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Rental Car Guide: Drive Yourself to Mendenhall Glacier

⚠️ This page is currently in progress and will be updated with more detailed information, photos, and insider secrets at a later date.

When total independence is your mission, a rental car gives you the freedom to explore Juneau at your own pace. Below is a comprehensive list of operators to help you get started.

Independent/Local Brands — Downtown Juneau (Near Cruise Terminals)
1. Like a Local Car Rental
(907) 796-9649
likealocalak.com →
2. Juneau Car Rental Company
(907) 957-7530
juneaucarrentalcompany.com →
3. Explore Juneau
(907) 500-9889
explorejuneau.com →
International Brands
Compare prices across all major international rental car brands in Juneau.
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Compare Juneau Rental Car Prices Now →
Downtown Juneau (Near Cruise Terminals)
1. Avis Alaska (Downtown/Seasonal)
(907) 789-7999
avisalaska.com →
Airport & Other Locations
1. Alamo Rent A Car
(844) 913-0743
alamo.com →
2. National Car Rental
(844) 913-0742
nationalcar.com →
3. Avis Alaska (Airport)
(907) 789-9450
avisalaska.com →
4. Budget Rent A Car
(907) 790-1086
budget.com →
5. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
(907) 789-9814
enterprise.com →
6. Hertz
(907) 789-9494
hertz.com →
Pro Tip: Most airport-based rentals will require a taxi or rideshare from the cruise docks, which is approximately a 15–20 minute drive.
Rental Car FAQ
Is parking free at the Glacier? +
Yes, parking is free in the Visitor Center lot, but spaces fill up very quickly during peak hours (10 AM – 2 PM).
Do I still need to pay the $5 park fee? +
Yes. Unlike the shuttle, which includes the fee, you must pay $5 per person at the kiosk if you plan to use the Visitor Center or certain trails. You can find full details on what's included and current fee information on the official U.S. Forest Service page →. Curious why capacity feels so limited some days? See our guide to how Mendenhall Glacier permits work.
Is driving in Juneau difficult for visitors? +
Not at all — Juneau is one of the more straightforward Alaskan cities to drive in. The road network is relatively small and uncomplicated, with a single main highway (Egan Drive) connecting downtown to the Mendenhall Valley. The top speed limit on Juneau's main roads is 55 MPH, and most side streets are well below that. Signage is clear, traffic is manageable outside of peak cruise hours, and the glacier is a simple 12-mile drive with no confusing interchanges. First-time visitors consistently find it easy to navigate — just remember to watch for pedestrians in downtown and cyclists on the highway shoulders.
Local Knowledge
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