
Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 33 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure worth booking?
Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure is a 17-hour experience in Fairbanks, United States, from $359 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 33 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (33)
- Duration
- 17 hours
- From
- $359 per person
Cross the Arctic Circle and look for the Aurora in a one day tour from Fairbanks! Experience for yourself the legendary hospitality and authentic interpretation that made the original Arctic Circle Drive Adventure famous
What you get
About this experience
Cross the Arctic Circle and look for the Aurora in a one day tour from Fairbanks! Experience for yourself the legendary hospitality and authentic interpretation that made the original Arctic Circle Drive Adventure famous. Travel the famed Dalton Highway. View the remarkable Trans Alaska Pipeline. Experience the mighty Yukon River. Explore up close the amazing arctic tundra. Cross the Arctic Circle and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. End the day looking for the Aurora in Joy Alaska before returning to Fairbanks. NOTE - each tour is unique with our ever changing daylight. Depending on when you are traveling it is important your day may be more "night" then day light".
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
Not included
- The listed price does not include a parking fee, payable at the time of tour check-in.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Northern Alaska Tour Company
Northern Alaska Tour Company originated guided tours into Alaska's Arctic on the Dalton Highway. Guides provide not only a safe journey but share the story of Alaska's Arctic making it a memorable day.
960 minutes here
James Dalton Highway
DOES NOT GO ALL THE WAY TO COLDFOOT - Viator locator only has Coldfoot for the Dalton Highway -- Guest get out and experience Alaska's Arctic made accessibly by the Dalton Highway - built for the transportation of goods to the Prudhoe Bay Oil Fields.
660 minutes here
Arctic Circle Trading Post
Just one of the stops made along the way to see up close and learn about the natural and cultural history of Alaska's Arctic -- here learn of the early homesteading in Alaska and how early pioneers forged a home out in the middle of the wilderness.
20 minutes here
Yukon River Bridge
The tour will stop at the Yukon River Camp both on the way north and way south. Guests can either have brought their own food to eat or purchase lunch/dinner here. Plus, guests get a chance to get out and explore the banks of the mighty Yukon River.
90 minutes here
BLM Arctic Circle Monument Sign
Celebrate reaching the Arctic Circle at Milepost 115 of the Dalton Highway -- 200 miles north of Fairbanks! All guests will earn an official Arctic Circle Certificate.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Arctic Circle Trading Post
As the tour approaches Fairbanks a stop will be made at Joy, Alaska at the Arctic Circle Trading Post (60 miles from Fairbanks). Here guests on the Arctic Circle Aurora Drive will meet their new Aurora guide who will continue the story of life in Alaska's Arctic and work with guests to look for the Aurora. Joy is located outside of the Fairbanks North Star Borough so away from the city lights and the tour places guests there during the peak activity time as identified by the scientists studying the lights. The Arctic Circle Trading Post is heated and there is hot water for complimentary coffee, tea, cocoa and cider. Time at Joy can vary depending on weather and road conditions (how long it took to get there). One could expect anywhere between 1 - 2 hours. Return to Fairbanks is between 3:30 - 4:30 AM.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Fairbanks
This area is known as the East Ramp Airport -- the side of the airport where small aircraft depart from. There is a large sign above our roof for Northern Alaska Tour Company. Parking is just past us across the street in Parking Lot #2. There is a fee for parking there.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This area is known as the East Ramp Airport -- the side of the airport where small aircraft depart from. There is a large sign above our roof for Northern Alaska Tour Company. Parking is just past us across the street in Parking Lot #2. There is a fee for parking there.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Northern Alaska Tour Company
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- CHECK IN TIME - Check in opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 9:15 AM for this tour. Guests not here by 9:15 AM risk missing this tour.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 33 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
33 verified traveler reviews for Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Day! Nice drive to the circle with stops along the way!
Great day traveling to the circle and fun stops along the way! Jamie did a fantastic job driving….never worried about the ride and we had some difficult snow he had to drive through. We stayed for the lights with Tim and he also did an amazing job. They were both very informative and we learned so much!! It is a long day, but a fun trip!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for joining us on the Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure. So glad you enjoyed your time out with Jamie and Tim. Thank you for the review.
via Tripadvisor
Arctic Circle
James Vislosky was an amazing and informative guide!!! I highly recommend this adventure. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle, see the Aurora Borealis, cross the Yukon and see the Alaska Pipeline!
Response from the operator: So glad you enjoyed your Arctic Circle Adventure. Thank you for your recommendation and happy holidays!!!
via Tripadvisor
Sabrina was great. Arctic circle with aurora.
Sabrina driver was great. Very knowledgeable and interactive. We stopped and see auroras as well. Worth it. Me and my son loved it. Trip was great. Car/van definitely need upgrading.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for recognizing Sabrena. We are so glad you enjoyed your trip. Best wishes for a great holiday season. .. And yes, vehicles take a beating on the Dalton Highway aging vehicles quickly.
via Tripadvisor
Once in a lifetime!
We absolutely loved this tour to the Arctic Circle. It took a very long time to get there while riding on a very bumpy road. I read previous reviews about the road, so we were prepared and not surprised. We made several stops along the way, but there's no place to grab lunch or dinner so you have to bring it with you which was fine. The skies had been very cloudy all week long, but once we reached the Arctic Circle, the clouds cleared and we were treated to stunning sunset views. On our return trip to Fairbanks, no one on the tour was optimistic about being able to see the Aurora lights that night because of the cloudiness. But suddenly the lights were visible, so our driver Sabrina, pulled off the road and we were able to see the lights and many shooting stars. What a once in a lifetime moment!!! I highly recommend this tour, and thank you to our excellent driver Sabrina who kept us safe.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We are so glad you had good expectations about the experience and that you had a chance to see the wonderful Aurora. And, thank you for recognizing your guide Sabrena -- they really can make your adventure!
via Viator
Fun for the whole family
Loved this adventure! Family trip with 2 teenagers. Our guide was Caelum. Highly recommend him. He pointed out animals and told us facts along the way. Our lunch stop included sledding out onto the frozen river. The stop at the arctic circle included warm drinks, pictures at the sign and feeding wild birds. On the way back, we stopped at a rock formation and climbed up to see the beautiful sunset. The northern lights appeared and Caelum found a safe place to pull off for us to take some pictures. Once we reached the cabin for northern lights viewing we were handed off to a different guide. The guide stayed a little late because the lights were so bright and active. You can’t go wrong with Caelum as your guide. He really tries to have something fun for everyone on his tour. He was already asking questions about his ideas for his summer tours! The whole day was wonderful and ended in a warm comfy cabin and fabulous aurora viewing.
Response from the operator: So glad to hear you enjoyed your time out with Caelum. Thank you for taking the time to share the details with others who are looking to travel with us. Best wishes for a bright and warm spring!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 17 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $359 to $409
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Fairbanks.
How much does Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure cost?
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Prices start at $359 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Fairbanks usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure take?
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Plan for about 17 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Fairbanks is not rushed.
Is Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 33 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable nightlife in Fairbanks, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 17-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure?
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Around 12 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Fairbanks can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Fairbanks and add a light layer if any part of the 17-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Arctic Circle Aurora Drive Adventure start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Fairbanks within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Fairbanks?
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Fairbanks is the aurora capital of interior Alaska: heated viewing lodges, late-night chase tours, Arctic Circle day drives up the Dalton Highway, dog sledding and summer riverboat cruises. On Outty we rank every Fairbanks experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Northern Lights - Aurora with FREE Photos - Arctic Night Tours, Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience in North Pole, Fairbanks Ice Fishing Expedition in a Heated Cabin with Fish Cookout. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Fairbanks?
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Late August to April for aurora, June to August for midnight-sun river trips. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Fairbanks?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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