What to rent in Anchorage

Most trips need fewer things than you'd think — just the right ones.

Flying in for a vacation

If you’re landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and staying mostly in the city or joining guided tours, a standard rental car plus a hotel is usually the most efficient combination. Anchorage is spread out, so a car helps — but 4WD is rarely needed in summer. See airport car rental and places to stay.

Starting an Alaska road trip

The big decision is RV or campervan versus car (or SUV) plus hotels.

• RV or campervan gives you freedom and solves lodging at the same time, but you’ll manage waste tanks, mileage charges and campground reservations made well ahead. Start with the Alaska RV rental guide.
• Car plus hotels is faster point to point and simpler day to day, but summer hotel rooms need booking early.
• Adventure gear — coolers, hiking poles, bear spray and camping kit — can often be rented or bought locally instead of flown in. See adventure gear.

Going to Denali, Seward or Homer

• Denali. A standard car is generally fine for the paved Parks Highway in summer. Or skip the drive and take the Alaska Railroad. Anchorage to Denali.
• Seward. A standard car works well — the Seward Highway is paved, though winding and busy. Anchorage to Seward.
• Homer. About 226 miles each way, so make sure your rental includes unlimited mileage. Anchorage to Homer.

Visiting in winter

Prioritize safety. An AWD or 4WD SUV is strongly recommended for snow and ice, ideally with a block heater for subzero nights. Most visitors stay in hotels or vacation rentals — RVs are often winterized or out of the rental fleet in winter. Read the winter car rental guide.

Moving to or living in Anchorage

Relocating shifts the list toward logistics:

• a climate-controlled storage unit for furniture and electronics while you house-hunt — see storage;
• covered vehicle storage if you’ll be away for winter or deployed — see vehicle storage;
• a moving truck for the last miles from the port once your shipment arrives; and
• airport parking or a ride when you travel — see airport parking.

Start with moving to Anchorage.