Cruises to Fairbanks

There are no port facilities in Fairbanks. Though the ocean is hundreds of miles away, an estimated 162,000 cruise passengers visit Fairbanks each year on various cruise tours and pre- and post-cruise extensions.

When you wander around town, check out the parking lots. Many have electric outlets where people plug in the heater engine block in their cars overnight in winter, so they start up even when it dips well below zero. Summer travelers, of course, have no such needs, but if you return in winter, make certain your rental car is equipped with an extension cord.

On Foot: If you're at a downtown hotel, it's an easy walk to shops, restaurants, galleries and the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. Downtown is small and easily explored on foot.

By Bus: Most hotels offer shuttle bus service from the airport and from the Alaska Railroad depot. Your hotel will either be downtown or nearby, with shuttle service (for a small fee) available between top sights -- and also stop at the Fred Meyer store in case you've forgotten to pack anything.

A public bus system, MACS Transit, operated by the Fairbanks North Star Borough, includes service from the airport, around Fairbanksand also to the North Pole.

By Taxi: Taxis are plentiful, cheap and metered. There are rideshare options (Uber and Lyft) too.

By Rental Car: Rental cars are available at the airport and include brands such as Enterprise, along with local operators, such as Alaska Auto Rental and GoNorth Alaska.

Currency is the U.S. dollar. Your credit cards and cash cards are accepted here. There are ATMs at the airport, in hotel lobbies and around town.

English is spoken here.