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Find low rental car prices in Seward, Alaska with Road Genius. Compare live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, passenger vans and reserve with no booking fees. Inventory here is small and sells out fast on cruise days, so lock in your Seward car rental early if you're sailing in or catching the Alaska Railroad. One-way rentals to Anchorage are popular and we show the fees up front, letting you decide whether to tackle the Seward Highway or ride the train.
Car rental options in Seward are limited but strategic, catering primarily to cruise passengers and train arrivals:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Near Cruise Terminal (Port Avenue) | • Walking distance from cruise ships • Convenient for disembarking passengers • Easy access to downtown |
• Limited selection of vehicles • Seasonal operations (some closed in winter) • Higher rates than Anchorage |
| Downtown Seward | • Central location • Walking distance from small boat harbor • Close to restaurants and shops |
• Limited providers • May require transportation from cruise or train terminal • Smaller fleet selection |
| One-Way Rental Delivery | • Vehicle delivered to Seward • Drive-away to Anchorage option • Flexibility for cruise passengers |
• Often higher rates • Limited vehicle selection • Advance booking essential |
| Company | Location | Special Features | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | 600 Port Avenue (near cruise terminal) | National brand, standard fleet | Seasonal (summer), focus on cruise arrival days |
| Thrifty/Dollar | Port Avenue | Combined operation of standard vehicles | Seasonal (summer) along limited hours |
| Alaskan Car Rental (based in Anchorage) | Delivers to Seward | One-way rentals to/from Anchorage, vehicles delivered to cruise terminal | Year-round through advance booking |
On average, car rentals in Seward cost around $304 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $229 per day.
Compare pickup points on our site (Seward cruise dock, downtown, Anchorage). For trips of 3+ days, the larger Anchorage fleets often offset the 2.5-hour drive with lower base rates.
Avoid cruise-day pickups if you can. Rates jump when ships unload thousands of passengers. Grabbing the car the night before or next morning usually shaves a chunk off the price.
Go small unless you need the space. All main sights—Exit Glacier, Lowell Point, Seward Highway—are on paved roads, so an economy car keeps both rental and fuel costs down.
Check weekly vs daily pricing. Crossing the 4-day mark? A 7-day quote can sometimes be cheaper than five individual days thanks to built-in discounts.
Downtown: Free in most areas
Harbor area: Paid lots for longer stays, street options for short visits
Exit Glacier: National Park entrance fee applies; space included
Overnight: Check rental company rules about leaving your car overnight
Having a vehicle unlocks the wider Kenai Peninsula, making it easy to reach glaciers, coastal lookouts and nearby communities.
Exit Glacier – Kenai Fjords National Park visitor center, hiking trails
Lowell Point – beach access, wildlife, Resurrection Bay views
Resurrection Bay viewpoints – roadside pullouts, coastal scenery
Cooper Landing – Kenai River fishing, mountain vistas
Are there any car rental companies open year-round in Seward?
Most local companies only operate from May to September. For rentals during the off-season, contact an Anchorage company like Alaskan Car Rental that delivers cars to Seward.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Seward?
If you want a car in the summer, especially on days a cruise ship is in port, you should book at least 2-3 months ahead of time. You should book one-way rentals from Seward to Anchorage even earlier.
Can I pick up a car directly after disembarking from a cruise ship?
Yes, Hertz and Thrifty/Dollar have offices you can walk to from the cruise terminal on Port Avenue. They coordinate their hours to match when ships arrive. Some local companies will also deliver a car right to the cruise terminal for you.
What's the best option if I'm arriving by train and want to rent a car?
The train depot is in downtown Seward. From there, you can easily walk to local rental offices. You can also arrange for a company from Anchorage to deliver a car and pick you up.
Is it better to rent a car in Anchorage or Seward?
If you start your trip in Anchorage, you'll usually find more car choices and better prices by renting there. If you arrive on a cruise ship in Seward, renting locally or getting a one-way rental saves you from having to travel to Anchorage first.
Are there restrictions on where I can drive a car rented in Seward?
Most rental companies let you drive their cars on all paved roads and major highways. You can usually drive on unpaved roads, like the one to Lowell Point, but you should check your rental agreement to be sure. You can drive to all parts of the Kenai Peninsula.
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