Fairbanks United StatesCruise Port Guide
Getting Around from the Port
Upon arrival in Fairbanks, your "port" will likely be the Fairbanks Alaska Railroad Depot (approximately 1.5 miles from downtown) or your pre-arranged hotel.
- Walkability: Downtown Fairbanks is somewhat walkable from the Alaska Railroad Depot, but it's a 25-30 minute walk. Many key attractions are spread out beyond the immediate downtown core.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis are available, especially at the train depot and major hotels. Fares to downtown typically range from $10-$15. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available.
- Public Transit: The Fairbanks MACS Transit system operates routes throughout the city. A single fare is $1.50. Routes 10, 20, and 30 cover much of the downtown area and connect to some attractions. Check schedules as service frequency can vary.
- Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels offer complimentary shuttles to and from the Alaska Railroad Depot and Fairbanks International Airport (FAI). Inquire with your hotel upon booking or arrival.
- Car Rental: Renting a car is practical for exploring Fairbanks and its surrounding areas, especially if you plan to visit attractions like Chena Hot Springs. Agencies such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Enterprise operate out of Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), which is about a 15-20 minute taxi ride from downtown (approx. $20-$25).
- Reaching Attractions:
- Downtown Fairbanks (Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, Golden Heart Plaza): Walkable from many downtown hotels. From the train depot, a 5-minute taxi ($10-12) or 25-30 minute walk.
- University of Alaska Museum of the North: Approx. 5 miles from downtown. A 10-15 minute taxi ride ($20-25) or via MACS Transit (Route 10, 30-40 minutes).
- Pioneer Park: Approx. 1.5 miles southwest of downtown. A 5-minute taxi ($10-12) or 20-25 minute walk.
- Chena Hot Springs Resort: Approx. 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. Requires a 1.5-hour drive each way. This is best done via a pre-booked tour, a rental car, or a shuttle service (approx. $150-$200 round trip per person for shuttles/tours).
- North Pole (Santa Claus House): Approx. 14 miles southeast of Fairbanks. A 20-25 minute taxi ride ($40-50 each way) or via MACS Transit Route 30 (45-60 minutes, check schedule for frequency).
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in Fairbanks, you can immerse yourself in local history, culture, and unique Alaskan experiences.
- University of Alaska Museum of the North: Explore Alaska's natural and cultural history, from dinosaur fossils and gold rush artifacts to contemporary Alaskan art. The museum's collections include a 36,000-year-old steppe bison mummy.
- Location: 907 Yukon Dr, Fairbanks (on the UAF campus)
- Distance from downtown: Approx. 5 miles
- Travel Time/Cost: 10-15 minute taxi ($20-25), or 30-40 minutes via MACS Transit (Route 10, $1.50)
- Fee: Adults $16 (estimated)
- Independent/Tour: Independent.
- Pioneer Park (formerly Alaskaland): A historical theme park offering a glimpse into Fairbanks' past. It features historic buildings, a Sternwheeler Tanana Chief riverboat (seasonal), museums, and local craft shops. Free admission to the park, but some attractions within may have fees.
- Location: 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks
- Distance from downtown: Approx. 1.5 miles
- Travel Time/Cost: 5-minute taxi ($10-12) or 20-25 minute walk.
- Fee: Free for park entry, some attractions inside may charge.
- Independent/Tour: Independent.
- Gold Dredge 8 Tour: Experience Fairbanks' gold mining history. This tour includes a ride on a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad, a demonstration of gold panning (with guaranteed gold!), and an up-close look at the massive Gold Dredge 8.
- Location: 1803 Old Steese Hwy N, Fairbanks
- Distance from downtown: Approx. 10 miles
- Travel Time/Cost: 20-25 minute taxi ($35-45 each way). Many cruise land tours include this.
- Fee: Adults $45-$50 (estimated).
- Independent/Tour: Both. Many port tours offer this. Can also be booked independently.
- Riverboat Discovery Tour: A 3.5-hour authentic sternwheeler cruise on the Chena and Tanana Rivers. Learn about local culture, visit a recreated Athabascan village, see a bush pilot demonstration, and watch a dog musher with his team.
- Location: 1975 Discovery Dr, Fairbanks
- Distance from downtown: Approx. 5 miles
- Travel Time/Cost: 10-15 minute taxi ($20-25).
- Fee: Adults $90-$95 (estimated).
- Independent/Tour: Primarily a pre-booked tour, often included in cruise packages.
- Chena Hot Springs Resort: For a longer outing, consider a trip to Chena Hot Springs. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the outdoor rock-lined hot springs lake (adults only) or the indoor family pool. There's also the Aurora Ice Museum (requires a separate tour). This is a significant time commitment.
- Location: 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks
- Distance from downtown: Approx. 60 miles
- Travel Time/Cost: 1.5-hour drive each way. Best by rental car or pre-booked shuttle/tour ($150-$200+ per person for transport, plus entrance fees).
- Fee: Hot Springs access $15-$20, Aurora Ice Museum tour $15-$20 (estimated).
- Independent/Tour: Both, but a rental car or tour is highly recommended due to distance.
- Santa Claus House (North Pole): Visit the town of North Pole, home to the Santa Claus House. You can meet Santa (seasonal), send postcards with a North Pole postmark, and browse Christmas-themed gifts year-round.
- Location: 101 St Nicholas Dr, North Pole
- Distance from downtown: Approx. 14 miles
- Travel Time/Cost: 20-25 minute taxi ($40-50 each way) or MACS Transit Route 30 (45-60 minutes, $1.50).
- Fee: Free to enter, purchases extra.
- Independent/Tour: Independent.
Dining
- Local Specialties: Look for Alaskan salmon, halibut, king crab, reindeer sausage, and locally sourced berries.
- The Pump House Restaurant and Saloon: Housed in a historic gold dredge building, known for steaks, seafood, and a rustic atmosphere. (Mid-range to upscale: $30-50+ per entree).
- Pike's Landing: Overlooking the Chena River, offers American cuisine with Alaskan flair, especially known for seafood. (Mid-range to upscale: $25-45+ per entree).
- Crepery: A popular spot for breakfast, lunch, or a light snack, offering sweet and savory crepes. (Budget to Mid-range: $10-20).
- Brewery/Pubs: Several local breweries like HooDoo Brewing Co. or Silver Gulch Brewing & Bottling Co. (in Fox, a short drive north) offer craft beers and casual pub fare. (Mid-range: $15-30).
Shopping
- Souvenirs: Look for items made from Alaskan gold, ulu knives, Native Alaskan art and crafts (carvings, baskets, fur products), "Made in Alaska" certified products, and aurora borealis-themed gifts.
- Downtown: Numerous small shops along Cushman Street and the surrounding blocks offer souvenirs, art galleries, and clothing.
- Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center: Features a gift shop with a good selection of Alaskan-made goods and books.
- Pioneer Park: Contains various small shops and craft vendors selling unique Alaskan items, especially during summer months.
Weather
Fairbanks has an extreme continental subarctic climate with summer temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 27°C) during the cruise-tour season from May through September. Summer days in Fairbanks can be surprisingly warm with very long daylight hours, though evenings cool significantly. Pack layers covering a wide temperature range, sunscreen for near-24-hour daylight, and a light jacket for evening.
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Safety
Fairbanks is generally a safe city for tourists. Standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark, and secure your valuables. Wildlife encounters, though rare in the city center, can occur in more natural areas; maintain a safe distance from any animals you may see.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Fairbanks, and ATMs are readily available. The official language is English.
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