Yes, you can absolutely rent a car in one Alaskan city and drop it off in another, a service known as a one-way rental. However, this convenience comes at a significant cost. The most important factor to understand is the drop fee (or one-way fee), which can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the rental company, the specific cities, and the season. This fee covers the cost for the company to return the vehicle to its original location.
Planning is critical. Major rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise offer this service between key locations such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, and sometimes smaller hubs. Availability is not guaranteed, especially during the peak summer tourist season, so you should book your rental many months in advance. When comparing prices online, always check the final quote carefully to ensure the drop fee is included, as it can sometimes be hidden in the initial search results.
To potentially reduce the drop fee, consider picking up and dropping off at airport locations, as they have higher vehicle volumes. Also, be realistic about your itinerary. For a simple loop trip starting and ending in the same city, a round-trip rental is always the most economical choice. A one-way rental is best suited for travelers covering long distances, like driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks and then flying out, who value the saved time and backtracking over the extra expense.
| Rental Scenario (Sample Summer Rates) | Estimated Base Rental Cost (Midsize SUV) | Estimated Drop Fee | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|
| Anchorage to Anchorage (7-day round trip) | $550 - $750 | $0 | $550 - $750 |
| Anchorage to Fairbanks (7-day one-way) | $500 - $700 | $250 - $500 | $750 - $1,200 |
| Fairbanks to Anchorage (7-day one-way) | $500 - $700 | $200 - $450 | $700 - $1,150 |
