How to get from Anchorage to Fairbanks

Fairbanks is located 360 road miles from Anchorage. The trip is a long day by car and even longer by train, so we highly recommend breaking up the trip with an overnight in either Denali Park or Talkeetna. If you really need to get there in one day, consider flying, especially if your plans take you back down to Anchorage through Denali Park.

12 hours by train | 7 hours by car

You will find additional details below, but if you are ready to book online, try our Train & Bus Express Checkout.

Flying

Flights from Anchorage to Fairbanks take less than an hour. Our favorite carrier is Alaska Airlines. Many of our guests fly to Fairbanks, then work their way back south to Denali Park, Talkeetna, Anchorage, and Seward by bus and train. This is great for both travelers flying home from Anchorage or taking a cruise from Seward or Whittier southbound to Vancouver, BC.

Take the Train

The train trip to Fairbanks takes about 12 hours and leaves from Anchorage at 8:20 AM in the summer. The train is called the Denali Star. It offers Adventure Class and GoldStar Dome service from the Alaska Railroad, as well as Wilderness Express private dome railcars. It is a long trip for one day, but if your schedule does not allow for an overnight in Denali Park, the trip is still spectacular. Marvel in the beautiful scenery along the way, get up and walk around, and enjoy a beverage or fabulous meal aboard the train.

Ride the Bus

The bus is not the best option for a one-day trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The Park Connection Motorcoach offers service north of Anchorage to Denali Park, and we also offer van service from Denali to Fairbanks, but these are not designed for same-day travel.

Combining the Train and the Bus

Many guests do travel roundtrip from Anchorage to Fairbanks and back. Consider blending the Alaska Railroad and Park Connection Motorcoach for the best combination of scenery, price, and efficiency. For example, take the train from Anchorage to Talkeetna, stay overnight and do an activity, then continue by train to Fairbanks. Spend a few nights in Fairbanks, perhaps explore the Arctic Circle, then head to Denali by van. After exploring Denali for a few nights, return to Anchorage on the Park Connection Motorcoach. Our reservation team can help you find the best scenario for your trip, so don't hesitate to contact us for assistance.

Drive Yourself

Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks makes for a long but doable day. Plan for seven hours of driving with an additional few hours of sightseeing and a lunch stop. Check out our Anchorage rental car selection including a one-way Anchorage to Fairbanks drop.