How to Rent a Car in Fairbanks, Alaska (Without Overpaying)

A complete guide to renting a car at Fairbanks International Airport, Alaska, for budget travelers.

^{Last updated: November 2, 2026}

Why Do You Need a Car in Fairbanks?

There are cities that feel like separate, unique worlds in their own right. These places are packed with iconic landmarks, world-famous museums and attractions, and countless trendy shops and eateries that range from budget-friendly culinary gems to prestigious Michelin-star restaurants. They are the kinds of cities where you could lose yourself for days on end, never wanting to leave.

Fairbanks, one of the largest cities in Alaska, is not one of these destinations. To be fair, the place offers an array of unique sites and landmarks you absolutely must see. Yet the real adventure starts outside the city. 

The main gateway to the Arctic Circle and the vast interior wilderness of Alaska, including Denali National Park, and one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is one of those little jewels that far exceeds its size. 

Staying within the city limits is never an option here. Renting a car or driving your own to explore the places near and far – well, not so far by Alaska standard – is non-negotiable. 

What Do You Need to Know Before Renting a Car in Fairbanks?

Renting a car in Fairbanks is easy. It may be just one of the easier car rental experiences you’ve ever had. 

• Location: Fairbanks International Airport is small and easy to navigate, yet large enough to accommodate on-site rental car companies and their parking lots. Once you collect your keys, simply exit the terminal, cross the road, and locate your vehicle. 

• Book in Advance: Fairbanks is a year-round adventure destination. In late fall and winter, it sees an influx of travelers interested in the aurora borealis and wishing to hike to a glacier ice cave. In summer, the Midnight Sun and warm subarctic weather allow for endless outdoor pursuits. Thus, booking in advance ensures the best car rental deals and guarantees their availability. 

• Age Requirement: The minimum age to rent a car in Fairbanks is 21 years old. Drivers between ages of 21 and 24 will be charged additional daily young driver surcharge. 

HOW TO BOOK A CAR IN FAIRBANKS

If it’s not your first time renting a car, you probably have a favorite car rental site to book your ride. 

For those who are fairly inexperienced in this matter, I’d suggest booking a rental car through EconomyBooking.com. The site compares prices across all rental companies at Fairbanks International Airport and helps you find the best deals quickly and easily. 

There are several steps you should follow to get results that suit your needs and preferences.

1. Enter Your Information

• Pick-up and drop-off location: Enter Fairbanks International Airport unless you plan to drop the car in a different city. Travelers who plan a road trip across the central and southern part of Alaska normally indicate Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport as their drop-off destination. 

• Pick-up and drop-off dates and times: Select the time at least 30 minutes after you land. This should be enough to exit the plane, locate the car rental counter, and collect your keys. If you have check luggage, give yourself anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes after landing. 

• Driver’s age: Drivers under 24 years old may be charged a daily young driver surcharge. 

2. Specify Your Preferences

Use the filters (on the left side of the page) to make your selections.

• Price range: Enter the minimal and maximum price range per trip or day you are willing to pay for a rental car.

• Select a rental car company: Some companies close at midnight. Make sure to check their hours if you arrive in Fairbanks late at night. 

• Choose car type: I recommend a 4×4 car for Fairbanks as the roads outside the city may be unsuitable for smaller cars. 

• Payment: Select whether you want to pay in full, partially, or at pickup as well as the payment method.

• Mileage: Two other things I always look for are unlimited mileage and an automatic transmission. 

3. Review Your Insurance Options

Once you’ve chosen the car based on your prior selections, you’ll be offered various insurance options. You can opt out of the insurance entirely if your personal auto insurance provides rental coverage. Alternatively, you can skip it now and add it later at the rental car counter before picking up your car. 

4. Consider Add-on Options

At this point, you’ll also be asked if you want to add an additional driver, a navigation system, and a car seat. If you travel to Fairbanks with children under 8 years old, you must rent or bring your own car seat (for smaller kids) or a booster (for older kids). 

We’d traveled with our own car seats for years. Airplane companies normally don’t charge additional fees for car seats or boosters.

5. Complete Your Reservation

Use your credit card to hold your reservation or pay in full. Save or print your reservation. You may need it at the car rental counter. I’ve never once been asked to show it though. 

Other Tips that Can Save You Money

If you arrive in Fairbanks late at night, don’t rush to a rental car counter, hoping to catch the last employee. Instead, call a nearby hotel (assuming that they have your reservation) to let them know about your arrival, then exit through the side door, and board a hotel shuttle. Several hotels near Fairbanks International Airport offer free shuttle services. In the morning, request the shuttle service to get back to the airport and pick up your car. 

We stayed at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge and can’t recommend it enough for an overnight or a few-day stay. The place hits several boxes for budget travelers. It’s located just 4 minutes away from Fairbanks International Airport and offers conformable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and free 24-hour shuttle service.