Fairbanks

The gateway to Alaska’s Interior and Arctic regions, Fairbanks is a great base for exploring northern Alaska, and its Gold Rush heritage offers a taste of frontier living. Here are the main draws for visitors:

• Midnight Sun / Northern Lights: Enjoy endless daylight hours in summer and an all-natural light show in winter.
• Arctic tours: Take road or air excursions to Arctic destinations.
• Unique excursions: Experience gold mine tours and paddlewheel riverboats.

Getting There

Many travelers visit Fairbanks by train, extending a trip through Denali, which is just fours away from Fairbanks by train and 2 hours by car. Driving directly from Anchorage will take about 7-8 hours. You can also fly here on Alaska Airlines from Anchorage or Seattle. Regional air carrier RavnAir offers daily service to Fairbanks. On a clear day, watch for great views of Denali out your window. Consult our transportation guide transportation guide for more details.