Fairbanks airport (FAI)

Fairbanks International Airport (IATA code: FAI) serves as the premier air gateway to Alaska's Interior. Opened in 1951, it serves the city of Fairbanks and the entire Fairbanks North Star Borough, providing scheduled flights to major hubs across Alaska, domestic routes to multiple US mainland cities, and seasonal international connections.

Official Website: dot.alaska.gov/faiiap

Telephone: +1 907 474 2500

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport features a modern, functional main passenger terminal open 24 hours a day. Facilities are arranged on two levels: the first floor houses check-in ticket counters, baggage claim carousels, and rental car desks; the second floor accommodates the TSA security screening checkpoint, departure gates, retail shops, and dining establishments. In addition, the airport grounds include dedicated facilities (East Ramp and West Ramp) dedicated to general aviation, floatplanes, and regional cargo operations.

Annual Passenger Traffic (2025): 1.19 million passengers.

Information Desks

A visitor information station stocked with brochures, regional maps, and travel guides provided by Explore Fairbanks is located on the first floor near the main entrance doors and gift shop.

 Location

The airport is located 5 km (3 miles) southwest of the central business district of Fairbanks, Alaska, with direct vehicular access via Airport Way.

What services does Fairbanks airport (FAI) offer?

Fairbanks International Airport offers a comprehensive range of amenities and essential travel services across its two floors:

Financial Services and Connectivity

• ATMs: four automated teller machines are located in the terminal—two on the lower level before security (near the escalators and baggage area) and two on the upper level across from Gates 2 and 4.
• Free Wi-Fi: complimentary wireless internet access is available throughout the terminal via the official network FAIconnect.
• Charging Stations: electrical outlets and USB charging points are integrated into seating areas near departure gates.

Dining and Refreshments

• The Local @ FAI: full-service restaurant and bar on the second level post-security. It serves breakfast, burgers, artisan flatbread pizzas, hot sandwiches, and local craft beers (open daily from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM).
• North Pole Coffee: local Alaskan coffee roaster offering espresso drinks, pastries, and grab-and-go snacks on the second level (open daily from 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM).
• Vending Machines: snack and beverage dispensers located on both levels, operational 24/7.

Retail and Gifts

• TWIGS Alaskan Gifts: specialty shop featuring authentic Alaskan handicrafts, native jewelry, cold-weather apparel, regional books, and travel necessities. Features a pre-security location on the first floor and an airside shop on the second floor open daily from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM.

Baggage Services

• Luggage Carts: available for passenger use on the ground floor near the baggage claim carousels.
• Lost and Found: the airport's administrative Lost and Found office is located on the upper level (accessible from the ground floor) and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (email: [email protected]). For items left aboard an aircraft, passengers must contact their airline directly.
• Luggage Storage: in accordance with federal security regulations, no lockers or left-luggage storage facilities are available at the airport.

Additional Amenities

• Nursing Room: a private Mamava lactation suite is available post-security on the second floor toward Gates 4, 5, and 6.
• Children's Play Zone: interactive paleontology-themed "Dino Pit" play area on the ground floor.
• Massage Chairs: coin-operated massage chairs located in the gate boarding lounges.
• Military Courtesy Lounge: the Armed Services YMCA Military Courtesy Lounge on the lower level near baggage claim provides a quiet rest area, television, and refreshments for active-duty military personnel and their families holding Department of Defense IDs.
• Service Animal Relief: dedicated outdoor pet relief area located curbside outside the terminal.

Public and private transportation

Fairbanks International Airport is situated approximately 5 km (3 miles) southwest of downtown Fairbanks. Travel time by car is around 10 to 15 minutes under typical traffic conditions.

Public Transit Bus

The Fairbanks North Star Borough's MACS (Metropolitan Area Commuter System) transit network provides public bus transportation via the Yellow Line. It connects the terminal to Fred Meyer West, the UAF Wood Center (University of Alaska Fairbanks), and the Amherst/Chena Pump area. Buses run Monday through Friday from roughly 7:10 AM to 6:00 PM, with a standard one-way fare of USD 1.50.

Shuttles and Hotel Transfers

Several area hotels (such as Pike's Waterfront Lodge and La Quinta) provide complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off shuttles by prior arrangement. In addition, private shuttle and tour operators like Airlink Services provide scheduled and on-demand transfers to downtown accommodations, Chena Hot Springs, and Denali National Park.

Taxis

The official taxi rank is located outside the main terminal entrance on the ground level, adjacent to baggage claim. Licensed companies serving the airport include Alaska/King Cab, Arctic Taxi, Badger Cab, Eagle/Yellow Cab, Last Frontier Cab, North Pole Taxi, and Pioneer Taxi. A typical taxi ride to downtown Fairbanks costs between USD 15 and USD 25, taking approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Rideshare Services

Both Uber and Lyft operate at Fairbanks International Airport. Designated pick-up zones are located curbside on the ground floor right outside the arrivals doors.

Car rental agencies

Car rental counters are conveniently located on the first floor of the main passenger terminal, directly opposite the domestic baggage claim carousels.

On-Site Rental Companies

• Avis: ground level, baggage claim. Standard hours: 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
• Budget: ground level, baggage claim. Standard hours: 6:30 AM to 2:00 AM.
• Enterprise: ground level, baggage claim. Standard hours: 6:30 AM to 12:00 AM.
• Hertz: ground level, baggage claim. Standard hours: 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM.
• National / Alamo: ground level, baggage claim. Standard hours: 6:30 AM to 2:30 AM.
• Alaska 4x4 Rentals / Alaska Auto Rental: local specialty providers offering winter-ready 4WD vehicles approved for gravel highway exploration.

Rental Requirements

Renters must present a valid driver's license, passport (for foreign visitors), and a credit card in the primary driver's name. The minimum rental age is generally 20 or 21 years old, with young driver surcharges applying to drivers under 25. Winter rentals come equipped with engine block heater cords for overnight plug-in, which is vital during sub-zero Fairbanks temperatures. If you intend to drive on unpaved gravel highways (such as the Dalton Highway), verify your rental contract in advance, as major national brands typically prohibit driving on these roads.

Parking services at Fairbanks airport (FAI)

Parking facilities at Fairbanks International Airport are operated by Republic / Aurora Parking System, offering convenient lots directly in front of the terminal and along airport access roads.

Parking Lots

• Main Terminal Parking:
  • Short-Term Lot: located immediately across from the terminal doors, ideal for passenger pick-up, drop-off, and brief visits (maximum 30-day stay). The first 30 minutes are free of charge, with tiered hourly rates up to a daily maximum.
  • Long-Term Lot: suited for extended travel (maximum 90-day stay). It offers the first 30 minutes free of charge, an economical daily rate, and a weekly maximum cap.
• East Ramp Parking (University Avenue South): budget-friendly public parking areas located along University Avenue South, offering flat daily rates.

Key Considerations

• Grace Period: the first 30 minutes in both Short-Term and Long-Term lots in front of the main terminal are completely free.
• Engine Block Heater Outlets: to withstand sub-zero winter temperatures, electrical plug-in posts are provided at stalls in both the Short-Term and Long-Term lots for vehicle block heaters.

Additional Services

Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are available in the main parking lot at no extra charge beyond standard parking fees. For full rate information and parking assistance, visit: Official Parking Rates.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Fairbanks International Airport is designed to provide full accessibility and a seamless travel experience for passengers with disabilities and special mobility requirements.

Requesting Special Assistance

Travelers requiring wheelchair service, boarding assistance, or personalized escort should arrange these services directly with their airline at least 48 hours prior to scheduled departure.

Terminal Accessibility and Facilities

The passenger terminal is fully barrier-free, featuring street-level entrances, accessible ramps, automatic sliding doors, elevators connecting both floors, and ADA-compliant restrooms equipped with accessible stalls. Service animals are permitted throughout public areas and have access to an outdoor relief station. The airport also participates in the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.

Accessible Parking

Designated accessible parking spaces are provided in the Short-Term parking lot directly in front of the terminal entrance. Vehicles utilizing these stalls must prominently display a valid state-issued disability permit or license plate.