Top Fairbanks How to Get Around in 2026

You asked, and we listened! Your Heart of Fairbanks Tour now has a 2 PM departure. Perfect after a late night of Northern Lights, for an open afternoon, or after hotel checkout before an evening flight. Skip the hassle of multiple Ubers, taxis, and shuttles while visiting Santa Claus House, Morris Thompson Cultural Center, UAF Museum of the North, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and Great Alaska Bowl Company with a knowledgeable guide sharing Fairbanks’ history and culture. Hotel drop-off is included, and departing guests can bring their luggage and request airport drop-off. Pre-approved restaurant drop-offs may also be available. Let us handle the driving while you enjoy Fairbanks! And don’t forget we have your established, highly reviewed Heart of Fairbanks Tour offers the same great stops with an 8:30 AM start. Check out the original Heart of Fairbanks Tour by AK Bucket List Tours and choose the time that fits your adventure best!

Although we cannot guarantee that you’ll see the northern lights we promise to deliver a stress-free Alaskan evening with the goal of catching a great aurora show. Other tours offer a single predetermined destination or a night of riding around in a van. We offer BOTH. Each night we will review up-to-the-minute weather/solar data to determine where the best vantage point might be. We have access to a few local lodges and know lots of prime spots the catch the aurora in and around Fairbanks. Our experienced guides will be sure to keep you safe, entertained and informed throughout the process.

Spend an incredible night on the hunt for the elusive northern lights with guides passionate about helping you make the most of your Fairbanks trip. Travel in a comfortable vehicle with included hotel pickup on this flexible journey and get complimentary photography if you finally see the aurora borealis to help make sure these are memories that will last a lifetime.

Go far off the beaten track on this small-group tour that takes you along one of the world's most isolated roads. Travel into the Alaskan wilderness along the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks to the edge of the Arctic Circle. On the way back, keep your eyes peeled for the northern lights, though the natural phenomenon cannot be guaranteed.

Grab your camera and prepare to see some of winter’s best work as you venture into the Alaskan Arctic Circle and go aurora hunting, without needing to lift a finger. Capture snow-capped forests, ice fields, and gushing rivers–and, of course, that obligatory photo at the Arctic Circle sign. As the sun and moon swap shifts, get ready for a spectacular display of aurora dancing in the night sky.

Discover the unique charm and history of Alaska’s Golden Heart City on this half-day guided tour. We’ll take you on a comfortable ride through Fairbanks, with stops at some of its most iconic attractions. This tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and fun, ideal for first-time visitors looking to experience the essence of Fairbanks in one engaging excursion.

Brand-new for 2025, the Aurora Glass House sits atop Cleary Summit in Fairbanks, Alaska. With floor-to-ceiling windows and over 270° panoramic views, this modern cabin offers a warm, cozy space to enjoy the Northern Lights. Relax in plush lounge chairs, sip hot drinks, and hear stories from your friendly local host while the aurora dances across the sky. Highlights • Brand-new Aurora Glass House for 2025 on Cleary Summit • Over 270° panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows • Stay warm with cozy seating and complimentary hot drinks • Perfect for couples, families, and photographers

Explore Alaska’s Arctic on a 16-hour tour from Fairbanks. Travel on the famous Dalton Highway and see the Arctic Circle, Yukon River, Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and miles of rugged Alaskan wilderness. Hear commentary from your guide about the region's history and environment, and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate when you cross the Arctic Circle. Perfect for travelers who want to experience this far northern landscape and reach the Arctic Circle, this tour is also a photographer's delight. Includes guide and transportation from central Fairbanks.

How many people can say they’ve crossed the Arctic Circle? Experience the landscapes of a lifetime on this full-day guided trip from Fairbanks to search for the northern lights. Journey through Alaskan wilderness aboard comfortable transport, and take a stroll along the Yukon River. On a high plateau of Finger Mountain, spot wildlife such as foxes, moose and bears. On the way back, hope to witness the splendor of aurora borealis.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to witness the Northern Lights from the warmth of our fully equipped RV. Skip the wait in the cold – we’ll pick you up from a convenient location and take you on a magical adventure. Relax and enjoy the luxury of onboard amenities: a private restroom, high-speed Wi-Fi to share the moment live, cozy snacks, hot drinks, and even a complimentary photo service to capture the magic. Our spacious RV combines comfort with adventure, so you can focus on experiencing the aurora while we handle the rest. Book your spot now for a once-in-a-lifetime experience under the stars!

- Small group size for a personalized experience (max 3 guests) - 5-8 hour duration, with pick-up and drop-off at your place of stay in Fairbanks - Learn about the science of the aurora the tools used to track it in real time - Photos of you and your group under the aurora are always included - Photography tips suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to pros Experience the mesmerizing Northern Lights with expert photographer and aurora guide, Riley, in Fairbanks, AK. This intimate tour is designed for adventurers and photographers of all skill levels, focusing on lesser-visited viewing locations to ensure a peaceful experience. You'll learn about the science behind auroras and receive professional tips to create stunning photographs. Enjoy 5-8 hours of aurora chasing, with transportation to and from remote spots away from city light pollution. With a maximum of three guests per night, you’ll receive personalized attention throughout this unforgettable night under the aurora.

truly unique experience at Chena Hot Springs Resort, where you can soak in naturally heated outdoor hot springs surrounded by stunning landscapes, whether it's the snow-covered trees in winter or lush greenery in summer. The resort's Ice Museum is another highlight, featuring breathtaking ice sculptures and even an ice bar where you can enjoy a drink served in an ice glass.

It may or may not have been the main reason that you came to Fairbanks, but your trip wouldn't be complete without a trip to Santa's House and other local shops. Let your experienced local guides take you on a stress-free shopping trip to meet Santa himself if he's not busy in his workshop. Just a 30min drive from the center of Fairbanks, North Pole will surely get you into the holiday spirit and make you feel like a kid again. We will make time for you to get some great photos with the World's Largest Santa statue and other wonderful photo ops. In addition to Santa's house, your guide will be glad to take you to other LOCAL shops and/or sites along the way at their discretion. Additional stops are dependent on store hours, road conditions, time constraints and your interest level.

This tour is unique because it combines personalized, small-group hospitality with local Alaskan insight, flexible pacing, and true door-to-door service — creating a relaxed, authentic experience rather than just a ride to the hot springs.

You’ll explore Fairbanks in a way that’s personal, flexible, and heartfelt, laughs, stories, and real connections included. This isn’t a rushed checklist of stops, it’s a chance to experience the city’s true spirit with a local guide who loves sharing it. From meeting Santa and his reindeer to snapping selfies at the Alaska Pipeline, browsing local art and culture, fueling up with local fudge and coffee, and diving into history at the Museum of the North you’ll see why Fairbanks is called the Golden Heart City. We’ll finish with a stop at the Great Alaska Bowl Company, where handmade craftsmanship meets the perfect souvenir. This is the Heart of Fairbanks tour where reindeer and culture meet coffee and laughs bundled with Alaskan Charm. Embrace the unknown, let your bucket list be your compass and I’ll be your guide.

Operated by Heart of Alaska Tours. Fairbanks City Highlight Tour stands out because it's led by passionate locals who know Fairbanks inside and out. Rather than just visiting popular landmarks, you provide an insider's perspective, sharing personal stories, lesser-known facts, and hidden gems that most visitors miss. Your small-group approach creates a personalized experience, making guests feel like they're exploring the city with a friend rather than just following a scripted tour.

Discover Denali National Park in the quiet beauty of the off season on this custom full-day tour from Fairbanks for up to 6 guests, with options for groups as large as 14 on request. Travel south through interior Alaska, stopping in the historic railroad town of Nenana and watching for wildlife along the way. Depending on conditions, visit the Denali Winter Visitor Center or the historic sled dog kennels, then continue as far along the park road as weather and snow allow. Enjoy a relaxed hike if trails are clear, or go snowshoeing for an easy winter adventure. As night falls, look for the Northern Lights in or near Denali, or chase clearer skies on the drive back to Fairbanks. Tour includes round-trip transportation from most Fairbanks and North Pole lodgings within 25 miles of the airport, light snacks, hot drinks, basic aurora science, photo help, and up to 5 edited aurora portraits when conditions cooperate.

As well as chilly snowy landscapes, Alaska is home to refreshing hot springs that cold tourists are sure to find revitalizing. Enjoy the Chena Hot Springs Resort on this private full-day experience that includes the chance to see the Northern Lights dance in the night sky. If the aurora arrives, your guide will whisk you off to a vantage point to enjoy the show.

Explore interior Alaska and head out in search of the northern lights with this small group tour from Fairbanks. Your guide takes you to a remote location you couldn’t find on your own, and then settles in to view the lights. Get your cameras ready for some incredible shots. While you wait, you can relax in a comfortable, warm lodge.

Journey north from Fairbanks along the Dalton Highway, one of the most remote and northerly roads accessible by vehicle, to the Arctic Circle. You’ll spend the day moving deeper into Alaska’s far north as forest thins and the landscape opens into wide valleys and tundra. We make several scenic stops at viewpoints for photos and short walks throughout the day, including time at the Arctic Circle sign (66°33′N). On the return, the late-night drive is timed for prime aurora viewing hours, with a chance to see the northern lights. Your guide uses real-time aurora forecasts to choose the best stops and timing. This is primarily a road-based experience with short, easy walks and ongoing commentary from your knowledgeable Alaskan guide. Non-smoking tour. Guests must be 15 or older. Groups limited to 6 guests in a new 11-passenger van fully outfitted for Arctic conditions, with guaranteed window seats, an unhurried pace, regular breaks, and flexibility, plus snacks, water, & hot drinks.

Look no further for a cozy, curated northern lights experience. Head to the cozy rustic Alaskan cabin, high on a ridge overlooking the Alaska Mountains. As you wait for the sky to light up in neon technicolor, keep comfortable with hot cocoa, coffee, and snacks. From there, all you have to do is enjoy the show (aurora sightings are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed).

Get a quick introduction to the Alaskan tradition of ice fishing in the Chena Lakes Recreation Area. Your guides provide all the necessary equipment—rod, bait, heated shelters, underwater cameras—and serve a grilled fish dinner once the fishing is done. You can fish from the heated cabins and shelters, or move outside to try your hand in the open elements.

Travel like an Alaskan—aboard a dogsled—during this dogsledding and mushing experience in Fairbanks. Hop aboard and hold on to be towed by energetic dogs down five miles (eight kilometers) of snowy trails with your private party. You can help drive the team with voice commands, as your guide supervises from the back of the sled.