We are 2 senior Brits cruising Alaska in 2010. We arrive at Steward on 1st September and had planned to take train to Anchorage and fly out but we have now look at various web sites and would like to explore the area for a few days.

Help please, is this a good idea and where should we go. We could hire car in Steward and spend 6 days travelling round finishing in Anchorage.

If you mean "various area" around Seward, then rent a car from Hertz(the only rental in Seward) and check out the area. Then take the train from Seward to Anchorage. If you mean you want to check out Denali, still take the train from Seward to Anchorage and rent your car there. The train ride is a great ride from Seward to Anchorage!!!! What areas are you wanting to explore would be helpful????

For clarification it is Seward. As noted, the only car rental is Hertz, and be prepared for $200+++/day. It certainly can offer a great routing of the Kenai Peninsula, making excellent use of time

BUT I definately suggest you find OUT about Alaska areas, before you start thinking about "driving around" 6 days, "could" get you Seward and Denali Park, with a good option still the train to Anchorage.

If you rent in Seward and fly out of Anchorage you'll face higher rental rates plus a drop-off fee (assuming you're dropping off the car in Anchorage).

Maybe check on the savings if you take the shuttle (or train) from Steward to ANC and rent in Anchorage, which will give you more car rental options at lower prices.

Just checking on Priceline.com I get a car rental quote of $526 for Sept 1 - 7 in Seward (with drop-off in Seward ... will have to add on a fee for returning the car in Anchorage). The same days in Anchorage start at $234 ... and of course no drop-off charge.

As for where to go, I'd go either north to Denali for a couple of days (early Sept is the perfect time to visit) or south to Homer and try to work in a short bear viewing trip. Probably a bit rushed to do both of these (you can do day trips for bears out of Anchorage though).

Good Grief, LOL Bill spelled it STEWARD also, maybe it was just a joke, but either way is funny.

Bill, you give GREAT advice, I just found it funny

I never rent an extended one way car Seward/Anchorage. I have several times, BUT I only rent the car, basing on a 24 hour clock and only for as long as it takes me to Anchorage. Then I turn it in for a cheaper round trip Anchorage car, and continue on with my travels. I would never consider any other rental option. It is simple to get to the airport and in an hour, you can have the cars switched over. There are a few downtown rental offices, which can have significant savings, to also consider.

Good Grief, LOL Bill spelled it STEWARD also

Hey Bulldog, I spelled it right three times out of four, which is better than usual for me