Archive for year: 2026

Whittier is one of the most unusual cruise ports in Alaska. It’s a turnaround port, which means one group of passengers is stepping off the ship to end their voyage while another group is lining up to board and begin theirs. It’s also a tiny town of a few hundred people at the end of a single-lane tunnel, so getting from the dock to the rest of Alaska takes more planning than most travelers expect. Whether you’re finishing a cruise or just starting one, a rental car gives you far more freedom than a fixed motorcoach or train schedule, and a little preparation makes the handoff from ship to car much smoother.

Why a Rental Car Makes Sense in Whittier

Most passengers leaving Whittier ride a cruise line motorcoach or the Alaska Railroad to Anchorage, and for many, that works well. But those options run on set schedules and set routes, and they take you to one place. Whittier itself has no taxis, no Uber or Lyft, and no public transportation, so once you’re off the ship, you’re either on a prearranged transfer or on your own two feet. A rental car changes the whole shape of your trip. You can stop at Portage Glacier on the way out, pull over for wildlife along Turnagain Arm, spend a night in Girdwood, or head north toward Talkeetna and Denali without worrying about connecting to anyone else’s timetable.

Understand the Tunnel First

Everything about getting in or out of Whittier runs through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a single-lane tunnel shared with the Alaska Railroad. Traffic alternates directions on a fixed schedule: vehicles heading into Whittier go through on the half-hour, and vehicles heading out leave at the top of the hour. The tunnel also closes overnight, and hours shift with the season, so a delayed ship or a missed window can leave you waiting until the next opening. A toll is charged for vehicles entering Whittier. Check the official tunnel schedule and current rates before sailing day, and build that timing into every plan below. The drive between Whittier and Anchorage covers about 60 miles and usually takes about 90 minutes, including the tunnel.

If You’re Disembarking: Know Which Terminal You’re Docking At

This is the part that catches the most people off guard. Whittier now has two cruise terminals, and they’re not close together. Depending on your cruise line, you’ll dock either at the original terminal near the train depot and downtown, or at the newer Glacier Creek Cruise Terminal, which sits roughly a mile and a half to two miles outside of town. Some travelers have found that written materials and even onboard guest services haven’t kept pace with the change, and still describe the ship as docking right across from downtown. Before you sail, confirm your terminal with your cruise line and look it up on Google Maps so you know what to expect when you step off the ship.

If you dock at the original terminal, you’re in good shape. The Avis Alaska office is a flat walk of about 0.4 miles, or roughly 7 to 10 minutes. Head east toward the harbor, cross the railway tracks at the designated crossing, and follow the boardwalk toward the Small Boat Harbor. Look for the red-and-white Avis trailer next to the Frisky Mermaid Café & Gifts.

If you dock at Glacier Creek, plan on a bit more effort. The walk into town is possible, and some travelers enjoy it, but it’s a long haul with luggage and not realistic for anyone with mobility challenges. Instead, look for the ticket stand inside the terminal for the Whittier Town Shuttle, a service started by residents in spring 2025 to bridge exactly this gap. At the time of writing, tickets were $10 per person, and the shuttle ran on cruise days with a small fleet, so expect several short trips and some waiting at the start of the morning, especially if a full ship is unloading at once. The shuttle can be flagged down throughout the day, but it only serves the downtown area and doesn’t go through the tunnel. Larger groups can also ask about a private van transfer at the terminal’s ground transportation desk.

Getting Your Group and Your Bags to the Car

Neither Avis nor the cruise lines operates a shuttle to the rental office, and there’s no luggage storage at the pier, so a little strategy goes a long way. Our best tip is to split the work: one driver heads to the Avis trailer alone to complete the paperwork and pick up the vehicle, while the rest of the group waits with the bags. The driver then circles back to the terminal’s loading zone to collect everyone. That way, nobody drags suitcases across railroad tracks or through a busy harbor.

If you’d rather spend the wait exploring, a few downtown businesses have offered to hold bags for a small per-bag fee, and some tour operators will store luggage for their own customers. Ask first, since policies change, and be patient and friendly with the shuttle drivers and shop staff; Whittier is a small community, and the people who run these services are doing their best on very busy mornings.

Make the Most of Your Time in Town

If you’ve got a few hours before your tunnel window, Whittier is worth the stroll. Everything downtown is within walking distance, and the setting is beautiful, with mountains rising straight out of the water. Pick up a map from the local chamber of commerce website to find nearby hikes, then fuel up at one of the coffee shops or restaurants, many of which also sell fudge, ice cream, and souvenirs. There’s a small museum near the Anchor Inn, about $5 per person, with a fascinating look at Whittier’s history, including its military past and the unusual building where most of the town’s residents live. The ground floor of that building is open to the public and includes a convenience store and a laundromat, which is handy if you’re finishing a week or two at sea. Spending a little money locally helps the town, and prices are reasonable.

If You’re Departing: Embarking in Whittier

Sailing out of Whittier takes the same planning in reverse. There’s no public parking at the pier, so you can’t leave a rental car near the ship while you cruise. Plan to return your vehicle to the Avis office at the harbor first, then walk or take the shuttle to your terminal. If you’re driving in from Anchorage, leave early enough to catch an inbound tunnel window with plenty of buffer, because you’ll need time to return the car, find your terminal, and check in before boarding closes. Ask about drop-off options when you reserve so there are no surprises on the day you sail.

Where to Drive Before or After Your Cruise

If your itinerary gives you a day or two on either end, the roads around Whittier are some of the best in the state. Portage Glacier is just outside the tunnel and makes an easy first stop. The Seward Highway is one of America’s great scenic drives, with mountain, glacier, and Turnagain Arm views around nearly every bend. Girdwood, about 45 minutes from Anchorage, is home to Alyeska Resort and a good place to spend a night. And Anchorage itself is your gateway to flights and longer day trips to Talkeetna and Hatcher Pass.

Reserve Before You Sail

Whittier’s rental office operates seasonally, and the cruise calendar drives demand, so booking ahead is the safest way to make sure a car is waiting when you step off the ship. See the full fleet, check the Whittier location page for details, or head to avisalaska.com and click Rent Now to start your reservation.

If you’re flying into Fairbanks and dreaming of standing at the base of North America’s tallest peak, you’re in luck. Denali National Park is one of the most accessible wilderness destinations in Alaska, and Fairbanks is the perfect launch point. A drive from Fairbanks to Denali takes just 2.5 hours, making it an easy day trip or the first leg of a longer Alaska adventure. Here’s everything you need to know before you hit the road.

The Route: Fairbanks to Denali

The drive follows the Parks Highway (AK-3) south from Fairbanks, cutting through boreal forest, river valleys, and increasingly dramatic mountain views the closer you get to the park entrance. It’s a well-maintained, scenic highway with plenty of pullouts for photos. On a clear day, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Denali itself long before you reach the park boundary.

Along the way, consider stopping in Nenana, a small river town about halfway through the drive, or Healy, just north of the park entrance, where you’ll find gas, food, and a good stretching-your-legs break. Give yourself extra time in summer for roadside wildlife sightings; moose and caribou sightings along this stretch aren’t unusual.

Road Conditions by Season

Alaska’s roads change character dramatically with the seasons, and the Parks Highway is no exception.

Summer (May–September) is peak road trip season: long daylight hours, dry pavement, and full access to park services. This is when most visitors make the drive, and it’s the most forgiving time of year for road conditions.

Winter is a different story. Fairbanks winters bring extreme cold; temperatures can drop to 60+ degrees below zero, and highway conditions can change quickly due to ice, snow, and limited daylight. If you’re making this drive outside of summer, allow extra time, check road conditions before departing, and make sure your vehicle is built for it.

What Kind of Vehicle Do You Actually Need?

For a paved highway drive like this one, you don’t need a heavy-duty 4×4. A reliable sedan or SUV will get you there comfortably in summer. That said, an SUV offers greater ground clearance and added confidence if the weather turns, plus more room for luggage and gear if you’re continuing to other parts of the state. We break down the tradeoffs in more detail in our SUV vs. Sedan: Which Is Best for Winter guide if you’re deciding between the two.

Winter Driving Considerations

If your trip falls in the colder months, there’s one detail that surprises many visitors: rental cars in Fairbanks come standard with block heaters and extension cords. Given how far temperatures can drop, this isn’t a luxury add-on; it’s what keeps your engine capable of starting the next morning. It’s a small detail, but it’s the kind of thing that separates a car that’s actually built for Fairbanks winters from one that happens to be parked there.

Picking Up Your Rental in Fairbanks

Avis Alaska’s Fairbanks counter is located directly at the Fairbanks International Airport terminal so that you can land, grab your keys, and be on the road within the hour. No shuttle, no waiting around. If your itinerary has you continuing rather than doubling back, we also offer one-way rentals, so you can pick up in Fairbanks and drop off elsewhere in the state, like Anchorage, without retracing your route.

Whether you’re headed to Denali for a single unforgettable day or using Fairbanks as your jumping-off point for a longer Alaska itinerary, having the right rental car and knowing what to expect from the road makes all the difference.

Ready to plan your trip? Visit our Fairbanks location page for hours, directions, and everything you need to book your rental, or make a reservation today.

Choose the Vehicle That Matches the Trip You’re Actually Taking

One of the first decisions travelers make when planning an Alaska vacation isn’t where to go. It’s how they’re going to get around.

Should you rent an RV and turn driving into part of the adventure? Book a peer-to-peer rental through an app like Turo? Or stick with a traditional rental car?

The answer depends less on the vehicle itself and more on the type of trip you’re planning.

Alaska is enormous. Distances are longer than they appear on a map. The weather can influence plans. Scenic stops become unexpected detours. What seems like a simple drive from Anchorage to Seward can easily turn into an all-day experience once you factor in wildlife sightings, overlooks, restaurants, and photo opportunities.

That’s why the best advice we can give is simple:

Choose the vehicle that matches the trip you’re actually taking, not just the trip you imagined before looking at the map.

Let’s look at the strengths and tradeoffs of each option.

When an RV Makes Sense

For many travelers, an RV is part of the Alaska dream.

You have transportation and lodging combined into one experience. You can wake up surrounded by mountains, cook meals at campgrounds, and travel at your own pace.

An RV may be a great fit if:

• Camping is a major part of your vacation
• You’re planning a multi-week trip
• You enjoy campground travel
• You’re comfortable driving a larger vehicle
• You’ve already researched campground availability

For some travelers, the RV isn’t just a means of transportation. It’s the vacation itself.

However, RV travel comes with additional planning. Campgrounds often require reservations, especially during peak summer months. Parking can be more challenging in towns, trailheads, and visitor centers. Fuel costs are generally higher, and you’ll need to think about hookups, water tanks, and overnight accommodations.

None of these is a dealbreaker. They’re simply factors to consider when deciding whether an RV fits the type of Alaska trip you’re planning.

When a Peer-to-Peer Rental Like Turo Might Work

Peer-to-peer rentals have become increasingly popular because they offer a different experience than traditional rental companies.

In some cases, travelers may find unique vehicles or pickup arrangements that fit their plans.

This option can work well if:

• You’re staying primarily in one area
• Your arrival and departure schedule is flexible
• You’re comfortable coordinating directly with an individual vehicle owner
• You prefer app-based booking platforms

Before booking, it’s worth asking a few practical questions:

• Where will I pick up the vehicle?
• What happens if my flight is delayed?
• What support is available if the vehicle has an issue?
• Are there any restrictions on where I can drive?
• How easy is it to extend my reservation if my plans change?

For some travelers, these logistics are perfectly manageable. For others, especially those flying into Alaska and immediately beginning a road trip, simplicity becomes more valuable.

Why Many Alaska Visitors Choose a Traditional Rental Car

For travelers planning to stay in hotels, lodges, cabins, or vacation rentals, a rental car often offers the simplest path from arrival to adventure.

A traditional rental car can be a great fit if:

• You’re flying into Alaska
• You’re visiting multiple destinations
• You’re staying in hotels or vacation rentals
• You want flexibility without additional logistics
• You prefer a straightforward pickup and return process

Many Alaska visitors discover that their vehicle becomes more than transportation. It’s what allows them to stop at roadside viewpoints, take spontaneous detours, linger at a scenic overlook, or change plans when someone recommends a hidden gem they hadn’t considered.

That kind of flexibility can be one of the best parts of traveling in Alaska.

Airport Convenience Matters

After a long flight, most travelers aren’t looking for another logistical challenge.

They’re looking for a smooth start to their trip.

This is one area where traditional rental cars often shine.

Instead of coordinating pickup locations or arranging transportation to meet a vehicle owner, travelers can typically pick up their vehicle shortly after landing and start their journey immediately.

For families, business travelers, and visitors with limited vacation time, convenience often becomes more valuable than expected.

Easier Parking Means Easier Exploring

Alaska road trips involve a lot of stopping.

You might stop for:

• Wildlife viewing
• Scenic overlooks
• Local coffee shops
• Restaurants
• Hiking trails
• Visitor centers
• Museums
• Roadside attractions

A rental car or SUV often makes these stops easier than navigating a larger RV.

Downtown Anchorage, Seward, Homer, Fairbanks, and many popular trailheads offer parking, but smaller vehicles typically provide greater flexibility when you’re moving from place to place throughout the day.

For travelers who want to maximize exploration and minimize logistics, that’s a meaningful advantage.

Less Time Managing Logistics, More Time Exploring

One of the biggest differences between vehicle options is the amount of planning they require.

RV travel often includes:

• Campground reservations
• Utility hookups
• Water management
• Dump stations
• Vehicle size considerations
• Overnight parking decisions

A traditional rental car generally simplifies the process.

Instead of planning around the vehicle, you’re planning around the experiences you want to have.

For many travelers, especially first-time visitors to Alaska, that simplicity makes a big difference.

Why Unlimited Miles Matter in Alaska

This is one detail many travelers overlook.

In most destinations, mileage isn’t something people think about very often.

In Alaska, it’s different.

The state is vast. Distances between destinations add up quickly. Even a carefully planned itinerary can change once you’re here.

Maybe someone recommends an extra stop.

Maybe you decide to drive farther for better weather.

Maybe you discover a scenic route that wasn’t on your original plan.

Unlimited miles allow you to make those decisions without constantly worrying about distance.

Because some of the best experiences in Alaska happen when you decide to keep driving just a little farther.

Match Your Vehicle to Your Itinerary

Before choosing a vehicle, ask yourself a few simple questions:

Are you camping or staying in hotels?

If camping is central to your trip, an RV may make sense.

If you’re staying in hotels, lodges, cabins, or vacation rentals, a rental car is often the simpler option.

How much driving do you plan to do?

Long distances are common in Alaska. Comfort and flexibility matter.

How important is spontaneity?

If you want the freedom to change plans, take detours, and explore at your own pace, simplicity becomes a major advantage.

How comfortable are you driving a large vehicle?

Alaska roads are generally accessible, but some travelers prefer the ease of driving and parking a standard vehicle.

The Bottom Line

There isn’t one perfect way to see Alaska.

An RV can be an incredible choice for travelers who want camping and transportation rolled into one experience.

A peer-to-peer rental may fit travelers looking for a specific vehicle or flexible arrangement.

A traditional rental car often makes the most sense for visitors who value flexibility, simplicity, easier parking, airport convenience, and the freedom to explore Alaska on their own terms.

The best vehicle isn’t necessarily the biggest, the newest, or the most adventurous.

It’s the one that fits the trip you’re actually taking.

And in Alaska, having the freedom to follow the road wherever it leads is often what makes the journey unforgettable.

You Land in Fairbanks. Here’s What Happens Next.

Fairbanks is not a place where you want to figure out transportation after you arrive.

For most travelers, whether you’re visiting for work, chasing the Northern Lights, or heading toward Denali, your rental car is what allows the trip to actually begin.

The good news is that renting a car at Fairbanks International Airport is straightforward. The better news is that knowing what to expect ahead of time makes it even easier.

Where to Find Rental Cars at Fairbanks Airport

Fairbanks International Airport is small and easy to navigate. Once you land and head toward baggage claim, you are already close.

Rental car counters are located directly inside the terminal near the baggage claim area.

If you are flying in on a commercial airline:

• Look for the red AVIS counter inside the terminal
• Counters are clearly marked and easy to find

If you are arriving another way:

• Private or commuter flights: Call upon arrival for pickup
• Arriving by train: Call when you arrive and a pickup can be arranged

This flexibility is important in Fairbanks, where not everyone arrives the same way.

What the Pickup Process Actually Looks Like

The process at FAI is simple compared to larger airports.

Here is what most travelers experience:

1. Head to the rental counters inside the terminal
2. Confirm your reservation and license
3. Review your rental agreement and options
4. Walk to your vehicle, typically located just across from the terminal

Many customers note that the location is easy to find and vehicles are close by, which helps you get on the road quickly.

If you have a reservation, you can usually expect to be in your vehicle without long delays, even during busy periods.

If You’re Not Flying Commercial

Fairbanks is different from most cities in how people arrive.

If you are:

• Flying into a smaller regional or charter flight
• Arriving by rail
• Coming in outside typical airline schedules

Transportation support becomes more important.

In those cases:

• Pickup can be arranged with a quick phone call
• Drop-off service is available when returning your vehicle
• A scheduled shuttle to the train station departs at 7:00 am daily

This kind of coordination is something many travelers do not think about until they arrive.

Choosing the Right Vehicle in Fairbanks

This matters more here than almost anywhere else.

Fairbanks has one of the most extreme climates in the world:

• Summer can reach 90°F
• Winter can drop to -60°F

Because of this, rental vehicles are prepared differently than in most places.

In winter, vehicles often include:

• Block heaters with extension cords for overnight use
• Ice scrapers and snow tools
• Tires suited for winter conditions

These are not extras. They are part of being able to reliably start and drive your vehicle in cold temperatures.

What First-Time Renters Usually Worry About

Many people arrive with concerns based on past rental experiences. Here is how those typically play out in Fairbanks.

“Is it hard to find the counter?”

No. The airport layout is simple, and rental counters are located right near baggage claim.

“What if my car doesn’t start in the cold?”

Extreme cold can affect any vehicle. What matters is preparation and support. Vehicles are equipped for winter, and staff are familiar with cold-weather issues.

“Will I get stuck with something I can’t drive?”

You are reserving a vehicle class, not a specific model. If you are unsure, ask questions before leaving the lot. Staff can help match your comfort level with the right vehicle.

“What if something goes wrong?”

Customer service matters more in Alaska than in most places. Travelers often remember how situations were handled more than the issue itself.

What Customers Notice Most

Based on real experiences:

• Staff who take time to explain the vehicle and conditions
• Vehicles equipped for winter realities, not just basic use
• Simple pickup and return process
• Support when unexpected issues come up

One traveler mentioned receiving a vehicle with a block heater, scraper, and extension cord already included. Another noted how staff stayed outside in extreme cold to help troubleshoot a vehicle issue.

Those details matter more here than almost anywhere else.

What to Know Before You Drive Away

There are a few important things to keep in mind before leaving the lot:

• Driving on unpaved or restricted roads may not be allowed
• Always check your vehicle before leaving and document condition
• Familiarize yourself with controls, especially defrost and heating
• In winter, plan where you will plug in your vehicle overnight

Taking five extra minutes at pickup can save you a lot of stress later.

Why Renting at the Airport Makes Sense in Fairbanks

Fairbanks is spread out, and many destinations are not accessible without a vehicle.

• Denali is about 2.5 hours away
• Chena Hot Springs is about an hour outside town
• Northern Lights viewing often requires leaving city areas

Public transportation and rideshare options are limited, especially outside peak hours.

Having a vehicle gives you control over your time, your route, and your experience.

Final Thoughts

Renting a car at Fairbanks International Airport is not complicated. But Alaska is not a place where details can be ignored.

Knowing where to go, what to expect, and how vehicles are prepared for local conditions makes a real difference.

For most travelers, the rental car is not just transportation. It is what makes everything else possible.