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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car in Fairbanks is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers all around Alaska with no reservation fees. Whether you need a winter-ready SUV for aurora chasing, a Dalton-Highway-ready 4x4 or a budget compact for city errands, our search shows live deals from Fairbanks International Airport and downtown locations, with most bookings offering free cancellation.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) | • Immediate availability after landing • All major companies present • Hours aligned to flight schedules • Convenient for arrivals |
• Airport concession fees (10-11%) • Sometimes higher base rates • Limited specialty vehicles |
| Downtown/Off-Airport | • No airport fees • Local companies offer specialized vehicles • Often lower base rates • Access to gravel highway vehicles |
• Transportation needed from airport • May have limited hours • Smaller fleet selection |
| Specialty Providers | • Vehicles equipped for off-road/gravel highways • Arctic-ready vehicle options • Local knowledge and expertise • Unique vehicle types available |
• Usually higher daily rates • May require advance booking • Limited standard vehicle options |
| Company Type | Examples | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Major Brands | Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, Alamo/National, Dollar/Thrifty | Standard vehicles, nationwide support, airport locations, frequent renter programs |
| Local Companies | Alaska Auto Rental, GoNorth | Specialized vehicles for Dalton Highway, winter-equipped options, local knowledge, shuttle service |
| Specialty Outfitters | Arctic Outfitters, Northern Alaska Tour Company | Vehicles built for extreme conditions, guided tour options, winter survival gear |
On average, car rentals in Fairbanks cost around $155 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $100 per day.
Skip the airport fee. Downtown/off-airport pickups avoid the 10-11 % concession charge at FAI. A $15–$20 rideshare into town can wipe out that extra cost.
Target shoulder months (Apr-May, late Aug). Demand is low, so companies slash rates and last-minute deals are common.
Play with "weekly" pricing. In Fairbanks a 7-day rate is often cheaper than paying 5 separate daily rates, even if you return early.
Match the vehicle to your route. Sticking to paved highways? Compare standard AWD SUVs instead of Dalton-ready rigs and shave $30–$40 per day.
Hunt aurora promos. Sept-Oct and Mar-Apr see specials aimed at northern-lights chasers—filter by those dates to spot them.
Compare one-way fees both ways. Fall relocations sometimes make Fairbanks→Anchorage drop charges minimal, while the reverse can spike—always check both directions.
Downtown parking:
Winter considerations:
Speed limits: 25 mph in residential areas, 35–45 mph on arterial roads, 55–65 mph on highways
Rent a car to get to:
Denali National Park – mountains, tundra, wildlife
Chena Hot Springs – aurora, hot springs resort
Arctic Circle (Dalton Highway) – Arctic region, Yukon River
North Pole, Alaska – Santa Claus House, shops
Delta Junction – Alaska Highway terminus, homestead museum
Anchorage via Parks Highway – viewpoints, towns
Do I need a special license or permit to drive in extreme winter conditions?
You don't need a special permit, but we highly recommend you have some winter driving experience. If you're new to winter driving, ask the rental staff to show you the ropes.
Can I rent a car to drive to the Arctic Circle?
Yes, but not from standard rental companies. You have to rent from a special provider like Alaska Auto Rental or GoNorth. They offer cars that are equipped for the Dalton Highway and have the needed permissions.
Are block heaters really necessary in winter?
Absolutely. When the temperature drops below 0°F, you must use the engine block heater to make sure your car will start. Most parking spots in Fairbanks have electrical outlets for you to use.
What's the best vehicle for aurora viewing?
For the best experience, you'll want a mid-size or larger SUV that has all-wheel drive (AWD). It gives you good road handling, enough room for your gear and comfort for long nights of watching the lights.
How much should I budget for fuel when exploring from Fairbanks?
You can expect to pay 15–25% more for gas than in the Lower 48. A round trip to Chena Hot Springs (120 miles/193 km) will cost you about $20–30 in a midsize car, and a trip to the Arctic Circle will cost you around $70–100.
Are one-way rentals between Fairbanks and Anchorage available?
Yes, most companies let you rent a car one-way between these cities. The fee is between $0–$300 depending on the company, your direction of travel and the season.
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