Can you rent a car in Seward?

Question

Can I rent a car in Seward after I disembark from my cruise on July 14? I see that there is a Hertz rental car facility, but no cars are showing up as available. It's January right now, so maybe it's too early in the season to book rental cars? Or perhaps the Hertz facility closed?

After we leave our cruise on Friday morning, we are going from Seward to Anchorage and spending Friday and Saturday nights before our 6 am flight out of Anchorage on Sunday morning. I'd like to get a rental car and see the sights along the way, since it's been 24 years since I've done that drive and it would be cool to see it again and stop at interesting places.

Answer

Renting a car in Seward is possible, but there are a few important details to be aware of. Seward is a small town, and rental car options are extremely limited compared to Anchorage. The Hertz facility you mentioned does exist, but availability can be very scarce, especially during peak summer months like July. Since you’re trying to book in January, it’s not necessarily too early—rather, many local rental agencies do not open their online booking that far in advance or maintain a very small fleet.

Here are some options and considerations:

Hertz Seward: They do operate a facility, but you may find no cars available. It’s worth contacting them directly by phone or email to confirm availability and reserve as early as possible.
Local Seward rental companies: There are a few smaller agencies in Seward, such as Kenai Peninsula Rentals or Seward Auto Rentals, that might have cars. These smaller companies often do not show availability online far in advance, so calling directly is recommended.
Pick up in Anchorage: Many travelers disembark in Seward and take a shuttle or bus to Anchorage to rent a car there. This gives a wider selection of vehicles and easier booking options. You can then drive back to Seward if needed for sightseeing.

Other tips for your Seward to Anchorage trip:

Plan your stops along the Seward Highway—it’s one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., with opportunities to see wildlife, waterfalls, and Turnagain Arm.
Consider timing your drive to avoid peak cruise ship traffic in Seward, as buses and other cruise passengers can slow the start of your journey.
Make sure your rental car has adequate insurance coverage, as the route includes remote stretches and occasional wildlife encounters.

In summary, renting directly in Seward is challenging but not impossible. The safest strategy may be to either call local agencies or pick up a car in Anchorage and plan your drive to include a stop in Seward if you want to revisit favorite sights along the way.

Can you rent a car in Seward?

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