How to Get Around Anchorage Without a Car
Anchorage is one of the easiest cities in Alaska to explore without renting a vehicle. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a full adventure, you can rely on rideshares, public transit, hotel shuttles, and — best of all — guided tours that handle transportation for you.
This 2026 guide shows every reliable way to get around Anchorage without a car, plus insider tips to save money and maximize your time. If you’re flying in and want stress-free sightseeing, this guide is for you.
1. Book Guided Tours With Transportation Included
If you don’t have a car in Anchorage, the simplest and most efficient way to see Alaska’s top attractions is with guided tours that pick you up directly from your hotel.
Many tours include:
Transportation
Local expert guides
Gear (for glaciers, ATV rides, northern lights)
A fully planned itinerary
Start with the full list here: All Tours (not all tours include shuttle service).
These tours replace the need for a rental car and give you safe access to places Uber and taxis don’t go — like glaciers, mountain trails, and backcountry viewing spots.
2. Rideshare Apps (Uber & Lyft)
Uber and Lyft both operate in Anchorage and cover most major areas:
Downtown
Anchorage Airport (ANC)
Midtown
Girdwood (limited)
Major hotels and restaurants
Use rideshare for:
Quick trips around the city
Food runs
Getting to and from the airport
Reaching tour meeting points
Costs vary, but expect:
$12–$20 for most in-town rides
$15–$25 from the airport to downtown
Surge pricing during storms or late nights
3. Anchorage People Mover Bus System
Anchorage’s public bus system — People Mover — is reliable, clean, and an excellent budget option.
Popular routes:
Route 40: Downtown ↔ Airport
Route 25: Midtown ↔ Dimond Center
Route 20/21: University/Medical district
Route 55: Eagle River (limited service)
Costs:
$2 per ride
$5 day pass
$60 monthly pass
While buses don’t reach remote sites like Denali or Matanuska Glacier, they are perfect for basic city travel.
4. Hotel Shuttles
Many Anchorage hotels offer free airport shuttles, and some also provide transportation into downtown or to specific landmarks. This is one of the easiest ways to navigate without a car.
Ask your hotel about shuttle schedules before you arrive — especially during winter.
5. Walking & Biking Around Anchorage
Anchorage is surprisingly walkable in the summer, and the city has over 120+ miles of paved trails. Some of the best things to do require nothing more than good shoes.
Walkable areas:
Downtown Anchorage
Anchorage Museum district
Coastal Trail entry points
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Ship Creek boardwalk
You can rent bikes from local shops or through hotel concierge desks.
6. Take a Tour for Remote Experiences (No Car Needed)
Many of Anchorage’s best activities — flightseeing, glacier hikes, ATVing, and northern lights trips — go far beyond what buses or rideshares can reach.
These tours (not all tours) include pickup options and are perfect for visitors without transportation.
✦
Northern Lights Tours
Heated vehicles, dark-sky destinations, real-time aurora tracking.
Link: Northern Lights Tours
✦
ATV Adventures
Backcountry trails, mountain views, wildlife, and pure Alaska energy.
Link: ATV Adventures
✦
K2 Aviation Flightseeing
Roundtrip travel to Talkeetna + bucket-list Denali flight.
Link: K2 Flightseeing Tours
✦
Glacier Tours
Safe, guided access to Alaska’s most accessible glaciers.
Link: Alaska Helicopter Tours
Nearly all of these tours eliminate the need for a rental car completely.
7. Use the Anchorage Trolley Tour for a Quick Overview
Anchorage’s historic trolley is a fun, no-car-required way to get your bearings. It runs in summer and loops around downtown with commentary on history, wildlife, and culture.
Perfect for:
First-day orientation
Family-friendly sightseeing
Reaching a few downtown highlights
8. Hop-On Transportation for Port Days (Cruise Travelers)
If you’re visiting Anchorage after arriving in Seward or Whittier, shuttle companies run port-to-Anchorage buses and transfers. Many drop off in downtown, where you can walk directly to hotels, restaurants, and tour pickup spots.
Anchorage is designed to accommodate cruise visitors traveling without cars — and tours often offer pickup right from your hotel.
9. What You Cannot Reliably Reach Without a Car
Just to set expectations:
🚫 Hatcher Pass
🚫 Matanuska Glacier (without booking a tour)
🚫 Talkeetna (unless shuttle arrangements are included)
🚫 Ski areas in Girdwood during non-shuttle hours
🚫 Knik River areas
For destinations like these, choose a tour with transportation included — it replaces the need for renting a vehicle.
Do You Need a Car in Anchorage? (2026 Truth)
Not necessarily.
Anchorage is one of the few places in Alaska where you can comfortably travel without a car if you plan your activities through guided tours.
Here’s when skipping the rental car makes sense:
You want no-stress travel
You’re visiting in winter
You’re staying downtown
You’re booking tours that include transportation
You’re here for northern lights, glaciers, or flightseeing
Here’s when renting a car is still helpful:
You want to hike remote trails
You want maximum flexibility
You’re driving to Denali or Seward on your own
Anchorage Travel Without a Car: Best Tour Options
If you want a completely car-free vacation, start here (keep in mind not all tours offer shuttle service):
And for more planning tips, see our FAQs page or learn about our story on the About Us page.