Photo Credit: Raynor Strader

Getting There

Anchorage Car 7-8 Motorcoach 8 Train 12 Plane 1
Denali National Park Car 2.5 - 3.5 Motorcoach 3 Train 4

Transportation Options

How Long to Spend

2 nights

A bird's eye view of downtown, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Golden Heart Plaza, and Pioneer Park

Aerial Views of Fairbanks  (:38)

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.

Favorite Activities in Fairbanks

Green northern lights dance over a snow-covered road lined with snow-covered spruce trees

Fairbanks is one of the best places in Alaska to see the northern lights. View them from August 20 - April 20.

Fireweed illuminated by sunlight in Fairbanks

In summer, 24-hours of daylight produces a lush and beautiful landscape - and gives you plenty of time to enjoy the great activities Fairbanks has to offer.

Where to Stay in Fairbanks

Fairbanks has lodging options for every traveler. If you want a hotel, most are located downtown or near the airport. You'll find familiar trusted brands as well as locally owned hotels with full Alaska charm. Want to absorb that local knowledge? Choose a cozy B&B where you can chit-chat with Alaskans over breakfast. If you're here for aurora season, don't miss the chance to sleep in a clear-domed igloo where you can watch the lights from your bed. If you've brought your tent or RV, Fairbanks has a fine selection of campgrounds and RV parks.

How to Get to Fairbanks

By Train: Many travelers visit Fairbanks by train, extending a trip through Denali, which is just 4 hours away from Fairbanks by train. If you travel directly from Anchorage, the trip is 12 hours by train.
By Car:
The drive takes about 7-8 hours from Anchorage, or a little over 2 hours from Denali.
By Plane:
You can also fly non-stop to Fairbanks on Alaska Airlines from Anchorage or Seattle. On a clear day, watch for great views of Denali out your window.

Consult our transportation guide for more details.

Things to Do in Fairbanks

Highlights

Where to Stay View All