Car hire Fairbanks International Airport

The Arctic Circle lies just 200 miles north of Fairbanks, Alaska, with car hire in Fairbanks Airport. Flights from this airport, which is situated four miles southwest of central Fairbanks, are often the only means of transportation to or from several isolated Alaskan communities. The airport currently handles direct commercial flights to Seattle, Minneapolis and Denver, and even seasonal international flights to Frankfurt, Germany.

Fairbanks Airport facilities

A new terminal meeting current TSA standards recently opened on the airport's southwest side. At least seven dealerships let passengers compare car hire here, while ATMs are situated next to the first floor escalator and the TWIGS gift shop, on the terminal's upper level. The Bush Pilot Lounge and the Jazzman's Café both serve food and drink.

Fairbanks Airport excursions

The Alaska Highway begins 1,488 miles from Fairbanks, in the Canadian city of Dawson Creek. Alaska's second-biggest city lies 11 miles northwest of North Pole, a town named after the geographic North Pole and where Christmas is celebrated every day, especially at the Santa Claus House gift shop. Visitors can warm up in the outdoor Chena Hot Springs, 60 miles from Fairbanks.

Best time to visit

Despite Alaska's reputation as a cold state, June to September is a surprisingly hot period in Fairbanks, in terms of both temperature and tourism. The city experiences only two hours of darkness a day towards the end of June, but its winter nights are long, dark and cold. Winter, however, is the best season to see the beautiful Northern Lights. Autumn temperatures plummet dramatically between September and November. Rain is scarce throughout the year.

Car rental in Fairbanks Airport

The over 300-mile journey along the George Parks Highway with car rental in Fairbanks Airport is considered one of Alaska's most outstanding road trips. Motorists will likely encounter bears, moose, caribou and other wildlife along the way to Denali National Park. Mount McKinley, North America's tallest peak, towers over this sprawling wilderness preserve. Rural fuel stations tend to be cheaper than those in Fairbanks or Anchorage.