A long layover in Fairbanks is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Eielson Air Force Base for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 70 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Before heading into Fairbanks, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for United States vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Fairbanks is roughly 70 minutes from EIL via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
How to Spend Your Time in Fairbanks
For a layover visit to Fairbanks, we’d suggest Pioneer Park and Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at EIL, check out Eielson Base Exchange (BX) or Eielson Fitness Center to keep yourself occupied.
How to Get Into Fairbanks
The most straightforward way into Fairbanks is the local transport, which takes about 70 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 90 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the local transport is usually the smarter call.
Best Bites Near EIL
- In the city: Pump House Restaurant and Saloon and Pike’s Landing are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Fairbanks.
- At the airport: Yukon Crossing Dining Facility (DFAC) and Subway at Eielson AFB will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
What to Budget for Your Fairbanks Side Trip
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Fairbanks, budget roughly $48 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $25 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $13 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Fairbanks.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at EIL, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Fairbanks itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Bag Storage Near EIL
Specific locker facilities at EIL aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Fairbanks itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Sleep & Lounge Options at EIL
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, EIL has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Fairbanks count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave EIL. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.