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Compare car rentals from top brands in Juneau, Alaska with Road Genius. From affordable cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles in convenient locations. Book early to secure the vehicle you want during cruise season and pick up at Juneau International Airport, downtown or the ferry terminal, then drive to Mendenhall Glacier and beyond on the city's 40-mile (64 km) road network.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Rental Locations and Options
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 |
Car Rental Prices
How to save?
- 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.
Car rental prices in Juneau 2025/2026
Parking and Local Driving
- Downtown parking:
- Downtown Transportation Center garage on Marine Way (initial short-term parking often free)
- Limited street parking with meters in most areas
- Some permit-only zones (read signs carefully)
- Cruise ship days see increased demand
- Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center:
- Permit required in summer
- Limited spaces during peak tourist season
- Arrive early or late for better availability
- Ferry terminal/Auke Bay:
- Free parking available for ferry passengers
- Public lot with multi-day options
- Verify time limits if leaving a car during side trips
- Juneau's compact road system is easy to navigate
- Standard Alaska rules apply: drive on right, seatbelts required
- Watch for wildlife, especially near Mendenhall Glacier and outer areas
- Speed limits are strictly enforced (25 mph in residential areas)
- Winter driving can be challenging due to steep hills and snow
- No toll roads, though some parking areas require fees
Why rent a car in Juneau
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
- Valley and mountain trailheads – West Glacier Trail, Perseverance Trail
Local Rental Locations
- Alaska
- Anchorage, AK
- Car Rental Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)
- Car Rental Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
- Fairbanks, AK
- JNU Airport
- Seward, AK
- Skagway, AK
- Whittier, AK
FAQs
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.
