There are a lot of great reasons to rent a car in Alaska. The first is simple: Alaska is vast. The state is larger than Texas, California and Montana combined, and if you want to cover the most ground, a car rental is the way to go. Almost any city you visit, from Anchorage to Fairbanks to Kenai, will have options for Alaska car rentals, making it easy to start your journey wherever your itinerary takes you.

But planning a vacation in a place you’ve never been can feel overwhelming. Should you brave it on your own, or stick to a guided tour? Alaska is wild, but that’s part of its appeal. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace while still having the comfort of knowing you can stop at scenic lodges, towns, and attractions along the way.

Photo Credit: Travel Alaska/Ben Prescott

Why Choose a Self-Driving Tour?

Experience Alaska’s national parks.
Because Alaska’s national parks aren’t centrally located, renting a car makes it possible to see multiple parks in a single trip. Drive from Fairbanks to Denali National Park and Preserve, then head south to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward for glacier views and marine wildlife.

Cover more ground.
Alaska is so vast it could fit nearly one-fifth of the entire Lower 48 inside its borders. With so much to see, driving gives you control over your schedule. A self-driving itinerary lets you connect the dots between iconic destinations like Denali, Anchorage, and the Kenai Peninsula, without feeling rushed.

Enjoy one-on-one time.
Nothing says quality time like a road trip. Alaska’s remoteness and remarkable scenery have a way of bringing people closer together. Renting a car allows you to enjoy uninterrupted time with your partner, family, or friends while creating memories on the open road.

Photo Credit: Travel Alaska

Tips for Renting a Car in Alaska

Age requirements. You must be at least 21 to rent a vehicle in Alaska. Drivers under 25 should expect an additional daily fee.

Rental options. You’ll find national companies such as Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and Avis in major cities, along with many locally owned rental agencies.

Know the roads. Highways between Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali are paved, but many side roads are gravel. Be prepared for wildlife crossings, frost heaves, and limited gas stations in remote areas.

Be ready for the weather. Summer brings long days and dry roads, while spring and fall can mean snow or icy patches. Always check conditions before you head out.

Navigation. Download offline maps or use a GPS unit since cell service can be spotty in rural areas.

Planning to drive to McCarthy or the Denali Highway? Most major rental agencies, like Budget or Enterprise, prohibit their vehicles on unmaintained gravel roads. If that’s part of your itinerary, consider renting from specialized Alaska-based companies like Alaska 4×4 Rentals, GoNorth, or RentaSubaru, which explicitly allow access (though additional fees or insurance may apply).

Photo Credit: Travel Alaska

Make Princess Lodges Part of Your Road Trip

One of the best parts of exploring Alaska by car is the chance to slow down and enjoy the journey. Along your route, you can plan overnight stays at Princess Lodges, which are conveniently located near top attractions:

Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge – Perfect for exploring Denali National Park.

Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge – Offers spectacular views of Denali.

Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge – A great base for fishing and Kenai Fjords excursions.

Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge – Near Wrangell–St. Elias National Park.

Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge – A comfortable start or end to your journey in Alaska’s Interior.

Each lodge offers on-site dining, cozy accommodations, and excursion options, making them ideal stops as you drive across the state.

Looking for ideas on where to go? Check out our Best Alaska Road Trip Ideas blog for suggested itineraries and routes.

Photo Credit: Travel Alaska/ Chris McLennan

Plan Your Alaska Adventure

If you’re looking for a true Alaska adventure, renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore on your own terms. Whether you’re road-tripping from Fairbanks to the Kenai Peninsula, or connecting a circle route through Anchorage, Denali and Copper River, you’ll discover that the journey is just as memorable as the destination.

Pair the freedom of the open road with the comfort of Princess Lodges along the way, and your Alaska vacation will be one you’ll never forget.