Considering renting a car in Juneau or Skagway....need reassurance.

[Kfrech]

I love the idea of exploring on our own, but am leery. We’ve rented cars all over, but have never had to be back to a ship by a certain time. 
 

Can anyone provide with some reassurance?

[Mountaineer0313]

Do it. We had plenty of time to drive to Emerald Lake and be back in plenty of time.

[esteri]

We just booked with DIY Jeep Tours in Skagway.  It seemed to be a nice balance between completely on our own, and a little hand holding for an out-of-towner.

[wolfie11]

Skagway and Juneau are both great places to rent... almost impossible to get lost and you can do your own thing.

[Kfrech]

I'm more worried about an accident, car breaking down, etc. than I am about getting lost. Makes me a bit nervous.

[dfilpus]

In Juneau, you will not be very far from town; the roads just don't go that far. Make sure you have the phone number of the rental agency in case of breakdown.

[Paula_MacFan]

We rented a jeep in Skagway and went into the Yukon -- super easy, just make sure you take your passport to get back into US.  Very scenic and follows same basic route as the railroad.  Also went to Dyea and cemetery, and various other places.  No problem getting back in plenty of time.

 

We rented a car from Avis in Juneau, again very easy and a reasonable walk from the pier.  As someone else mentioned it is virtually impossible to get lost here.  We went to Mendenhall Glacier, the Shrine, and a few other places/scenic driving.  Stopped at Walmart on the way back for supplies, then dropped off the car in plenty of time.  

 

We really enjoyed both ports on our own for a fraction of the ship's tours, and the ability to do what we wanted on our own time frame was priceless.  Nothing to be worried about.  

[Kfrech]

Sounds terrific! Thank you!

[mapleleaves]

This guide from Bells Alaska shows the milepost for points of interest along the drive out of Skagway.

Most people drive to Emerald Lake, at Km 117.5 / 75 miles.

 

https://www.bellsalaska.com/road logs/klondike-highway-log.pdf

[dyeadave]

Just don't go past Emerald Lake and you will be in the safe zone.

in case of breakdown, accident, foolish off-roading, etc., you will be looked after by the next bus coming by, and taken back to your ship. (Even rental cars are held subject to this service!)

we don't want you stranded in our town anymore than you do!

Relax and enjoy the great scenery, and if you are lucky enough to see wildlife, STAY in the car! (This includes all parts of your body!)

Do not feed them, (unless you would wish them dead?)

if a bear comes up to your window, it has probably already been fed by some previous idiot and this bear will have to be killed to save other idiots from harm.......

This is not Disney land. These are wild creatures.

Have a wonderful trip and we hope that you enjoy the nature of things of the north as much as we do!

DD

[Eaglecw]

We go a cruise to Alaska every summer. We’ve rented cars from Avis in both Juneau and Skagway. In Juneau we like to have the flexibility to take our time and go out to Glacier Gardens, Mendenhall Glacier, Shrine of St. Therese, sight see out to the end of the road. Last year we rented a car from Avis and drove to Whitehorse, had lunch and drove back stopping at Carcross to play tourist. I have to laugh at the green Jeep rental gimmick, they tell you to stay on the pavement and to not go off-roading. This year I think we’ll probably go with a guy by the name of Dyea Dave, when been with him before and they put on a nice tour.