Car Rental

Question

I’m looking at Turo and it looks promising, but any other suggestions for car rentals in AK that won’t break the bank?

Answer

Renting a car in Anchorage can be a bit more expensive than in the lower 48, but there are ways to find affordable options beyond Turo. Whether you prefer traditional rental companies or peer-to-peer platforms, planning ahead and comparing rates will help you stay within budget.

Traditional car rental companies

Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget: All have locations at Anchorage Airport and downtown. Booking early often secures better rates, especially in summer when demand is high.
Alamo & National: Usually slightly cheaper for compact cars and often include free additional drivers, which can be useful for road trips.
Dollar & Thrifty: Budget-friendly options for short-term rentals. Check for online promo codes or AAA discounts if applicable.

Peer-to-peer and alternative rentals

Turo: A solid choice if you prefer more flexibility and unique vehicles. Be sure to check insurance coverage carefully, as some plans may be more expensive than traditional rentals.
Local car rental services: Anchorage has smaller, local agencies such as Alaska Car Rental, Alaska Rent A Car, or Airport Rent A Car. They often have competitive rates and more personalized service.
RV or camper rentals: If planning a road trip around Alaska, sometimes renting a small camper can double as both transportation and lodging, potentially saving on hotel costs.

Tips to save money on car rentals in Anchorage

Book as far in advance as possible, especially for summer months (June–August), as rates increase with demand.
Consider picking up a car downtown instead of at the airport; sometimes airport fees are higher.
Check for package deals with airlines or hotel bookings that include rental discounts.
Compare rates across aggregator sites like Kayak, Expedia, or Rentalcars.com to find the best deals.
Confirm mileage limits and fuel policies in advance to avoid extra fees.

Overall, Turo is convenient and often cheaper than traditional rentals, but checking local agencies and aggregators may uncover additional savings. If your plan involves a lot of driving outside Anchorage or heading into Denali or Seward, make sure the vehicle is suitable for Alaska roads and terrain.