Ketchikan Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Ketchikan

Renting a car in Ketchikan offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this beautiful city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Creek Street, known for its charming city experiences, and the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, perfect for those seeking eco-friendly outdoor adventures. Additionally, Totem Bight State Park provides stunning scenery and opportunities for adventure just a short drive away. Exploring nearby destinations like Ward Cove and Saxman becomes convenient, allowing you to experience more of what the area has to offer, including Misty Fiords National Monument and the historic Stedman–Thomas Historic District. If you're looking to venture further, Metlakatla, located 26 km from Ketchikan, is home to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary and Saxman Totem Park. A rental car makes managing your luggage and travel plans easy, whether you’re heading out for a scenic drive or embarking on an outdoor excursion. Having a vehicle at your disposal ensures that your Ketchikan adventure is tailored to your preferences, making it ideal for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who appreciate breathtaking scenery.

Most popular car rentals in Ketchikan

• Midsize: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases—ideal for couples or families. This option provides a comfortable balance of space and maneuverability, making it a popular choice for exploring Ketchikan. With ample room for passengers and luggage, a midsize car allows you to enjoy your trip without feeling cramped.
• Compact: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 medium suitcases—ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families. The compact car is perfect for navigating the streets of Ketchikan comfortably while managing fuel efficiency. Its size makes it easy to park in tight spots, giving you more freedom to explore the area.
• Mini Van: Accommodates 8 travellers with up to 6 large suitcases—ideal for families or groups. The mini van is a fantastic choice for those travelling together, providing spacious seating and plenty of room for luggage. This option ensures everyone can enjoy the trip without sacrificing comfort, making it an excellent choice for group outings in and around Ketchikan.

Top rated car suppliers in Ketchikan

• Budget: Budget is the most popular car rental supplier in Ketchikan, offering one convenient rental location in the area. Travellers appreciate the flexibility of renting a car, allowing them to explore attractions at their own pace. The most frequently booked vehicles with Budget are midsize and compact cars, catering well to various travel needs. With its focus on providing reliable options, Budget is a great choice for those looking to manage their luggage easily and adjust their itineraries as they go.

Where to stay in and around Ketchikan

• Ward Cove: Located near Ketchikan, Ward Cove is perfect for those seeking a blend of beach and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore the scenic beauty of Totem Bight State Park, ideal for adventure holidays, and enjoy the serene atmosphere at Ward Lake, suitable for romance and relaxation. The historic charm of the local attractions, including the marina and dock port, enhances the experience, making it a great choice for a memorable stay.
• Saxman: Saxman, also situated close to Ketchikan, offers a captivating outdoor and scenic environment. The recreational areas are perfect for relaxation and exploration. Key highlights include Creek Street, a vibrant spot for city-themed experiences, and the Stedman–Thomas Historic District, providing a glimpse into the area's rich culture. Dolly's House Museum adds to the cultural allure, making Saxman an appealing destination for those looking to immerse themselves in local history and scenery.
• Metlakatla: Although 26 km from Ketchikan, Metlakatla draws visitors keen on cultural and eco-friendly experiences. The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature, while the historic Stedman–Thomas Historic District offers cultural insights. For those looking to explore outdoor activities, the Saxman Totem Park is a must-see, showcasing the beautiful scenery and rich heritage of the region. This area is particularly enchanting in the warmer months, making it an inviting choice for a stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Ketchikan

1. Use filters to find the right car: Streamline your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car to save money, use the filters on Expedia to help identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in congested areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify age requirements before making your reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most favourable option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable; just ensure you return the vehicle empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: A surcharge is often applied for picking up your rental car at airports, but this added convenience may be worth the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your travels. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Ketchikan

The best value period to rent a car in Ketchikan is February, when prices are moderately low and demand is quite low. Following that, October and November also offer good rental rates with low demand. As spring approaches, May experiences high demand, making it the busiest month and typically pricier. July sees moderately high prices and demand, aligning with the peak summer travel season. June through August maintain average prices and demand, making them relatively busy months as well.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	34.7°F (1.5°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
February	34.2°F (1.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
March	36.5°F (2.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
April	41.9°F (5.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	48.9°F (9.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Moderately Low
June	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
August	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
September	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
October	45.9°F (7.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
November	39.0°F (3.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
December	34.2°F (1.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average