Renting A Car In Kodiak: Essential Tips And Local Insights
The decision to rent a car in Kodiak depends on the length of stay and the places to explore. Downtown Kodiak is walkable, with easy access to the Kodiak History Museum, Alutiiq Museum, and the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral.
Beyond the downtown core, having a rental car provides access to the island’s rugged terrain, remote attractions, and hiking trails. Whether arriving by plane or cruise ship, we share the reasons for booking a vehicle rather than an organized tour.
Top car rental companies in Kodiak offer reliable vehicles, including 4WD SUVs and trucks, often available right at the airport. We didn’t rent a car at the airport and share our experience of having a vehicle for our port day in Kodiak.
Car Rental Vs. Kodiak Tours
If arriving by cruise ship, organized tours remove the planning aspect for the day. Our Holland America cruise offered few excursions, and most were fully booked with waitlists.
After months of waiting for a spot to open, we decided to reserve a rental car instead. A car gave us the freedom to explore and see the areas we were waitlisted for—all for a fraction of the price. Our one-day rental was around USD 60, far less than a short cruise excursion for two.
Kodiak isn’t on many cruise itineraries. So, there are no operators selling tours at the port. For those staying a week or more, tours are best arranged before arrival.
Alternatives To Car Rental In Kodiak
Public transportation on Kodiak is limited, so tours fill the gap. Choose from group or private options focused on hiking, fishing, coastal photography, or day trips to bears in Katmai National Park. However, tours operate on set schedules and routes, which can restrict spontaneous stops or detours.
There is no ride share in Kodiak since it’s not really a tourist destination. There are taxis like Kodiak Island Taxi, but it may be hard to get a cab on a busy port day.
Car Rentals Options In Kodiak
When renting a car in Kodiak, travelers can choose from both major national car rental companies and local agencies.
Major Rental Companies
Major rental companies like Avis and Ace Rent a Car operate in Kodiak, offering online booking and airport pick up. However, Avis has mixed online reviews, with many customer complaints of being charged double or for damage they didn’t cause.
|
Operator |
Pickup |
Vehicle Type |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Avis |
Airport |
All |
Bad reviews |
|
Ace |
Airport |
All |
|
|
Do North |
Flexible |
All |
|
|
Kodiak Car Rental |
Flexible |
AWD & 4WD |
|
|
Turo |
Flexible |
Varies |
Budget-friendly |
Local Rental Agencies
Local rental businesses in Kodiak focus on serving practical needs for island visitors. These include Do North Car Rental and Kodiak Car Rental, both operating from the airport.
Ride Scenic is an option for those staying longer. They have a five-day minimum rental.
We chose to skip the counter and rent from Turo. For those unfamiliar with Turo, it’s a car rental service like Airbnb, where hosts rent out their own vehicles. We chose a car within the price point we wanted to pay. All forms are done online before arriving in Kodiak.
When renting through Turo, we needed Wi-Fi to connect to our host once we arrived on Kodiak Island. We had to upload a driver’s license, then received instructions on where to find the car and how to get inside.
Turo, while less expensive, is less flexible in pick up and return times. We rented Turo cars in many ports, and most hosts require their vehicles to be returned by 5:30 pm.
Vehicle Types Available
Vehicle options range from economy cars to 4WD, SUVs, and trucks. Economy cars suit those prioritizing cost-efficiency and city driving. For exploring Kodiak’s wilderness, 4WD vehicles are recommended for safely navigating unpaved roads and rough terrain.
|
Vehicle Type |
Best Use |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Economy cars |
City driving, budget travel |
Low price, fuel efficient |
|
4WD SUVs |
Off road, rugged terrain |
Outdoor adventures |
|
Pickup trucks |
Heavy-duty needs |
Bed toppers for cargo |
Trucks with bed toppers are ideal for carrying outdoor gear or supplies, essential for fishing or hiking trips. SUVs combine passenger comfort with off-road capability, making them a versatile choice. We chose an economy hybrid car, which literally used no gas for our port day.
Car Rental Pick Up And Drop Off
Knowing where and how to pick up and return your rental car in Kodiak saves time and reduces hassle.
Kodiak Airport Pick Up
Kodiak Airport is best when arriving by air. Car rental desks are conveniently located in the baggage claim area. Picking up and dropping off is straightforward. Fueling up before the return is recommended, as there may not be a gas station immediately near the drop-off point.
Cruise Port Pick Up
When arriving in Kodiak by cruise ship, car rental companies may offer shuttle service from the cruise terminal to their rental locations. But we recommend confirming before arrival.
Since we rented through Turo, we requested to collect our car at the port. There were two ships in port, and our host looked up where we would dock (or, in our case, tender), then delivered the car to Oscar’s Dock. It was a 2-minute walk to our rental car. Now that’s convenience!
Driving In Kodiak: What To Expect
Driving in Kodiak varies by time of year. Winter experiences slick and slippery roads. We arrived in early May, during the shoulder season, and the roads were in good condition.
Road Conditions
Kodiak’s roads are a mix of paved highways and gravel routes. The main roads connecting the town to key sites are mostly paved but can have uneven patches, especially after rain or snow. Secondary roads often remain gravel and may be rough or narrow, requiring cautious driving.
Speed limits on Kodiak Island tend to be lower than on the mainland, reflecting the island’s smaller size and frequent wildlife crossings. We spotted a deer on the roadside on our drive to Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park.
Fueling
Gas stations are limited in Kodiak compared to those on the mainland. Most stations offer regular gasoline and diesel but check availability if using specialty fuel types. Major car rental companies require a full tank before return. Turo has the same rules. Gas stations are available in town at:
- North Pacific Fuel – 203 E Rezanof Dr.
- Petro Express – 2597 Mill Bay Rd.
- Gas & Go – 3833 E Rezanof Dr.
Exploring Kodiak By Rental Car
Navigating Kodiak Island with a rental car gave us the freedom to visit key spots on our own schedule. We had a list of places to visit that were beyond the downtown area. They included Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, some hiking trails, and Pillar Mountain for the view.
Scenic Routes
Kodiak’s roads offer picturesque drives along rugged coastlines and forested areas. The road to Monashka Bay provides sweeping ocean views framed by mountains. Stop at the viewpoints and look for humpback whales with binoculars.
Anton Larsen Bay Road offers one of Kodiak Island’s best scenic drives. The road winds through open valleys, rugged mountains, and wild coastline. Wildlife sightings often include eagles and deer.
The route ends at a quiet bay with sweeping views. It’s a top drive because it feels remote yet stays easy to access.
Taking the Pillar Mountain Road offered panoramic views of the town and the surrounding waters. It was slow going on the gravel road, but the views beyond the wind turbines were spectacular.
For travelers staying on Kodiak, we recommend the Chiniak Highway drive. It rewards with fantastic scenery, while being void of crowds. It runs along Kodiak Island’s rugged east coast and delivers steady ocean and mountain views.
The road passes spruce forests, wild beaches, and open stretches where you can spot eagles, bison, and sometimes whales offshore. As one of Kodiak’s top drives, it offers remoteness and tranquility only minutes from town.
Top Destinations In Kodiak
Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, near town, isn’t walkable. It is known for its hiking and history. This was our favorite place in Kodiak, and we spent our time walking its many trails, exploring World War II artifacts, and visiting the Kodiak Military History Museum.
Holland America offered transportation to and from Fort Abercrombie State Park, but both tours were full. It forced us to rent a car, and we’re glad we did. The tour gave cruise guests only 1 hour in the park before they were picked up.
We spent over three hours exploring several trails and learning about the park’s significance in the war. A old war bunker was one of the highlights of our hiking in the park.
While we didn’t see any Kodiak bears, we did find fresh bear scat and a sign warning of a sighting the day before.
A longer stay in Kodiak may include drives to the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, where we might spot bears and bald eagles.
Other must-see locations include Woman’s Bay, offering coastal views and beach access, and Buskin River, popular for fishing and wildlife watching. Since Kodiak lacks extensive highways, renting a reliable 4WD or AWD vehicle is preferred to reach these destinations comfortably.
Access To Hiking Trails
For hiking enthusiasts, a rental car is essential for reaching many trailheads beyond town. Popular hikes like the Fort Abercrombie trails and the Buskin River Loop start at easily accessible parking areas.
For more remote hikes, such as those in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, having a vehicle with all-wheel or four-wheel drive is recommended.
Would We Get A Car Rental In Kodiak Again?
Kodiak Island surprised us with its list of attractions. While it isn’t a popular tourist destination, we enjoyed its charm and rugged coastlines. At USD 60, our Turo car rental gave us the freedom to travel beyond the cruise port and explore areas others didn’t go.
Since we picked up and returned the car at the port, we had extra time to explore.
Renting a car was a no-brainer, and we have Holland America to thank for having sold out excursions, which made us rethink our day in port. We will definitely arrange another car rental next time we’re in Kodiak.
