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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car offers at Fairbanks International Airport (FAI). Compare rates and book in one place. Simple. See live prices from on-airport suppliers like Avis, Budget, Hertz and Enterprise, then reserve anything from a compact to a 4WD SUV with winter tires and block heaters for your Denali or northern lights road trip.
Rental counters: Located near baggage claim for convenient access
Walking distance: Short walk from terminal to rental counters and vehicles
Hours: Hours vary by company but generally align with flight schedules
After-hours: Available by arrangement for late-night flights (especially aurora viewing charters)
| Company | Counter Location | Typical Hours | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avis | Near baggage claim | 5am-11:30pm (summer) 6am-10:30pm (winter) |
Preferred service for frequent renters |
| Budget | Near baggage claim | 5am-11:30pm (summer) 6am-10:30pm (winter) |
Budget-friendly options |
| Hertz | Near baggage claim | 5:30am-11:30pm (summer) 7am-10pm (winter) |
Gold member service, vehicle selection |
| Alamo/National | Near baggage claim | 6am-11pm (summer) 8am-10pm (winter) |
Emerald Club benefits |
| Dollar/Thrifty | Near baggage claim | 6am-10:30pm | Combined counter, express service |
| Enterprise | Near baggage claim | 7am-10pm | Enterprise Plus benefits |
On average, car rentals at Fairbanks Airport cost around $116 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Skip the airport surcharge. FAI rentals include a 10-11 % concession fee. A 10-minute rideshare into downtown Fairbanks and a pickup there can come out cheaper on anything longer than a weekend.
Flex your dates. July weekends are peak-price territory. Sliding your pickup to a weekday or traveling in shoulder months (late April or October) can cut rates by 20-30 %.
Downsize smartly. Winter-rated midsize sedans with AWD often cost less than SUVs but still handle Fairbanks roads. Only pay for the space and capability you'll actually use.
Compare one-way vs round-trip. Fairbanks-to-Anchorage drop fees swing from $0 to $300. Run quotes both ways; sometimes reversing the route or doing a loop saves big.
Get a rental so you can drive to:
Downtown Fairbanks – riverfront, museums
Chena Hot Springs – aurora, hot springs
Denali National Park – trails, wildlife
North Pole – Santa Claus House, holiday shops
Are vehicles at FAI properly equipped for winter driving?
Yes, when you rent a car at the airport in winter, it comes with winter or studded tires, engine block heaters and ice scrapers. The staff can show you how to use the block heater.
Can I rent a car at FAI that is permitted on the Dalton Highway?
Most major rental companies don't allow you to drive their cars on the Dalton Highway. If you want to travel on the Dalton Highway, you should look at companies like Alaska Auto Rental or GoNorth. They have offices in the city of Fairbanks.
Do I need to reserve in advance during winter?
Even though there are usually plenty of cars available in winter, we recommend you book ahead. This is especially true if you need a certain type of car or if you're traveling when the aurora is most active.
What if my flight arrives after midnight in winter?
You should contact your rental company beforehand to set up a late pickup. If you let them know ahead of time, many companies can help you if your flight for aurora viewing arrives late.
Can I arrange one-way rentals from FAI to Anchorage?
Yes, most companies let you rent a car one-way from Fairbanks to Anchorage. The fee can be anywhere from $0 to $300, and it changes based on the company and time of year.
Is an AWD/4WD vehicle necessary in winter?
We highly recommend it. Road crews keep the major roads in good shape, but winter weather can change fast. An AWD/4WD car gives you extra safety, which is very helpful if you are not used to driving in the snow.
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