Best option between Homer Spit and Anchorage?

Question

My husband and I are adding on a couple of days on the end of a tour and will be in Homer Spit this September. We will need to return to Anchorage for our flight back to the East Coast. We initially thought we'd be able to rent a car and drive back, but it seems that's cost prohibited one way ($700!?). What other options are available and would you recommend?

Answer

Hi,

Traveling from Homer Spit back to Anchorage without renting a one-way car can be a bit tricky, but there are several practical options to consider. The key is to balance cost, convenience, and travel time, as the distance is about 220–225 miles and takes roughly 4.5–5 hours to drive.

Here are some options:

Round-trip rental car: Renting a car in Homer and returning it to Homer after driving to Anchorage may be cheaper than a one-way rental. You could drive to Anchorage, spend the night, and return to Homer to drop the car off, then take a flight back to Anchorage for your departure. This adds some driving but avoids the high one-way fee.
Scheduled shuttle or bus services: There are shuttle companies that operate between Homer and Anchorage, such as Alaska Shuttle and Alaska Coach Tours. These usually require advance booking. While it’s longer than driving yourself, it is stress-free and you don’t have to worry about rental fees or navigation.
Flight: Consider a small commuter flight from Homer to Anchorage. Alaska Airlines and Ravn Alaska offer regular flights between Homer and Anchorage. Flying is faster (around 1 hour) and avoids the long drive, though ticket prices may be higher than bus/shuttle fares.
Combination: Some travelers drive partway and then take a shuttle or flight to avoid too much driving. For example, you could drive to Soldotna or Kenai, spend a night, and then fly the remaining leg to Anchorage.

Other considerations:

Book shuttles or flights in advance, especially in September, as schedules may be limited outside of peak summer season.
Check baggage limits and fees for small commuter flights if you have large luggage.
If flexibility allows, flying is the fastest and least stressful option, while a shuttle or bus is more economical but takes longer.

In summary, if minimizing driving and stress is a priority, a flight from Homer to Anchorage is likely the best option. If cost is more important, a shuttle or bus service works well. The one-way rental car is generally the least economical due to high fees.

Safe travels and enjoy your time in Homer!