Alaska Travel Forum

Rental Car
Posted: Tue April 1, 2003 07:59 PM UTC

Is it possible to rent a car in Anchorage and return it in Fairbanks? Maybe we'll drive up to Denali/Fairbanks, then take the train to Seward, and train back to Anchorage. Is this possible?

ljdrnjjj

8 replies

[Reply]

Re: Rental Car
Posted: Tue April 1, 2003 11:43 PM UTC

Trains are fun at times, but I'm not sure why you would want to implement such a plan. There certainly would be a drop off fee if you rent at Anchorage and drop at Fairbanks. And there is no problem driving to Seward, so why not just drive to each Alaskan destination?

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zrim

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Re: Rental Car
Posted: Wed April 2, 2003 08:09 AM UTC

I'd also recommend the Alaska Railroad between Anchorage & Fairbanks. If you rent a car in Anchorage, it;s a beautiful drive to Seward and a stop at Portage Glacier is highly recommended as well.

Taking the train from ANC-FAI is the ideal transport, and you won;t miss anything in Denali. Just about everything is within walking distance or a tour or shuttle is offered in Denali.

Have a great trip!

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susan_hoke

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Re: Re: Rental Car
Posted: Wed April 2, 2003 03:04 PM UTC

TO: ZRIM
Since this will be our first time in Alaska. We want to dive up to Fairbanks, and do a lot of sight seeing along the way, including at least 2 nights in Denali, and then take a train back to Anchorage just to experienced the train ride.
This maybe a dumb question, but Is it possible to go all the way to Fairbanks and back to Anchorage without renting a car?, just depend on rail, or ferry? How close are the depots to hotels? and are the hotels have pick-up service?. I really dislike driving, I know it will be a wonderful drive, but I rather sit back and relax, and let someone to the driving, but maybe I am dreaming too much.

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ljdrnjjj

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Re: Re: Rental Car
Posted: Wed April 2, 2003 03:12 PM UTC

Only been to Alsaka once myself and did not take the train. It is reputed to be very scenic and I surely understand your desire to sit back and watch the scenery unfold.

It is probably time for you to contact the Alaska Visitor's Bureau. I'm sure they can point you on the right direction for train travel. No matter your means of locomotion--I'm sure you will have an awesome trip.

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zrim

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Re: Rental Car
Posted: Thu April 3, 2003 01:57 AM UTC

I was a tour guide in Alaska for 4 summers and can tell you from experience that the train from Anchorage to Fairbanks is a MUST. the train goes thru Denali Park, and there are shuttles to the hotels/lodges. It is essential to have reservations for accomodation especially in Denali since this is a seasonal destination.

Feel free to email.

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seattlesmiley

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Re: Rental Car
Posted: Sat April 12, 2003 10:49 AM UTC

I also reccommend what seattlesmiley says. The train is a must-do. We loved it. And our drive to Seward and then to the other side of the Kenai peninsula was spectacular.

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BlueCollar

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Re: Rental Car
Posted: Sun April 13, 2003 10:11 PM UTC

It is possible to do a one way car rental, however you should consider taking the train for the whole trip.

An Alaska travel professional can advise you impartially on lodging, cruises, tours and transportation best suited to your requirements.

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alaska_traveler

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Re: Re: Rental Car
Posted: Mon April 14, 2003 10:24 PM UTC

You can take the train from ANC-DENALI-FAIRBANKS, and a shuttle bus back from Fairbanks to Anchorage. http://www.alaskashuttle.com/
The Denali Depot is right at the park entrance, and your hotel will pick you up. The Fairbanks Depot is right downtown and if you are staying downtown you can walk or else your hotel will pick you up at the Depot, just call them in advance and arrange for a pick up. In Fairbanks, you can arrange for a tour with Princess Tours or Holland America tours or and exursion with Northern Alaska Tours http://www.northernalaska.com or you can head out to Chena Hot Springs on their shuttle bus. www.chenahotsprings.com
Or you can rent a car in Fairbanks (recommended) and go where ever you want. Email me if you have more questions, I live in Fairbanks.

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