Book Aurora tours or self drive?

Question

Hi All,

We are going to Fairbanks in December this year for 3 nights, for Aurora viewing.

I am trying to decide between booking Aurora viewing guided tours vs going out by ourselves.

From what I am seeing, aurora tours start at ~$200+ pp per night, which would significantly add up. Unfortunately we are trying to keep a lower budget, as we have already spent a LOT on travel this year.

How much of the Aurora experience will I miss out by going on our own vs taking the guided tour? I assume we can drive outside the city limits on our own and see the aurora whereas a guided tour would take us to more remote places. We have traveled extensively in Alaska previously, so we just want to focus on northern lights this trip.

Answer

Seeing the aurora in Fairbanks is absolutely something you can do on your own, and many visitors choose self-drive viewing to save money — especially because tours can easily exceed $200–$300 per person per night. Since you already know Alaska well and will be visiting in December (a prime time for viewing), self-guided aurora hunting is a very realistic and budget-friendly option.

Below is a detailed comparison of what you gain — and what you give up — when choosing self-drive vs. guided tours, plus recommended viewing locations and considerations.

How much will you miss out by going on your own?

If your main goal is simply to see and photograph the aurora, you will not miss much at all by self-driving. Fairbanks is one of the best aurora-viewing cities in the world, and the skies are often clear enough just a short drive outside town. Guided tours add comfort, convenience, warmth, and expertise — but not necessarily better aurora visibility.

The experience difference really comes down to convenience vs. cost.

Self-driving gives you flexibility — go where you want, stay as long as you want, and save hundreds of dollars.
Tours provide heated yurts/lodges, hot drinks, warm bathrooms, photography help, and stress-free transportation.
The aurora itself looks the same whether you’re with a guide or pulled over at a quiet turnout under dark skies.

Pros and Cons of Self-Driving

Pros:
- Huge cost savings.
- Full flexibility — stay out late or go home early.
- Ideal if you already know winter driving in Alaska or feel confident with it.
- You can chase clearer skies based on real-time forecasts.
Cons:
- No heated cabin; you’ll be in your car or outside in −10°F to −30°F conditions.
- No guide to help with camera settings or predict cloud gaps.
- Need to feel comfortable driving in icy and dark conditions.

Pros and Cons of Guided Aurora Tours

Pros:
- Heated lodge or yurt to relax between bursts of activity.
- Someone else drives dark icy roads — no stress.
- Photography guidance (often helpful for first-timers).
- Local knowledge of where clouds are breaking.
- Bathroom access, snacks, warm drinks.
Cons:
- Price — usually $200 to $350 per person per night.
- Fixed schedule — you can’t leave early if you’re cold or tired.
- You’ll be around other people, sometimes large groups.

Best Self-Drive Aurora Viewing Locations Near Fairbanks

If you go on your own, these are the most popular and reliable spots with dark skies:

Murphy Dome — One of Fairbanks’ top viewing spots; high elevation and dark skies.
Cleary Summit / Skiland area — Excellent visibility, lots of turnouts.
Chena Hot Springs Road (mile markers 20–40) — Safe pullouts and long stretches of open sky.
Goldstream Road — Close to town but still dark.

Safety considerations for December

Expect temperatures between −10°F and −35°F.
Dress in full winter gear even if you plan to wait inside the car.
Avoid pulling off on unplowed shoulders — you can get stuck fast.
Bring a power bank, extra water, blankets, and snacks.

Suggested compromise: do one guided tour + two self-drive nights

Many travelers choose this balanced approach:

Book one guided aurora night (for the warm cabin, guidance, and photos).
Spend the other nights self-driving to save money.
This gives you the “full experience” without blowing your budget.

Final recommendation

Since you’ve already traveled Alaska extensively and you’re watching your budget, self-drive aurora viewing is absolutely a valid and rewarding option. You won’t miss the aurora itself — just some comfort and guidance. With proper winter gear, a reliable rental car, and a bit of planning using aurora forecasts, many travelers find self-driving just as magical as a formal tour.

If you want, I can help you: