Anchorage Travel Guide

By Rental Car

Driving is the most practical way for most independent travelers to tour the main part of Alaska, and the location of Anchorage at the hub of transportation networks makes it the handiest place to start. A car improves a visit to Anchorage, too, as the city is spread out and public transportation and taxi service are poor. Most major car-rental companies operate in Anchorage, largely from desks at the airport in a tunnel off the domestic baggage-claim area. A compact car for $50 a day, with unlimited mileage, is a fair deal. The airport adds a 10% concession fee plus a $4-a-day facility fee, which you can avoid by renting off-site from Avis, at 5th Avenue and B Street (tel. 800/230-4898 or 907/277-4567; www.avis.com) or several other firms. The city charges an 8% rental car tax and the state adds an additional 10% tax. Including the airport fees, taxes total well over a third of the rental price. Sorry about that! Cars can sell out in summer, so reserve ahead. Note, rental contracts generally do not allow vehicles on gravel roads, such as the Denali Highway or McCarthy Road.

By Rental RV

Several large RV rental agencies operate in Anchorage). High-season rates are around $1,500 to $1,800 a week, plus the large amount of fuel RVs use and taxes. ABC Motorhome Rentals, 3875 Old International Airport Rd. (tel. 800/421-7456 or 907/279-2000; www.abcmotorhome.com), charges no mileage fee.)

By Bus

It takes patience to go a long way on the People Mover buses (tel. 907/343-6543; www.peoplemover.org), especially if you have to transfer, but if you have the time, the system is inexpensive, safe, and covers most of the city. Bus fares all over town are $1.75 for adults; $1 for ages 5 to 18; 50¢ for those over age 60, with disabilities, or with a valid Medicare card; free for ages 4 and under. The transit center bus depot is at 6th Avenue and G Street. Buses generally come every half-hour, hourly on weekends, but to use the system conveniently go online and figure out your route and schedule in advance.

By Bike

The network of bike trails is a great way to see the best side of Anchorage, but not a practical means of point-to-point transportation for most people. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail starts right downtown. Good street bikes are usually for rent near Elderberry Park downtown, at the start of the Coastal Trail, from Pablo's Bike Rental, a booth at the corner of 5th and L (tel. 907/250-2871). Rates are $20 for 4 hours, $40 for a day. An established bike rental shop with a wide choice of equipment is in the 4th Avenue Market Place at 4th and C: Downtown Bicycle Rental (tel. 907/279-5293; www.alaska-bike-rentals.com). Rates start at $16 for 3 hours, $4 for each additional hour, $32 max per day. The shop also carries tandems, kids' bikes, and trailers, and clip in shoes and pedals for advanced cyclists. The shop also offers a hikers' shuttle to the Glen Alps parking lot, the trailhead for Flattop Mountain.