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Find low rental car prices in Whittier, Alaska with Road Genius. Check live rates for SUVs, compact cars, passenger vans and make reservations with no booking fees. Stock is scarce in this tiny cruise port, so reserve early or compare one-way deals to Anchorage and be sure to plan around the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel schedule for a hassle-free start to your Alaska road trip.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Whittier has extremely limited rental options, just one provider servicing this remote location.
| Rental Provider | Location | Seasonal Availability | Proximity to Cruise Terminal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avis | Inside Whittier Harbor Store | May-September only | Short walk from cruise dock |
| Provider | Operating Hours | Vehicle Availability | Advance Booking | One-Way Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avis | 8:00 am - 8:00 pm (cruise days) | Limited inventory (just enough for cruise passengers) | 9-12 months recommended | Common to pick up in Whittier and drop off in Anchorage (one-way fee applies) |
Important Note: Rental options in Whittier are extremely limited. Many travelers prefer to take a bus or shuttle to Anchorage (approximately 60 miles (97 km) away) and rent there for more selection and better rates.
Car Rental Prices
How to pay less?
- Compare Whittier vs Anchorage rates: a $25–$40 shuttle/train to Anchorage can unlock cheaper daily prices and more vehicle choices that still beat paying peak-season Whittier rates plus one-way fees.
- Reserve early for cruise season: with just a handful of cars in town, the May–Sep calendar sells out fast. Lock in a free-cancellation booking 9-12 months ahead to dodge surge pricing.
- Sync with the tunnel schedule: plan pick-up/return around the 30-min tunnel slots. Miss an opening and you might pay another full rental day while you wait.
- Fill up before the harbor: gas in Girdwood or Anchorage is noticeably cheaper than the lone pump in Whittier, saving $10-$15 on a tank.
- Share the costs: pair up with cruise mates to split the daily rate, tunnel toll and parking. Four people in one car can cut everyone's bill by 50-75 percent.
Car rental prices in Whittier 2025/2026
Local Parking and Driving
| Location | Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whittier Harbor Area | Street parking | Limited | Very restricted space |
| City paid lot | Near ferry terminal | Paid | For visitors exploring town |
| Tunnel staging area | Waiting lanes | No parking allowed | Only for queuing for tunnel passage |
| Inn at Whittier | Guest lot | For guests only | If staying overnight |
- Anton Anderson Tunnel: Single lane on a strict schedule, must follow all instructions
- Speed limits: 25 mph in tunnel, 55 mph on Seward Highway
- Wildlife awareness: Watch for moose and bears, especially near Portage
- Seward Highway safety: Winding road along Turnagain Arm has tight curves
- Winter driving: Hazardous conditions possible, especially in Turnagain Pass
- Small gas pump (Shoreside Petroleum) available in Whittier harbor area
- Prices are generally higher than surrounding areas
- Next fuel available in Girdwood (30 miles (48 km) away)
- Fill up in Girdwood or Anchorage for better rates
Why rent a car in Whittier
Get a rental car so you can easily:
- Portage Valley – Begich-Boggs Visitor Center, Byron Glacier Trail
- Turnagain Arm – Beluga Point, Bird Point pullouts
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center – bear, moose habitats
- Girdwood – Alyeska Resort tram, dining spots
- Seward – Kenai Fjords National Park, Resurrection Bay
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
- Skagway, AK
FAQs
How does the Anton Anderson Tunnel to Whittier work?
The tunnel is a single-lane, 2.5-mile (4 km) road that changes direction for traffic every 30 minutes. You can drive into Whittier on the hour and leave on the half-hour. You pay a $13 toll for a standard car on the Bear Valley side when you drive toward Whittier. You don't pay a toll on the way back, so the payment covers your round-trip. Arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled opening.
Are there alternative transportation options from Whittier?
Yes. The Alaska Railroad runs its Glacier Discovery train to connect Whittier and Anchorage during the summer cruise season. They time the schedule to meet cruise ships. Several shuttle and bus companies also offer rides to Anchorage, where you'll find a wider selection of rental cars.
Can I rent a car in Whittier and return it elsewhere?
Yes, many cruise passengers rent a car one-way from Whittier to Anchorage to continue their Alaska journey. You will pay a one-way drop fee in addition to the daily rate.
How early should I book a rental car in Whittier?
You should book 9–12 months in advance for summer travel. The small number of rental cars sells out quickly, especially on cruise ship arrival days.
What if I miss my tunnel time when returning a rental car?
You'll need to wait 30 minutes for the next opening. Always allow extra time in your schedule, especially if you need to catch a cruise or flight.
Is it worth renting a car in Whittier for just a few hours?
Generally no. Because of the tunnel schedule and rental costs, a car rental makes the most sense if you're driving to other destinations or staying in the area for at least a full day.
What type of vehicle is best for driving from Whittier to Anchorage?
Any standard car is fine for summer driving since the roads are paved and well-maintained. For travel in the shoulder season (May or September), you might consider an SUV that has all-wheel drive for extra safety if the weather changes.
Can I see glaciers by car from Whittier?
You can't see Portage Glacier from the end of the road anymore because it has retreated, but you can see views of glaciers from several spots near Whittier. If you want a close-up view of a glacier, you can hike to Byron Glacier. The trail is about 1.4 miles (2.3 km) each way (about 2.8 miles (4.5 km) round-trip) and starts near the Begich-Boggs Visitor Center.
