Do I Really Need a Car in Anchorage? When Public Transit Isn’t Enough

Planning a trip to Anchorage often brings up the same question: Do I really need to rent a car, or can I get by with buses, shuttles, or rideshares? While Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, its layout, distances, and limited public transit make a rental car not just a convenience—but often a necessity. Here’s what most travelers don’t realize until they arrive.
Public Transit in Anchorage: What You Should Know
Anchorage does have a public bus system called People Mover, but it isn’t designed with visitors in mind. Here’s the reality:
- Limited Service Areas – The routes mainly cover residential neighborhoods and city basics, not the popular parks, glaciers, or mountain passes visitors want to see.
- Low Frequency – Many routes run only once an hour, making planning full days of sightseeing hard.
- Not Luggage-Friendly – If you’re traveling with suitcases, outdoor gear, or kids in tow, buses can be more hassle than help.
The bottom line is that buses are fine for short hops within the city but not for exploring Anchorage’s natural surroundings or engaging in multiple activities in one day.
Rideshares & Taxis: Good for Short Trips Only
Yes, Uber, Lyft, and local taxis are available in Anchorage. They’re helpful for quick rides—say from your hotel to a restaurant downtown—but they come with limitations:
- Unreliable Availability – Rides can be scarce late at night, during winter storms, or in more remote neighborhoods.
- High Costs – A single round-trip to Girdwood or Portage Glacier could cost several days of car rental.
- Limited Reach – Many of the best Alaska attractions are well outside city limits, where rideshares don’t operate.
If you plan to stay in downtown Anchorage, rideshares might get you by. But for anyone hoping to see mountains, glaciers, or wildlife? You’ll want your own wheels.
Why Renting a Car is the Best Choice
1. Distances Are Greater Than You Think
Maps make it look like everything is close. In reality:
- Anchorage to Girdwood (Alyeska Resort) – about 45 minutes.
- Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier – about 2 hours.
- Anchorage to Denali National Park entrance – 4+ hours.
A rental car ensures you can comfortably cover these distances without depending on sparse transit or expensive rideshares.
2. Freedom to Explore
- Wildlife Watching – Spot moose or beluga whales along Turnagain Arm and pull over when you want.
- Chasing the Northern Lights – If the aurora forecast looks good at 11 p.m., you’ll want the ability to drive away from city lights.
- Spontaneous Adventures – With a car, detours to hidden lakes, scenic overlooks, or local cafés become part of the fun.
3. Seasonal Travel Needs
- Winter Visitors – Snow, ice, and limited daylight make an AWD or 4WD rental vehicle essential for safe travel.
- Summer Travelers – With up to 19 hours of daylight, you’ll want the freedom to keep exploring well past when the last bus stops running.
Top Day Trips That Require a Car
Anchorage is the perfect hub for road trip adventures—but only if you have a car. Some of the best include:
- Seward Highway Scenic Drive – Famous for breathtaking mountains, glaciers, and Turnagain Arm views.
- Whittier & Portage Glacier – A hidden gem reached through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.
- Hatcher Pass – Stunning alpine scenery, hiking, and mining history, about 90 minutes away.
- Talkeetna – A quirky town with views of Denali and great local eats, about 2 hours north.
- Eklutna Lake – A peaceful spot for hiking, biking, or kayaking, just 40 minutes from Anchorage.
Each of these iconic experiences is only accessible by car, making your rental the key to adventure.
Common Questions Visitors Ask
“Can I walk everywhere in Anchorage?”
Downtown is walkable, but attractions like Earthquake Park, Kincaid Park, or Flattop Mountain require a car.
“Is Anchorage safe to drive in during winter?”
Yes, as long as you have the right vehicle. Rental cars in Alaska are typically winterized with snow tires or AWD during cold months.
“Do I need AWD or 4WD?”
For summer, a standard car is often fine. For winter or shoulder season, AWD or 4WD is highly recommended.
The Verdict: Yes, You Need a Car in Anchorage
Unless your entire trip is confined to downtown Anchorage (which most visitors don’t plan), renting a car is the key to unlocking Alaska’s real beauty. Public transit and rideshares can’t get you to glaciers, mountain passes, or wildlife viewing spots that make the Last Frontier unforgettable.
With a rental car, you’ll have the freedom, safety, and flexibility to make the most of your Alaska adventure.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Anchorage is just the starting line. Reserve your rental car with AVIS Alaska today and make sure your trip includes all the incredible sights only a drive can take you to.