My Alaska Trip Dilemma
 

Hi,
I have gotten so much help on this forum so far, so I am hoping to get some ideas to help solve my transportation dilemma.

We are arriving in Anchorage around 1pm on June 22 & leaving for a cruise from Seward on June 27th at 9pm. So far, this is my plan:

1- Arrive Anchorage, drive to Denali (night near Denali)

2- tour Denali Park (night near Denali)

3- Return to Anchorage (night in Anc)

4- train to Seward (night in Seward)

5- Kenai Fjord trip (night in Seward)

6- leave for cruise from Seward

I was planning to pick up a car at the ANC airport & return it on Day 3. Then take the train to Seward on Day 4. The problem is that I am not sure how to get around once we are in Seward. Also, the more affordable places to stay seem to be outside of Seward, and therefore, we would need a car.

I am trying to decide if it would make sense to rent the car from Hertz (ANC) and drop it in Seward (this was the only company that I could find with a one-way rental). It will cost $550 for the 5 days. It seems like a lot of $, but I am wondering if it would be worth it because it might be less hassle.

I would appreciate any advice about this.

Thanks so much:)

Aren't there any car rental places in Seward? I would check and then just rent while you are down there. That seems like a pretty high amount for a car.

We found a nice b&b in seward for $65, if you don't mind sharing a bathroom - check out: http://www.seward.net/~morningcalm

Thanks for the replies. I think I am going to try to find a place in Seward within walking distance to attractions (or at least with public transportation available). I don't think that I can handle spending over $550 for a car!

We will pick up a car at the airport when we get there. On Day 3, we will return to Anchorage, and will be staying at the Marriott (820 W. 7th Ave).

Does it make sense to return the car to the airport & then take a bus/shuttle/taxi to the hotel? Or should I try to find a company where I could turn in the car somewhere in the city?

Also, we have to get to the train station to catch a train to Seward early in the morning. I wonder if it would make any sense to keep the car & turn it in at the train station (if this is even possible).

Hmmmm...lots to think about!

Thanks for helping me to brainstorm some ideas!

Use taxis in Seward if you can't find something close in. Much cheaper than the Hertz ripoff.

I don't know who you are renting from in Anchorage, but I rented from Hertz' downtown office. Does the Marriott have a shuttle from the airport? If so, then rent from the downtown office and drop there. It's not too far from the Marriott. I know where that is.

Actually, that only makes sense if you were staying in Anchorage first. Just rent from Hertz at airport and ask if you can drop downtown. Otherwise, take back to airport and use shuttle if Marriott has one. Make sense?

Thanks Deborah, that does make sense. I'll check with Marriott about the shuttle.

MOST hotels in Anchorage do NOT have airport shuttles for guests. A cab to the airport from downtown is about $20.

The Holiday Inn does indeed have a shuttle to the airport. I took it.

For that matter, so did the Spring Hill Suites which I also took. So I again, suggest that you check with the Marriott.

Hey KEC, me again. Well here's some info for you. If you can't drop the car downtown and need to go back to Anchorage airport, there is a new shuttle service that started up called Shuttle Man. It's $10 for first person and $2.00 for each additional person. So, if it's just you and your husband, it would only be $12. The number is (907) 677-8537. It might be cheaper than a cab. Enjoy your trip to Alaska. I am leaving for Alaska myself on Saturday. Can't wait. By the way to the other posters, Holiday Inn discontinued their shuttle service and they are the ones that told me about Shuttle Man, but there are a lot of hotels in Anchorage that do have them. Always best to check directly with your hotel.

Thanks so much to everyone for all of the ideas. This is what I have found out through some more research:

- Thrifty car rental from ANC airport, drop off in town & there is a free shuttle to the Marriott = $127 (2 days)

- Train from Anc to Seward = $118

- Bears Den B&B near train & boat area in Seward = $125 per night

So, it looks like this option (plus using taxis & trolleys in Seward if/when needed) is a lot cheaper than renting the car. We will also save on gas money as well, so it will probably cost $400 less than renting the car for 5 days (the B&B is cheaper than the hotel that I had previously booked also).

Thanks again:)

KEC, it looks like you did lots of research and your plan looks great.

The Marriott had an airport shuttle when I was there two years ago. It's a lovely hotel with glass walls - make sure your room faces Denali and you'll see it when the sun rises! There is also a very relaxing indoor pool.

Seward is a small town but I still think you'd want a car there.

KEC,

If you can, try and see the show at the Fly By Night in Anchorage. Well worth the night out and so funny. Enjoy your trip.

One more thing, if you do decide to go to that show, reservations are necessary. It always sells out because it is so popular. Really a good laugh though.

Thanks again everyone!

Deborah, I am going to look into your last suggestion. Is it a comedy club?

Also, does anyone know if there is anything fun to do in Seward at night? We are meeting up with some friends there, and I thought I would try to figure out some fun things for us to do.

Thanks!

Fly By Night is funny, but it is NOT a comedy club. Unless I am mistaken, it is a drag queen show. Long story, but I used to work with one of the performers...

It most surely is a comedy/musical act. No drag act. Please. It sells out every night in Anchorage during the tourist season. It is political and comedy satires as well as bar and restaurant. You can do an internet search for Fly By Night Anchorage and see some reviews. www.tripadvisor.com has some reviews for sure. My high school friend that was living in Alaska took me. Have fun.