Car rental Fairbanks

Driving around Fairbanks is an enjoyable experience anda great way to discover the most breathtaking beauty in central Alaska. Have fun in the city and then load up your rental car and escape into the surrounding landscape.

Alaska has some unique driving rules you should be aware of, due to the popularity of single lane highways and the cold, remote locations. Drivers with more than five vehicles travelling behind them should stop when it’s safe to let the other drivers pass. In addition, you should always be aware of passing wildlife from deer to moose.

You can quickly traverse the area using the modern roads. If you fly into Fairbanks International Airport, drive east on the Richardson Highway to reach the city centre. On major routes, the national speed limit is between 55mph and 65mph (88km/h and 104km/h). In urban areas, the limit drops to between 15mph and 25mph (24km/h and 40km/h).

Despite the state’s size, there are plenty of gas stations along the roads – although you might want to take advantage and fill up when you pass, just in case the next one is closed.

Venture out on the Elliott Highway where major routes blend into country lanes. These open roads are flanked by white spruce and evergreen trees. There are a number of scenic drives near Fairbanks, including the winding lanes of the Parks Highway.

This major route leads south to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, some six hours away. Along the way, you’ll encounter some of the state’s most iconic natural landmarks, from the colossal Denali National Park to the Yukon River and Denali mountain, formerly known as Mount McKinley.

If you plan to explore more of Alaska, prepare your route beforehand to make the most of your time. The Richardson Highway takes you through North Pole and Moose Creek, then south to the Tanana Valley State Forest. Venture north on the Elliott and Dalton Highways to experience life on the Arctic edge.

Fairbanks is an inviting city characterized by friendly people, wholesome food and a rich mining history. Found in Alaska’s golden heart, its central location makes it a great launching site for wider exploration of the Last Frontier state.

Adventures take in snow-capped mountains, serene ocean coastline, the Northern Lights – otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis – and a wealth of unique towns and villages.

Get cultural downtown

Downtown Fairbanks is an American city centre with a difference. You won’t find skyscrapers here, but instead a blend of traditional architecture and modern blocks.

Neon store signs bathe the chilly streets in a fluorescent glow, advertising family-owned restaurants serving up authentic Alaskan dishes like reindeer sausage and fresh salmon with homegrown Yukon gold potatoes.

The district escapes the big crowds of other cities, and instead bustles with personality. All the region’s top cultural attractions are here, including the Ice Museum, which is full of intricately carved ice sculptures. Take a tour and you’ll be led by a passionate local through the interactive exhibitions, learning about art and heritage along the way.

Further out of the city lies Pioneer Park – a family-friendly theme park celebrating the intriguing history and heritage of the biggest yet most sparsely populated state in America. The park is home to mining exhibitions, an aviation museum and delicious salmon restaurant, all set in an ice-capped landscape.

Witness the ice-cool winter

In Fairbanks, the summers are warm and pleasant but the glacial winters steal the show. When November comes, the verdant local landscape transforms into a wintry scene, only thawing in April or May – so it’s not surprising ice plays such an important role in local culture.

As well as the Ice Museum in the centre, there are also three separate ice arenas. In the winter, open-air skating rinks spring up, creating a lively atmosphere even on dark, chilly nights. You can also see incredible artwork sculpted in ice at Ice Alaska and the George Horner Ice Park.

For a festive thrill, head to the small city of North Pole in the North Star borough of Fairbanks. Here it really is Christmas everyday, with decorations all year round and even Santa Claus’s House. It’s the ideal family excursion.

Soak up the Aurora aura

This Alaskan destination is a beautiful place to chase the Northern Lights. Fairbanks sits directly under the Auroral Oval, where the bright green colours dance vividly across the sky.

The Aurora Season runs from 21 August to 21 April in this region. To maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, book a local tour or reserve your spot at a viewing location, such as the Chena Lakes Recreation Area.

Explore the Alaskan wilds

No trip to Fairbanks is complete without seeing the local wildlife. Drive the scenic roads around Chena Lakes and get lost in the local landscape. You can see wild bears, moose and the American bison in this region – if you know where to look.

Set in a tranquil park just north of Fairbanks is the Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary. Here you can see a menagerie of wild birds including the iconic American bald eagle. Further north, there’s a reindeer ranch that can be visited by appointment.

Car rental in Fairbanks allows you to make the most of this unique northern land. From downtown restaurants to wildlife trails, see all these sights and more in the 49^th US state.