Car rental Alaska

With bustling cities, quaint towns and stretches of spectacular landscapes, the best way to explore this state is out on the open road. The highway system here connects cities with some of the most remote corners of Alaska, so you can head out on a road trip and take in everything this state has to offer.

To reach Fairbanks from Anchorage, take the Parks Highway. This trip is around six hours long, but there are plenty of towns you can stop off at along the way as well as breathtaking sites like the Denali National Park and Preserve.

The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve can be reached via the AK-1. Spanning over 13 million acres, this rugged landscape is filled with some of the country’s largest volcanoes and is home to a whole range of wildlife. If you’re visiting this park, keep a look out for bears, bison and mountain goats.

Renting a car in Alaska gives you the freedom to escape the crowds and visit some of the most incredible places.

Like many other US states, wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in Alaska and using your cell phone while driving is illegal. One thing to be aware of  is that protected wildlife has the right of way, so keep a look out for moose, bears and reindeer as you’re discovering each and every corner of the state.

Alaska is nicknamed ‘The Last Frontier’ for a reason –rent a car in Alaska to feel like a true explorer.

Between the unspoilt wilderness and bustling cities and town, Alaska has plenty of treasures waiting to be explored. The landscape of the state is exceptional, with national parks larger than some countries and traditional towns housing a century of American history. Get behind the wheel of your rental car and explore every untouched corner of the American northwest.

Anchorage and south central Alaska

The state’s largest city is not only a metropolitan place alive with commerce, it’s framed by sparkling glaciers and impressive natural beauty. Around 40 per cent of the state’s population lives in Anchorage, so if you want to be in Alaska’s social hub, this is the place to visit.

In the surrounding area you can explore the Mat-Su Valley, Chugach National Forest and the stunning Portage glacier.

See the edge of the earth in Arctic Alaska

On the other side of the state you’ll find a quieter territory that feels like the edge of the earth. This is Alaska at its most rugged. Here you’ll see snow dogs pulling sleds and local people living in quaint villages.

Visit at the right time, usually between September and April, and you just might see the Northern Lights. Occurring due to solar activity, this swirling mass of colours is will truly take your breath away. You can take a cultural tour of the area while taking in the aurora borealis or simply visit and enjoy the midnight sun during June and July.

Winter visitors will need to plan carefully, since the temperatures can dip below minus 50 °F.

Get wild at Denali National Park

Alaska has enough natural beauty for a lifetime of exploration and each park has its own unique magic.

For a special trip, Denali National Park is home to North America’s tallest mountain as well as the breathtaking Wonder Lake, where the chiselled white mountain is perfectly reflected in crystal clear waters.

Bears, moose, wolves and many more animals call this park home and if you’re lucky, you might just spot one or two of these creatures on your trip. With six million acres of wilderness to explore plus an educational visitor’s centre, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.

Another must-see and a place where you can appreciate the true beauty of the Alaskan scenery is Tongass National Forest. The largest forested area in the United States, Tongass spans across 800 kilometres of southeast Alaska.

The ecosystem here is incredible, with blacktail deer, wolves and brown bears roaming through the trees. More American bald eagles live here than any other place on earth.

Surf the slopes in Alyeska

South of Anchorage in the Chugach mountains lies the charming ski resort of Alyeska which operates all year round. Chairlifts will take you up peaceful slopes and the ocean-side location makes for big snowfall and exciting vistas.

When the thrills and spills are done, you can relax in a unique ski bar – the Sitzmark. This bar and grill is part of the local furniture, with fantastic live entertainment and even a stained glass ceiling.

Explore the cultural history of Alaska

There’s more to Alaska than its natural wonders, with rich cultures and plenty of history to explore. You can learn more about the Gold Rush at Klondike Visitor Centre or go further back in time with a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Here, you’ll see lovingly restored totem poles dating back centuries.

Adventure awaits in this spectacular destination, car rental in Alaska is the best way to see it all.