Trip planning
Getting around in Alaska
Vacationers have many options for summer travel
By Leon Unruh / Alaska.com
Car rentals in Alaska
Alaska travelers can rent sedans, minivans and sport-utility vehicles from several national car rental agencies in Anchorage, Seward, Fairbanks, Juneau, Nome and other cities.
Because the supply of cars is limited, travelers should reserve a vehicle as soon as they make their airline reservations.
Gas is readily available along the highways. No special equipment or four-wheel-drive is needed for driving in Alaska during the summer. Sedans do quite well on Alaska's highways.
Most agencies restrict the use of their vehicles to the paved highways. Travelers who want to drive to the Arctic Circle, the Brooks Range or other spots along the Dalton Highway north of Fairbanks can rent an SUV in Fairbanks.
RV rentals in Alaska
Motorhomes and other recreational vehicles can be rented from dealerships in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Many of the motorhomes on Alaska's highways are rentals driven by families in Alaska for a week or two.
Public and private campgrounds are open in or near state and national parks. In addition, camping is allowed in public lands along many rural routes such as the Denali Highway (Highway 8).
Flights across Alaska
Alaska Airlines offers the only jet service to cities beyond Anchorage. Propeller planes ferry commuters and other passengers to and from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and regional hubs.
Bush planes -- single-engine planes equipped with wheels, floats or skis -- are popular on active vacations. They take sightseers, wildlife viewers, anglers and hunters to remote areas where runways may be a river bar, a lake or a glacier.
Alaska Railroad
The Alaska Railroad, based in Anchorage, has two main trains. The Coastal Classic carries passengers between Anchorage, Girdwood and Seward. The Denali Star connects Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Fairbanks.
In addition, the railroad has summer service south to Girdwood and Whittier.
The railroad has its own cars, and it also pulls cars belonging to large tour and cruise companies.
The longest run is 12 hours (between Anchorage and Fairbanks). Meals ranging from snacks to salmon dinners are sold on board, and many passengers carry their own meals and snacks.
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