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The airport has a dedicated Rental Car Center connected to the main terminal, housing all major rental companies in one location.
Rental Car Center: Located on-site at the airport
Shuttle service: Free shuttles run every 15 minutes between the terminal and rental center
Walking distance: Approximately 5-7 minutes from baggage claim
Hours: Most companies operate from early morning (5-7am) until midnight during summer; reduced hours in winter
| Company | Location | Hours (Summer) | Hours (Winter) | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Rental Car Center | 5:30am-Midnight | 5:30am-10:30pm | Gold member benefits, skip-the-counter service |
| Avis/Budget | Rental Car Center | 6am-Midnight | 6am-11pm | Preferred member services, combined counter |
| Enterprise/National/Alamo | Rental Car Center | 7am-Midnight | 7am-10pm | Emerald Club benefits, Enterprise Plus |
| Dollar/Thrifty | Rental Car Center | 6am-Midnight | 6am-11pm | Express rental option |
| Alaska 4x4 Rentals | Rental Car Center | 7am-10pm | 8am-8pm | Specialized off-road vehicles |
Busiest times: 1-3pm during summer (especially Fridays and Saturdays in July)
Quietest times: Early morning (before 9am) or late evening (after 9pm)
Summer peak: Lines can be 30+ minutes long when multiple flights arrive simultaneously
Winter experience: Minimal wait times, often immediate service
On average, car rentals at Anchorage Airport cost around $112 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $34 per day.
Weigh airport vs downtown pickup fees: ANC adds about 11% concession + $4/day facility charge. A $20 rideshare to a city branch can wipe those out if you're renting 4-5 days or more. Do the math before you click.
Time your booking to the season: Summer sells out fast, so lock in a cancelable reservation early, then keep checking and re-book if rates drop. Winter is the opposite—plenty of cars and big discounts even last minute.
Compare vehicle classes, not just companies: In winter an SUV may cost the same as a compact, while in peak July the compact jumps first. Sorting by class on the comparison page often reveals the better deal.
Skip pricey add-ons: Bring your own phone/GPS, USB cable and car seat (FAA-approved) to dodge $10-15/day charges. Anchorage has no toll roads, so you can ignore toll packages too.
Get a car rental so you can easily:
Denali National Park – Talkeetna, Denali viewpoints
Kenai Peninsula – Seward, Kenai Fjords boat tours
Matanuska Glacier – Glacier View, ice fields
Hatcher Pass – Independence Mine Site

Is there a grace period for returns at ANC?
Most companies give you about a 30-minute grace period before they charge you for another day. If you're running late, call the rental company directly.
Can I pick up at the airport and return downtown (or vice versa)?
Yes, but the company may charge you a one-way fee for returning it to a different spot. Be sure to ask your rental company about this beforehand.
How early should I arrive to pick up my vehicle in peak summer?
You should plan to arrive 30-45 minutes early on busy summer days, especially around noon.
Are after-hours returns monitored for security?
Yes, the rental car area has security cameras and security staff patrol it. Always take photos of your returned car that show the date and time.
What if my flight is significantly delayed?
Most airport rental companies check on flight arrivals, so they will hold your car. Still, you should call them if your delay is more than two hours.
Can I find winter-specific vehicles at the airport?
Yes. In the winter, most cars have winter-rated or all-season tires and many SUVs and trucks have AWD/4WD. Studded tires are common, but they are not guaranteed. If you need them, be sure to ask for them ahead of time.