"Auto Travel in Anchorage" Anchorage Transportation Tip by Tugboatguy

Upon arrival by Alaska Airline flight I picked up a reserved unlimited miles rental car at the airport. Economy small cars are not normally provided by rental agencies here (probably due to road and weather conditions) so you will get an intermediate size car or larger. I used Alamo, with a discount from my Aircraft Owners and Pilot's Association membership which included 20% off the bill and one free day. So, rental averaged about $53/day for a Pontiac G6 four door. Expect a customer facility charge, a concession recoup fee, vehicle rental tax of 8% and state vehicle rental tax of 10%. I replenished the fuel used to a full tank before turning in the car. Fuel was about 12 cents more per gallon than southern California's fuel prices, using Shell credit card comparison.WARNING: Be sure to do a walk-around before leaving the rental car garage to confirm and agree on any existing damage, dings or windshield chips on the car you are renting. Most agencies have a form marked for this purpose.

I found it refreshing to see most of the commercial Yellow Taxicabs in Anchorage were all-wheel drive Subaru Outbacks. Strange to see a yellow colored one with taxicab light on top as I also drive a Subaru Outback and am very pleased with its all-weather performance. In winter snow and ice conditions prevalent in Alaska, an all-wheel drive vehicle should be dependable in getting through the conditions. I inquired of friends the cab fare from the airport to the Hotel Captain Cook downtown where they were staying-it was $20 for that ride.

Many of the private trucks I saw (common in Alaska) were four wheel drive or all-wheel drive models. Welcome traffic features were the courtesy and care uniformly shown by Alaskan drivers compared with the California drivers I am used to, and the timed traffic lights downtown making through travel on one-way streets expedient and easy. Never heard a horn honk all week in Anchorage!

Mode: AROUND
Phone: 1-800-462-5266 for Alamo
Type: Car/Motor Home