers and suitcases. Consider the bulk and shape of your gear, as coolers, fishing waders and hiking packs take up significant and often awkward space. An SUV or MPV typically offers more flexible cargo configurations and better vertical clearance than a saloon’s boot. A larger vehicle also provides better visibility for spotting wildlife and enjoying the scenery, which can enhance your overall road‑trip experience.

The most efficient way to coordinate a group pickup is to establish a clear meeting point inside the terminal before proceeding to the rental car centre. A good spot is the baggage claim area for the last arriving flight. Once your entire party and all luggage are accounted for, take the airport shuttle together to the rental facility. This prevents confusion and ensures the primary driver and any additional drivers are present with their licences when you reach the counter.

For a low‑stress grocery stop, avoid the downtown area and instead head to one of the large supermarkets in South Anchorage or Midtown, just a short drive from the airport. Stores located along Dimond Boulevard or Old Seward Highway are excellent choices. They have large, easy‑to‑navigate car parks and sit on main roads that provide simple access back to the highways leading out of town. This allows you to stock up on supplies without getting caught in complex city traffic.

Parking in neighbourhoods such as Midtown and Spenard is generally much simpler than in the downtown core. Most hotels and accommodations in these areas offer free on‑site parking. If you need to park on the street, it is typically permitted overnight, but always read any posted signs for time restrictions or specific regulations. The street layouts are a mix of grids and curving roads, so using a satnav is helpful until you get your bearings.

When parking at a trailhead, it’s wise to keep your car windows fully closed to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside while you’re away. Before you even exit the vehicle, it’s a good idea to apply insect repellent. To keep the car’s interior cooler on a sunny day, you can use a sunshade for the windscreen. As a general precaution, never leave food or strongly scented items visible inside the car, as this can attract bears or other wildlife.

Moose are a frequent and serious hazard on roads in and around Anchorage, so constant vigilance is required. Be especially alert at dawn and dusk, when they are most active and visibility is poor. If you see a moose on or near the road, slow down immediately and be prepared to stop. Give the animal plenty of space and wait for it to move off on its own; never honk or try to drive around it, as their behaviour can be unpredictable.

For a stress‑free departure, plan to arrive at the rental car return centre about 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight’s departure time. This allows approximately 30 minutes for the vehicle return process, collecting your luggage and taking the shuttle back to the airport terminal. That leaves you with the standard two hours to check in, go through security and get to your gate without rushing. It’s always better to have a little extra time at the airport.

Several petrol stations located along International Airport Road or Spenard Road, very close to the airport, offer vacuum cleaners and large rubbish receptacles. These are ideal spots for a quick clean‑out of any accumulated trash or trail dust. Their large car parks also provide a convenient space to do a final luggage repack before you head to the rental car return area. This helps ensure a smooth and efficient vehicle return process.

If a significant flight delay pushes your arrival to another day, the first step is to contact the rental car company to update your reservation. From a planning perspective, this delay will require you to adjust your itinerary. You should cancel or rebook your first night’s accommodation and shorten your first planned activity. Avoid trying to make up for lost time by attempting a long drive, such as to Denali, immediately after a late arrival; instead, plan for a short, easy drive to a local hotel.

For viewing the Northern Lights, choose a location well away from city lights that has a large, safe parking area, such as the Glen Alps Trailhead or Potter Marsh. It’s critical to pull your vehicle completely off the road and turn off your headlights so as not to disturb other viewers or create a hazard. When leaving, be cautious as your eyes readjust to the darkness. Plan your route in advance, be aware of potentially icy road conditions, and ensure you have a safe place to turn around without having to reverse onto a dark highway.