Ready to embark on your Alaskan adventure? Use the search form above to enter your Alaska pick-up location (Anchorage Airport, downtown Fairbanks, Juneau, etc.), select your dates, and hit “Search.” In seconds, we’ll scan 50+ rental partners across Alaska, from major brands to local specialists, to bring you the best offers. Filter by vehicle type if you have something in mind (maybe an SUV for snowy mountain routes, a rugged pickup for backroads, or a fuel-efficient compact for city errands). Booking is fast and secure, with most rentals offering pay-at-pickup and free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up. In just a couple of minutes, you’ll reserve the ideal ride for your Alaska journey, at a price that leaves more budget for salmon fishing, glacier tours, or a hot bowl of stew on a chilly Alaskan night!
Welcome to Alaska, the Last Frontier! From the towering glaciers of Kenai Fjords to the majestic peaks of Denali, having a rental car in Alaska gives you the freedom to experience it all. Our Alaska car rental guide blends great deals with local expertise so you can save money and drive through Alaska’s wild landscapes like a pro. Whether you’re landing in Anchorage for an epic road trip, planning to chase the Northern Lights near Fairbanks, or need wheels to explore scenic highways under the midnight sun, we’ll help you find the perfect car quickly, easily, and affordably. Get ready to discover Alaska on your terms, behind the wheel and on the open road.
Why Rent a Car in Alaska?
Alaska’s vast size and sparse public transit make a rental car practically a must for travelers. Here’s why renting a car is the best way to experience the Last Frontier:
Our Alaska Car Rental Benefits
Why book your Alaska wheels with us? We offer a seamless rental experience tailored to Alaska travelers:
Today’s Top Alaska Car Rental Deals
(Here are a few sample deals available in Alaska right now. These change frequently, but they showcase the kind of low rates you can snag, search above for the latest offers!)
(Note: “From” rates are base daily prices recently found and exclude taxes and fees. In Alaska, rental taxes can range ~10-15% depending on locale (e.g., Anchorage has 11% rental tax). We always show you the total with taxes before booking. Availability and prices depend on dates and supply, summer (June–August) is peak season when rates are highest and cars can sell out, so book early for those months! Conversely, great bargains often pop up in winter. Always search your exact dates for current pricing.)
Driving in Alaska: Tips and Local Insights
Driving in Alaska is a unique experience, you might be navigating city streets one day and remote mountain roads the next. Here are key tips and insights to drive safely and confidently in Alaska:
City Driving (Anchorage & Fairbanks)
Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, but compared to big metropolitan areas, traffic is quite manageable. The city is laid out in a grid in downtown and has several highways (like the Glenn and Seward Highways) radiating out. Rush hour in Anchorage (weekday mornings 7–9 AM and evenings 4–6 PM) sees some congestion on major routes like the Glenn Hwy (heading into town from the Valley) and Seward Hwy, but it’s nowhere near the standstill of, say, Los Angeles. Give yourself a bit of extra time during those periods, especially in winter when snow and darkness can slow things down.
Parking in Anchorage and Fairbanks is generally easy. Downtown Anchorage has metered street parking and parking garages, but rates are reasonable (a couple dollars per hour, free in evenings and Sundays). In Fairbanks, parking is mostly free or low-cost outside the immediate downtown core. Winter city driving: Streets are plowed regularly, but can remain slick, drive slowly and allow longer braking distance on icy roads. In Anchorage, you’ll notice many cars sporting engine block heater cords dangling from the grille, rentals in winter may have these too. If your hotel offers outdoor outlets, plug in the engine heater overnight when temps drop below 0°F to ensure your car starts strong in the morning.
One unique law: headlights must be on when driving outside Anchorage’s city limits (and it’s wise to keep them on at all times, day or night, due to frequent low light conditions and to increase visibility). Also, like everywhere, no texting or handheld phone use while driving, it’s illegal statewide in Alaska. Anchorage police and state troopers do enforce this, so use hands-free or pull over to use your phone.
Remote Highways & Wildlife
Once you leave the city, be prepared for long stretches of highway with few services. Always keep an eye on your gas gauge and don’t let it drop too low. A good rule in Alaska: when you see a gas station and you’re below half a tank, top up, because the next fuel stop could be 50-100 miles away (or closed early). Major highways like the Parks Highway (Anchorage to Fairbanks) have towns and gas every 30-60 miles, but more remote routes like the Dalton Highway or the drive toward Glenallen/Tok have very sparse services.
Watch for wildlife on roads, especially at dawn, dusk, and at night. Moose are common near roads and can wander into the highway unexpectedly, hitting one is extremely dangerous due to their size. In forested or tundra areas, also watch for caribou or deer crossing. Slow down and stay alert in areas with wildlife crossing signs (those signs are there because animals frequent those spots). Using high beams on lonely roads at night can help you spot an animal’s glowing eyes from a distance, just remember to dim them when other cars approach.
Alaska’s speed limits are generally lower than you might expect for such open land. Most two-lane highways are 55 mph, with some rural stretches posted at 65 mph. It’s tempting to speed when the road is empty, but be cautious: state troopers do patrol even far-flung highways, and citations for 10+ mph over can be hefty. Plus, road conditions can change quickly due to weather or animals. Obeying speed limits not only keeps you legal, it gives you more time to react if, say, a moose decides to stroll out onto the road.
Winter Driving
If you’re visiting in winter (roughly November through March in much of Alaska), prepare for snowy and icy road conditions. Main highways are plowed regularly, but snow can accumulate quickly during storms. Slower speeds, gentle braking, and increased following distance are key, black ice is a hidden hazard, especially on bridges or early morning hours. Many rental cars in Alaska are fitted with all-season tires, which are usually sufficient, but they may not have studded tires unless specifically provided by the rental agency. Studded tires are legal in Alaska from mid-September through April, and some local rental companies do install them seasonally on request, it’s worth asking if you’re renting in deep winter and plan to drive outside Anchorage.
Always clear all snow and ice off your vehicle before driving (including headlights and the roof, to avoid snow sliding onto your windshield when you brake). It’s the law to have a clear view and lights. Use low beams in snow or fog. Keep an emergency kit in the car: some blankets, snacks, water, and a flashlight. In extremely cold areas (Interior Alaska can reach -40°F/C), it’s wise to also carry jumper cables and even a small shovel. If you’re headed on a long drive in winter, let someone know your route and ETA, just a sensible precaution in sparsely populated areas.
One common requirement in winter: chain control is not typical in Alaska (unlike mountain passes in the Lower 48), but if you venture to Canada or drive up to places like Atigun Pass on the Dalton Highway, you might encounter situations where chains are useful. Standard rentals won’t include tire chains and most contracts forbid using them (to avoid damage). Instead, opt for a 4WD/AWD vehicle and drive slowly in severe winter conditions. If the weather is too bad, don’t risk it, wait it out. Alaska’s road crews do a great job, but during a blizzard, sometimes the safest choice is to stay put.
No Tolls & Other Rules
Good news: There are no toll roads in Alaska. You won’t encounter any toll booths or electronic toll systems on highways here, all roads are free to use. (The only “toll” of sorts is the Whittier Tunnel, a unique 2.5-mile one-lane tunnel that cars and trains share, it charges about $13 for entry, but that’s a one-off fee to reach Whittier by road. Also, state-run ferries charge fees for vehicles, but those aren’t roads.) So, no need to worry about toll passes or spare change for tolls while driving the Alaska highways.
Fuel stations: In very remote areas, some gas stations are card-operated 24/7 pumps. It’s a good idea to carry a credit card that works at the pump (most do) and a little cash just in case.
Driving laws recap: Alaska follows standard US rules of the road, drive on the right, seat belts are mandatory for all front-seat occupants (and required in back seats for minors). It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in the vehicle’s passenger area. Don’t be tempted to celebrate a successful fish catch with a beer on the drive back, wait until you’re parked for the night. DUI laws are strict: 0.08% BAC limit, and police in tourist areas (like around Denali or popular fishing zones) do set up patrols. Penalties are severe, as in any state, so never drink and drive.
Lastly, weather and daylight quirks: Depending on the season, you might be driving in broad daylight at 11 PM or in twilight at noon. If you’re here in summer, consider blackout shades for your car or eyes if sensitive when parked, the midnight sun can make it hard to sleep (some rental SUVs/vans might even come with privacy shades). In winter, be prepared for limited daylight hours, plan drives accordingly and allow extra time, as driving in the dark (with possible ice) can be slower. Always check the forecast before a long drive, especially in winter, a major snowfall or storm system might merit changing plans. With these insights in mind, you’ll be ready to handle Alaska’s roads safely and enjoyably.
Road Trip Ideas from Alaska
Alaska’s expansive road network (though limited compared to Lower 48 states) still offers some epic drives. Here are three itinerary ideas that showcase different sides of Alaska by car:
Ready for more Alaska exploration? Don’t miss our other location pages to help plan your trip. For city adventures and more rental options, see Anchorage car rentals or Fairbanks car rentals, we’ve got dedicated guides for those areas too. Wherever your Alaskan journey takes you, we’re here to make sure the right car and the right advice are along for the ride!
Frequently Asked Questions
In Alaska (just like most US states), the minimum rental age is 21 years old. Renters ages 21-24 will typically pay a “young driver” surcharge, usually around $25–$30 per day, and may be limited to certain car categories (often economy through full-size cars or small SUVs; usually no luxury vehicles or large vans for under-25 renters). Once you turn 25, you have access to the full fleet with no underage fees. No major rental company rents to anyone under 21 in Alaska. (The only rare exceptions might be some local outfit or if an 18-20 year-old is an active duty military or government traveler on orders, but that’s not the norm for leisure rentals.) Always bring a valid driver’s license and a credit card in the renter’s name. If you’re under 25, expect that the rental desk may verify your age and you’ll need to accept the young driver fee, it’s automatically added in our quotes when you input your age, so you’ll be aware of the total cost upfront.
Not necessarily, but it depends on your plans and the season. If you’re sticking to well-traveled routes, say Anchorage to Denali via the paved Parks Highway, or Anchorage to Seward/Homer on the Kenai Peninsula, a regular front-wheel drive car is perfectly fine in summer. These highways are paved and maintained. However, if you plan to venture onto gravel roads or remote areas (for example, the Dalton Highway to the Arctic, or out to McCarthy/Kennicott in Wrangell–St. Elias), a higher-clearance AWD/4WD vehicle is strongly recommended and sometimes required by rental agreements. In winter months (November–March), an AWD or 4x4 can offer better traction on snowy/icy roads, and many Alaskans drive SUVs or trucks for this reason. That said, hundreds of visitors successfully tour Alaska in summer with normal sedans. We list vehicle types and whether they are 4WD/AWD in our search results. If unsure, err on the side of caution: if your itinerary includes rough roads or you’re visiting outside of summer, consider renting at least an AWD car or SUV. Important: Always check your rental contract’s fine print about restricted roads, some companies prohibit driving on certain unpaved highways (like the Dalton or Denali Highway) regardless of vehicle type, unless you have explicit permission or a specialty rental. When in doubt, ask us or the rental provider if your planned route is allowed.
Standard rental cars in Alaska are usually equipped with all-season tires year-round, which are designed to handle mild winter conditions in town. In Anchorage and Fairbanks, major rental agencies often do not automatically put on dedicated winter snow tires due to cost, but some do install studded tires or winter-rated tires on portions of their fleet during the deep winter months (December through February). It can depend on the agency and availability, you can request winter tires, but it’s not a guarantee with national brands. Chains are generally not provided with rentals, and in fact most rental contracts forbid using tire chains because if not installed properly they can damage the vehicle. The good news is, Alaska’s main roads are regularly plowed and sanded. If you drive prudently (slower speeds, longer stopping distances), all-season tires with front-wheel drive or AWD are sufficient for most conditions on major routes. If you know you’ll be here in mid-winter and plan to drive to snowy areas (say, Fairbanks to Arctic Circle, or Anchorage to ski areas), we recommend renting an AWD SUV, as those often have M+S (mud & snow) rated tires at minimum and the AWD helps meet traction requirements. You won’t typically find rental agencies offering chains, and you likely won’t need them if you avoid driving during active blizzards. If road conditions are so bad that chains would be required, it’s probably best to delay travel until roads are cleared (authorities may even temporarily close certain roads in severe storms). In summary: ask your rental provider about winter tires if traveling November–March, some local Alaskan rental firms pride themselves on winterizing their fleets. But even if you just have all-seasons, drive cautiously, keep an emergency kit, and you should be fine. We ensure vehicles are well-maintained, and we can advise during booking which companies tend to include winter equipment.
Yes, in most cases you can drive from Alaska into Canada (Yukon or British Columbia) and even onward to the continental US with your rental car, but you’ll need to inform the rental company in advance(different companies have different polices, so ALWAYS check with your rental company first). Crossing the U.S.-Canada border is generally allowed with Alaska rentals; the rental company will usually provide a Canada Non-Resident Insurance Card (sometimes called a yellow card or insurance certificate) at your request, which proves the vehicle has insurance coverage valid in Canada. Make sure to request this if planning a border crossing. There is no extra charge typically for driving into Canada, but do check, a few companies might have restrictions or require written permission. Driving to the Lower 48 (continental USA) obviously means crossing Canada and returning, unlimited miles still apply, but note that doing a one-way (pick up in Alaska, drop off in e.g. Seattle) is not allowed by standard rentals (see one-way question below). As a round trip, it’s allowed: for example, some adventurers will drive from Anchorage down the Alaska Highway through Canada and back up. That’s fine, just plan your time and let the rental folks know. A couple of caveats: Rental contracts often prohibit driving on certain remote roads even in Canada, for instance, the unpaved Dempster Highway in the Yukon/NWT or other very rough roads might be off-limits similar to Dalton Hwy restrictions. Stick to well-used routes unless you have clearance. Also, check border requirements: you’ll need a passport to cross into Canada and back to the US. Finally, be aware of the distances, it’s about 2,200 miles (3,540 km) from Anchorage to Seattle through Canada, for instance. Ensure your rental period is long enough and consider things like vehicle maintenance (if you’re putting thousands of miles, maybe get an oil level check en route). But plenty of visitors do drive between Alaska and the Lower 48 with rentals without issue. Just drive safely, follow Canadian traffic laws, and enjoy the incredibly scenic journey through Yukon and BC.
Rental companies in Alaska generally restrict certain roads that are deemed very rough or risky for standard vehicles. The most common restricted roads (in the fine print) are: • The Dalton Highway (north of Fairbanks toward Prudhoe Bay), many contracts forbid this road unless you rent a specific vehicle from a company that allows it. • The Denali Highway (a 135-mile mostly gravel road connecting Paxson to Cantwell), often off-limits in standard agreements. • McCarthy Road (60-mile gravel road off the Edgerton Hwy to Kennecott/McCarthy), also commonly excluded. • The Taylor Highway to Eagle (and Top of the World Highway into Dawson City, Yukon), another seasonal rough road rentals may forbid. • Any unnumbered gravel logging roads or trails. If you do drive on a prohibited road and something happens, you could be liable for towing and all damages out-of-pocket (even if you took insurance, it might be voided), so it’s important to heed these rules. That said, some renters still choose to go, but we do not recommend violating the contract, instead, if you plan to explore these areas, consider renting from a specialty local company that explicitly allows specific roads or offers 4x4s equipped for them. Regular paved highways (even very remote ones like the Parks, Richardson, Glenn, Alaska Highway, etc.) are all allowed. A good rule: if the road has a state highway number and is paved (or well-maintained gravel like some short spurs), you’re fine. If it’s a rugged gravel road into the wilderness, double-check with us. We can guide you to which rental partners might permit it. Always inform the rental desk if you’re unsure, sometimes they’ll allow it with a signed waiver or higher deposit. Play it safe, and you won’t have any issues.
Alaska has very distinct tourist seasons, and rental prices follow demand. The best prices are often found in the shoulder seasons or winter. Summer (mid-June through August) is peak tourist season, during these months rental demand is highest and prices can be 2-3 times higher than in winter. If you plan to visit in July or August, book as early as possible (several months out is not too early) to secure a car and a somewhat better rate, because last-minute availability can be very tight (and expensive). If you have flexibility, consider May or September, these shoulder months often have lower rates than July, and you still get decent weather (May is dry and crisp; September has fall colors and lesser crowds). Another trick: if your trip spans late August into early September, sometimes rates drop after September 1st, so compare splitting the rental period if it straddles that date. Winter (October through April) is the low season. You can often find incredibly cheap rentals in Anchorage or Fairbanks in winter, but remember, winter driving is for the prepared (as discussed above). One benefit of winter: agencies have plenty of cars sitting, so they lower prices drastically to encourage rentals. We’ve seen winter economy car rates as low as $15/day in Anchorage, for example. Also, day of week matters less in Alaska (unlike big cities where a weekday business rental might be pricier). Here it’s more about date range and season. Always use our search to compare, we automatically apply any seasonal promotions. Sometimes, booking for a week can yield a lower average daily rate than just 4-5 days because of weekly pricing deals. In short: for the absolute cheapest rates, winter months are king. For decent weather and moderate prices, spring or early fall. If you must come in peak summer, reserve early to lock in a rate, it will only go up as inventory books out. And keep an eye on our site’s deals; occasionally we get a promo from a supplier for summer discounts if they anticipate a slower week or two in between big events.
In and around cities and towns, yes, you’ll find plenty of gas stations in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla/Palmer, Soldotna, Juneau, and so on. The prices in Alaska are typically a bit higher than the U.S. average (partly due to transport costs); for example, at recent rates, Anchorage might be around $4.30/gallon while the U.S. average is $3.50. Remote areas can be more expensive, the only gas pump in a tiny village might charge quite a premium (e.g., Coldfoot on the Dalton Hwy notoriously has some of the highest prices, but it’s a long way from the supply chain!). When driving the highways, plan ahead: major highways have communities or lodges every 50-100 miles where fuel is available, but some stretches are longer. For instance, the drive from Fairbanks to Coldfoot on the Dalton has about 120 miles with no services. Or Glenn Highway between Palmer and Glennallen has a couple of spots (like Eureka), but it’s wise to fill up before leaving Palmer.
Yes, you can bring a rental car onto the Alaska state ferries, but there are some important considerations. The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) operates ferries that connect the road system to coastal communities like Valdez, Kodiak, and the Southeast Alaska panhandle (places like Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka which aren’t reachable by road from Anchorage). If you’re planning to ferry your rental car, first check with the rental company if it’s permitted. Most big rental companies do allow their cars on ferries (it’s similar to driving, just you’re on a boat). For example, you could rent in Anchorage, drive to Whittier and ferry to Valdez with the car, or ferry from Haines to Juneau, etc. However, a few things: You will need to book the ferry in advance for the vehicle, ferries have limited car spots and you pay by the vehicle’s length, plus a passenger fare for yourself. Make sure the timing of your rental return aligns with ferry schedules; if a ferry delay or cancellation happens (not unheard of due to weather or schedule changes), inform the rental company if it affects your drop-off time. They’re usually understanding if it’s a weather issue, especially in Alaska. Bear in mind, if you take a rental car on a one-way ferry far from your pick-up (say you rented in Anchorage and took it all the way to Juneau via multiple ferries), you’ll still need to return that car to its original location unless one-way drop is arranged. So ferry use is typically part of a round trip or loop. One common ferry-assisted route some folks do is: drive from Anchorage to Haines (through Canada) and then ferry from Haines to Juneau (with car) and back to Haines, then drive back, that kind of loop can save backtracking or allow you to see the Inside Passage by car and ferry. Rental car insurance generally covers the car on the ferry (it’s like if it were parked on a moving parking lot). Just make sure to lock it and set the parking brake on the car deck, etc., during the voyage. If by some extremely rare chance there was damage on the ferry (very unlikely), it’s treated like any other incident on the rental. So yes, you can absolutely incorporate the ferry into your plans with a rental car, it’s a fantastic way to reach places like Kodiak Island or Southeast Alaska communities. Always double-check schedules (ferries don’t run every day to every port) and have a reservation. And let the rental company know your itinerary includes a ferry trip; it’s mostly so they’re aware the car will be temporarily out of road contact. Many visitors do this, for example, renting in Juneau, ferry up to Skagway with the car, then drive into Canada and back, so it’s not unusual. Just treat the car gently on those ramp transitions and enjoy the coastal voyage!