How to find a cheap car hire deal in Fairbanks
In search of a cheap rental car in Fairbanks? With an average price of R 2,071 a day, you're in gear for serious savings. Whether you're after a zippy economy ride, a spacious family car, or something in between, we compare all the top offers to help you spend less.
Daily rental prices in Fairbanks start from just R 1,466.
Making it more than a quick visit? Pick up a weekly rental from R 5,012 and squeeze in a few road trips.
If you want to time it just right, book about four weeks ahead to land the best price on a Fairbanks car hire.
Line up your ride with Enterprise, Budget or Alamo. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
The coverage Enterprise or another supplier offers for your Fairbanks car hire can differ, so remember to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be relocated. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Fairbanks.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Roam without limits by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at R 3,008 a day.
Next up is this provider, which offers daily rates of around R 3,655.
The third option also stacks up well on price. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly R 5,497 a day.
Want a car that handles just about any journey? The Intermediate rental category is the number one choice for travellers visiting Fairbanks.
Flying to Fairbanks? Think about an airport pick-up
Keep arrival day hassle-free by booking a car hire at Fairbanks International Airport. If you're flying to Fairbanks through this hub, simply collect your ride after landing and be on your way. The drive to the city centre is about 18 kilometres and takes around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Fairbanks
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or taking a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: A smart pick when you want something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.
Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all in without a hassle. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this Fairbanks car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and winding backroads alike.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Fairbanks that can handle the big jobs. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Fairbanks car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's a safety net if something happens. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Fairbanks by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
You usually have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Being younger isn't always a deal-breaker — just expect some extra fees or restrictions. Check the companies' terms and conditions before booking.
Kids coming with you? Car seat laws vary depending on where you are, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Be sure to add the right one to your Fairbanks car hire booking.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: an official driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with room to cover the excess. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
Driving in the United States can take some adjustment if it's your first time. Keep in mind traffic flows on the right side of the road.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you expect to drink, leave the driving to someone else or arrange a taxi or ride-share instead.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and outings. Use cards where you can, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't available.
The language most commonly used in this country is English.
Best hotels in Fairbanks for drivers
Offering accessible parking, Golden North Inn makes it easy to come and go as you please. This hotel is about 3 kilometres from central Fairbanks and also comes with an airport shuttle and internet access.
Extended Stay America Suites - Fairbanks - Old Airport Way is also a smart pick if a few road trips are on your itinerary. It features parking, along with a 24-hour front desk and internet access. Check in here and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse through the range of hotels in Fairbanks for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.
You're ready to make some memories now you've found a car hire deal in Fairbanks and your hotel. From Aurora Park to S.S. Nenana Sternwheeler Riverboat and Georgeson Botanical Garden, you'll find plenty to fill your days here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Fairbanks
Head 40 kilometres southeast of central Fairbanks to explore Eielson Air Force Base, home to must-see sights like Eielson Main Exchange.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Fairbanks and drive about 23 kilometres southeast to North Pole. Featuring Santa Claus House and Historic North Pole, its highlights live up to the hype.
Why slow down now? Cruise on over to Delta Junction, around 129 kilometres southeast of Fairbanks. From Pioneer Park to Sullivan Roadhouse Historical Museum, it makes for a well-rounded adventure.
