AnchorageSeward
Anchorage to Seward
- Distance
- About 126 miles
- Drive time
- About 2.5 hours without stops
A scenic coastal drive to a harbor town, fjords and glacier cruises.
Anchorage airport car rental
Most major rental companies at ANC share one building next to the South Terminal. Here's how to get from your gate to the driver's seat — and back.
The short answer
- Major rental companies operate from the Consolidated Rental Car Center, across from the South Terminal.
- From the South (domestic) Terminal, walk to the center following "Rental Car" signs.
- From the North Terminal, use the free airport shuttle or the courtesy phone to reach the center.
- Arriving late? Add your flight number to the reservation and confirm your company's counter hours.
What to think about first
Counter hours vs. your flight
Many counters keep extended hours for late and red-eye flights, but hours differ by company. Confirm yours if you land after midnight.
Airport fees in the total
Rentals from the rental car center include an airport customer facility charge per rental day, plus taxes. Compare totals, not base rates.
Card, deposit and ID
Most companies require a credit card in the primary driver's name and place a hold. Debit-card rules are stricter and vary by company.
Picking up your car
The rental car center sits directly across from the South Terminal, which handles most domestic flights. From baggage claim, head to the ground level and follow the “Rental Car” signs through the connecting walkway to the counters.
If you arrive at the North Terminal, take the free airport shuttle to the rental car center, or use the courtesy phone near the Terminal Connector to request a pickup. The airport’s rental cars page has the current details.
Late arrivals and red-eyes
Alaska flight schedules include plenty of late-night arrivals and early-morning departures, and many counters keep long hours to match. Hours still differ by company, so:
- add your flight number to the reservation;
- confirm counter hours for your arrival date; and
- ask what happens if your flight is delayed past closing.
Fees and holds
Rentals from the rental car center include a customer facility charge set by the airport — listed at $4.75 per rental day in the most recent airport notice we found. Your company will also place an authorization hold on your card, usually the estimated rental cost plus a deposit. Debit cards often face stricter checks, larger holds or a requirement to show a return ticket.
Returning before your flight
Follow “Rental Car Return” signs as you approach the airport; they lead into the rental car return area. Leave time to unload, check for belongings and walk to the terminal. If you’re returning outside counter hours, ask your company in advance where keys and paperwork go.
Leaving your own car at the airport instead? See airport parking. Driving in winter? Read the winter car rental guide.
| What changes | Rental car center (on-airport) | Off-airport office |
|---|---|---|
| Getting there | Walk from South Terminal; shuttle from North Terminal | Taxi or rideshare |
| Airport facility charge | Included per rental day | Usually not charged |
| Late-night arrivals | Extended counter hours at many companies | Check hours carefully |
| Returns | Follow "Rental Car Return" signs at the airport | Return to the office; arrange a ride |
Anchorage considerations
Local details that change what you should rent.
Summer is the busy season
ANC handles millions of passengers a year, and summer demand concentrates at the rental counters. Reserve early for June–August.
Early-morning returns
Many flights leave Anchorage late at night or early morning. Check the car for belongings before you drop the keys — retrieving items later is hard.
Where people take them
Popular drives that start in Anchorage.
AnchorageDenali
Anchorage to Denali
- Distance
- About 237 miles
- Drive time
- 4–5 hours without stops
The paved drive north to Denali National Park, with a scenic train alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the rental car center at Anchorage airport?
The Consolidated Rental Car Center is across from the South Terminal. From the South Terminal you walk there following "Rental Car" signs; from the North Terminal, take the free airport shuttle or use the courtesy phone near the terminal connector.
Which rental companies are at ANC?
Several major national brands operate from the rental car center. The airport keeps a current list on its rental cars page.
What if my flight lands after the counter closes?
Add your flight number to the reservation so the company can track delays, and confirm its counter hours for your arrival day. Ask about after-hours options before you travel.
How do I return my rental car at ANC?
Follow "Rental Car Return" signs as you approach the airport. For after-hours returns, ask your company where to leave keys and paperwork.
Official resources
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
Rental cars at ANC (official site, opens in a new tab)
Companies at the rental car center, location and how to get there from each terminal.
dot.alaska.gov
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
Parking and transportation at ANC (official site, opens in a new tab)
Airport shuttles, ground transportation and parking information.
dot.alaska.gov
Sources and useful resources
Keep planning
Rental guide
Car rental in Anchorage
2WD vs. AWD, gravel-road rules, airport pickup and mileage for Alaska distances.
Guide
Winter car rental in Anchorage
AWD vs. 4WD, winter tires, block heaters, black ice and what to carry.
Rental guide
Anchorage airport parking
Official ANC lots and published rates, the economy lot closure, and off-airport options.
ArriveExplore
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