Public transportation in Anchorage? (Wasilla, Palmer: car rental, rentals, mover)

[ncwest]

Hello again to all of you on this board, I have yet another question to ask. Do any of you who are familiar with the Anchorage area know if they have many taxi cab services that are worth using during a week stay in Anchorage? More than likely I am going to be flying out there in October and staying for roughly 8-10 days and I am debating renting a car or just using a cab service. I have googled "Anchorage Alaska Taxi Service" and got a bunch of results, but I have honestly never used a cab service in my life and I don't know which would be more practical...using a service to shuttle myself around or just rent a car. I am not going to be needing to go many places, mostly just the immediate Anchorage area, but I may have to go a little farther out like Wasilla or Palmer. Any input that anyone might have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

-nathan

[Barkingowl]

I'd rent a car especially if you're going to be heading out into the valley.

[Moose Whisperer]

Taxi service in Anchorage is no different, and no less expensive, than any other city. A one way trip across town will probably run $20 - $30. By the time you get here in October, you will be able to rent a compact car for $30 - $40 per day. I would hate to even guess what a taxi ride to the valley would cost!

[starlite9]

Originally Posted by ncwest

Hello again to all of you on this board, I have yet another question to ask. Do any of you who are familiar with the Anchorage area know if they have many taxi cab services that are worth using during a week stay in Anchorage? More than likely I am going to be flying out there in October and staying for roughly 8-10 days and I am debating renting a car or just using a cab service. I have googled "Anchorage Alaska Taxi Service" and got a bunch of results, but I have honestly never used a cab service in my life and I don't know which would be more practical...using a service to shuttle myself around or just rent a car. I am not going to be needing to go many places, mostly just the immediate Anchorage area, but I may have to go a little farther out like Wasilla or Palmer. Any input that anyone might have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

-nathan

Taxi's are a pretty expensive option if you need to travel a lot, car rentals are cheaper if you go to the INTERNET sites like hotels.com or other related sites and can rent cheaper than at the counters.

If you don't need to travel a lot, then the Metro Bus system is a lot cheaper than any other option. On 5th Ave (by JC Penny store), in Anchorage, you can get a map that shows all the routes with the connection spots for you to get around. Don't know what the costs are but they are a fraction of what a cab is and you can buy unlimited use passes for set terms which might be good for you too.

There is also some private buses/vans that run between the valley (Palmer/Wasilla), but don't know what their names are and you can find out locally. I would assume the local visitor center on 4th ave. (which may or may not be open at that time of year though) may be able to help too.

Enjoy your stay.

[mexicomike]

Hi Folks:
Renting will be waaaay cheaper! I paid 15 bucks to go from the airport to the Old Seward Highway this past April (2008). A couple of years ago, it was nearly $50 to go from Fort Rich to the Airport. As pointed out earlier, however, there is a "Peoplemover" bus system in Anchorage and there is the "Mascot" bus system that goes up to Palmer, Wasilla, Big Lake and back. It is mostly for commuters, but, worth checking on. Incidently, it is significantly cheaper to rent "downtown" than to go to the booths at the Airport---apparently, there are extra "franchise" fees or something that raises the prices.

MM