Is a Fairbanks trip without a rental car doable?

Question

Hi! I'm just now beginning with the plans of spending a week in Alaska in mid or late September. My friends will be there all summer and they want me to come for a visit.

I have been to Alaska before, seeing all the highlights so my focus is around the Fairbanks area this time.

I was planning to fly into ANC, spend the night in hotel w/points, then take the Gold Star the next morning all the way to Fairbanks.

Not really sure of the car rental possibilities at the train depot (plus I get in late at 8pm). I thought I could somehow get an Uber to hotel and then go to FAI next morning to pickup a car.

I would like to fly FAI-ANC after my time in Fairbanks, stay 1 night in ANC then fly home the next day.

If I fill my time with tours and friend visiting in Fairbanks, would I even need a rental for the stay? I know it will limit my freedom a little but considering the costs of rentals in AK, I could use Ubers quite a bit for under the price of a car rental.

Any thoughts on this? And thank you!!

Answer

Yes, a Fairbanks trip without a rental car is definitely doable, especially if your plans center around tours, visiting friends, and staying in or near the city. Late September can be a quieter time, which makes using Ubers, taxis, or arranged tour shuttles practical, and it can save you the cost and hassle of a rental.

Getting to Fairbanks:

Flying into Anchorage (ANC) and staying overnight near the airport is a good plan if your arrival is late (8pm). You can use a taxi, Uber, or hotel shuttle to get to your accommodation.
The next morning, you can take the Gold Star train from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The train departs in the morning and offers a scenic, comfortable journey.
If you prefer more flexibility, some travelers choose to pick up a car in Anchorage before the train, but this is not necessary for your plan.

Transportation in Fairbanks:

If your main activities are city-based (tours, restaurants, visiting friends), Ubers, taxis, and local shuttle services are sufficient. Fairbanks has a relatively compact downtown and several tour operators that provide pickup and drop-off.
For excursions slightly outside of town, many tour companies include transportation, such as:
- Chena Hot Springs trips
- Riverboat Discovery or other wildlife tours
- Northern Lights or September aurora viewing tours
Some smaller attractions or rural sites may be harder to reach without a car, so confirm whether tours include transportation before booking.

Flying Out:

Flying FAI → ANC for your final night works well. Staying near the ANC airport for one night and flying home the next day simplifies logistics.
No car is needed for that last night if your hotel provides a shuttle or if you use a taxi/Uber to get to the airport.

Tips:

Check Uber availability in Fairbanks; while generally reliable, some areas may have longer wait times, especially outside peak hours.
Plan tours and activities with transportation included, so you won’t feel restricted without a car.
For flexibility or any spontaneous exploration of outlying areas, a rental could be handy, but it is not essential given your itinerary.

In summary, your plan to skip a rental car and rely on Ubers, taxis, and tour-provided transport in Fairbanks is entirely feasible, economical, and convenient, particularly if you are focused on tours and visiting friends rather than remote self-guided excursions.

Is a Fairbanks trip without a rental car doable?

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