Car Rentals

Question

We are wanting to rent a car for Ketchikan. But notice most are on the airport island. I was trying to find out if they have pickup/drop off area near the cruise ship docks?

Answer

In Ketchikan, most car rental agencies are indeed located on Gravina Island near the Ketchikan International Airport, which is accessible from the main part of the city by the Ketchikan Airport Ferry. This means there is no rental office directly at the cruise ship docks in downtown Ketchikan.

Here are your options for pickup and drop-off:

Airport Island Rentals: Major rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget are located near the airport. To reach them from the cruise docks, you need to take the free airport ferry (operates regularly, approximately every 30 minutes) and then a short shuttle or walk to the rental offices. The ferry is free and takes about 5 minutes each way.
Shuttle Services: Some rental agencies provide shuttles from downtown Ketchikan or can coordinate pickup from cruise ship docks if requested in advance. It’s best to call ahead to confirm availability.
Alternative Options: If convenience is a priority, you can also consider booking a private tour or taxi for the day instead of renting a car, especially since Ketchikan is compact and many popular sites are within walking distance or accessible via short drives.

Summary:

There is no standard car rental office directly at the cruise docks.
Most rentals require taking the free airport ferry to Gravina Island.
Plan extra time for pickup and return if coordinating with a cruise schedule.
Some agencies may offer shuttle service from downtown, so call in advance to confirm.

In practice, renting a car in Ketchikan is feasible for cruise passengers, but you should account for the ferry crossing and possible wait times. If your sightseeing plans are limited to downtown Ketchikan or nearby areas, a rental may not be strictly necessary.

Car Rentals

More Ketchikan Travel Questions

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions