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Compare rental cars from top brands in Skagway, Alaska with Road Genius. From compact cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up your ride a short walk from the cruise port and drive the Klondike Highway on your own schedule. Summer inventory is limited, so reserve early to secure a downtown Skagway car rental.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Skagway is a small town without a major airport, so rental options are limited but conveniently located near cruise docks and the ferry terminal.
| Location | Rental Options | Seasonal Availability | Proximity to Cruise Port |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Skagway | Avis (State St and 2nd Ave) Affordable Car Rentals (6th Ave) Drive About Car Rental | Most operate mid-April to mid-October only | All under a 10-minute walk from cruise docks |
| Provider | Location | Daily Rates (Peak Season) | Deposit | Mileage Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avis | State St and 2nd Ave | $150-250/day | Around $200 | Unlimited |
| Affordable Car Rentals | 6th Ave | Around $199/day (midsize) | Around $100 (refundable) | 200 miles included ($0.50/mile over limit) |
| Drive About Car Rental | Downtown | $150-250/day | Varies | Limited mileage plus overage fees |
Car Rental Prices
Low-cost rental tips
- Check mileage caps before booking. Some Skagway rentals include only about 200 miles while others are unlimited. Match the plan: Emerald Lake loop is ~150 miles round-trip so a capped deal can save cash, but unlimited is safer if you might push on to Whitehorse.
- Summer cruise days = book early, shoulder season = keep checking. Cars disappear months ahead when multiple ships dock (May-Sept). For spring or late-fall visits, last-minute deals sometimes drop, so compare again a week out.
- Walk to the pickup and skip transfers. Rental counters sit 5-10 minutes from the pier and ferry dock, so avoid shuttle or taxi costs; ask about after-hours lockbox pickup if you're an early riser.
- Share the ride. Split one midsize car with fellow passengers and beat both tour prices and mileage overage fees.
- Top off the tank in Skagway. It's the last and often cheapest pump before heading to Canada, and returning full dodges refuel charges.
Car rental prices in Skagway 2025/2026
Parking and Local Driving
| Location | Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Skagway | Street parking | Free | Limited during peak cruise ship days |
| Small Boat Harbor | Free | Good for ferry passengers | |
| Dyea | Roadside parking | Free | Limited, but rarely fills |
| Klondike Highway pullouts | Designated areas | Free | Safe for photo stops |
| Carcross, YT | Town center parking | Free | Near visitor center and shops |
- Speed limits: 20-25 mph in town, 55 mph on highways (Canada uses km/h after border)
- Road conditions: Klondike Highway is fully paved but mountainous and has curves
- Wildlife awareness: Watch for bears, especially near Emerald Lake
- Border procedures: Have passports ready; you may be asked about firearms, bear spray or alcohol
- Seasonal considerations: Winter driving is not recommended unless you are experienced on snow or ice
- Fill up in Skagway before heading to Canada (station on 5th/6th Ave)
- Next fuel available in Carcross, Yukon (approximately 65 miles (105 km) away)
- Always refuel before returning to Skagway from Canada
- Credit cards accepted (foreign cards may need to prepay inside)
Why rent a car in Skagway
Get a car to easily:
- White Pass Summit – border crossing, mountain viewpoints
- Carcross, Yukon – Tagish Lake, visitor center, shops
- Emerald Lake – lake vistas, photo stops
- Dyea – Gold Rush townsite, Chilkoot Trail trailhead, estuary
- Yukon Suspension Bridge – pedestrian bridge, canyon views
Local Rental Locations
- Alaska
- Anchorage, AK
- Car Rental Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)
- Car Rental Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
- Fairbanks, AK
- JNU Airport
- Juneau, AK
- Seward, AK
- Whittier, AK
FAQs
Do I need a passport to drive from Skagway to the Yukon?
Yes. You will cross the international border into Canada, so everyone traveling needs to carry a valid travel document like a passport book or passport card. U.S. citizens can also use an Enhanced Driver's License. Let the rental company know you plan to cross the border.
How far can I drive from Skagway in a day?
Most visitors drive to Emerald Lake and back. The 150-mile (241 km) round trip takes about 8 to 9 hours, so you can easily do it on a port day. This trip also uses the number of miles that local rental companies usually allow.
Can I drive to Whitehorse in a day trip?
Yes, you can do it. The round trip is about 220 miles (354 km) and takes 5 to 6 hours of driving, but you won't have much time for stops. You should think about staying overnight in Whitehorse if you really want to explore the area.
Is winter driving possible on the Klondike Highway?
Crews maintain the highway all year, but you can run into snow, ice and poor visibility. We only recommend driving in the winter if you have experience on snowy mountain roads. Most car rental companies in Skagway close for the winter.
What type of vehicle do I need for Skagway roads?
You just need a standard car for summer driving. The Klondike Highway is fully paved. If you take the side trip to Dyea, you'll be on a gravel road, but most cars do fine if you drive carefully.
Do rental cars have mileage restrictions?
Yes, many local rental companies, like Affordable Car Rental, give you about 200 miles per day. If you go over that, they will charge you extra (about $0.50 per mile). Big companies like Avis usually offer unlimited mileage.
