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Juneau's unique geography and transportation system impact where you can rent a vehicle:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Juneau International Airport (JNU) | • Immediate availability after landing • Major rental companies present • Hours aligned to flights • Seamless transition from flight to car |
• Airport fees included in rates • Limited selection during peak cruise season • May require reservations in summer |
| Downtown/Off-Airport | • Convenient for cruise passengers • Local companies offer competitive rates • May include pickup service from cruise dock |
• Limited number of providers • Reduced hours possible • May require transportation from airport |
| Ferry Terminal (Auke Bay) | • Convenient for ferry passengers • Some companies offer pickup service • Good for continuing travel |
• Limited providers • May require advance arrangements • Less convenient for air travelers |
| Company | Location | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Alamo/National | Airport | Standard fleet, counter in terminal |
| Avis | Airport | Counter in terminal, frequent flyer programs |
| Budget | Airport | Budget-friendly options, airport counter |
| Hertz | Airport | 24/7 operations, staff on-call for final arrivals |
| Juneau Car Rental Company | 1 mile (1.6 km) from airport, 4 miles (6.4 km) from ferry terminal | Courtesy shuttles to/from airport, ferry terminal and cruise docks |
On average, car rentals in Juneau cost around $106 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $35 per day.
Shop by pickup spot: Compare airport quotes with downtown or ferry-terminal offices. Off-airport locations often skip those airport concession fees and many provide free shuttles, so the total can drop fast.
Book early only for peak cruise months (May–Sept): Juneau's fleets get wiped out on heavy ship days, so locking in 2–3 months ahead can beat same-day surge pricing. Visiting in winter or shoulder season? Last-minute deals are common, so check again before you commit.
Rent for the exact days you'll drive: Downtown is compact and walkable, plus most hotels offer airport shuttles. Grab the car only for glacier or trailhead days instead of your whole stay.
Go small, save big: Juneau's paved road network is barely 40 miles (64 km) end-to-end. An economy car is plenty, cheaper to rent and cheaper to refuel at the stations clustered near the airport.
Play with length & pickup time: A 7-day "weekly" rate can beat five separate daily rates, and shifting pickup or return by a few hours can push you into lower pricing tiers—worth a quick re-quote.
Fuel up before returning: Top off at valley gas stations a mile from JNU rather than paying the rental company's per-gallon premium.
Downtown parking:
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center:
Ferry terminal/Auke Bay:
Juneau's compact road system is easy to navigate
A car lets you cover the full 40-mile (64 km) road network and reach natural sites beyond the downtown port.
Mendenhall Glacier – visitor center, trailheads
Glacier Highway to Echo Cove – Eagle Beach State Recreation Area, shoreline pullouts
Douglas Island loop – Sandy Beach, Gastineau Channel outlooks
Thane Road drive – AJ Mine relics, waterfront photo stops

Are there any roads I cannot take my rental car on?
You can drive on any state-maintained paved road inside Juneau's 40-mile (64 km) road system. But rental companies usually don't allow you to go off-road, drive on unmaintained gravel side roads or travel beyond the end of the main road at Echo Cove (north) and Thane (south). Since no highways connect Juneau to other places, you can't leave the area by car.
Can I take my rental car on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry?
Some rental companies let you take their cars on the ferry if you ask them first. They may charge you extra fees and you'll need to buy a ferry ticket for the car. Always tell the rental company your plans ahead of time.
How far can I drive in Juneau?
Juneau's road system is about 40 miles (64 km) long from one end to the other. You can't drive out of town because there are no roads that connect to other communities.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle in Juneau?
In the summer, a regular 2WD car is fine. For winter visits, we suggest an AWD or 4WD car because of the steep roads and snowy weather.
Is parking difficult in downtown Juneau?
It can be hard to find parking downtown when cruise ships are in port (May-September). You can find reliable paid parking in the Downtown Transportation Center garage. Street parking has time limits and you'll need to use a meter.
Can I pick up a rental car from the cruise terminal?
Rental companies don't have desks at the cruise docks. However, Juneau Car Rental Company offers a free shuttle from the cruise terminals to their office, which is about 4 miles (6.4 km) away.