Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks in Fairbanks
Fairbanks, United States

Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks

Outty Ranking 74 4.8 · 222 traveler reviews16 hoursFrom $279

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$279
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Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 222 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks worth booking?

Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks is a 16-hour experience in Fairbanks, United States, from $279 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 222 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (222)
Duration
16 hours
From
$279 per person

Discover Alaska’s Arctic! 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 T

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover Alaska’s Arctic! 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. Visit the Arctic Circle Trading Post. Experience the mighty Yukon River. Explore up close the amazing arctic tundra. Cross the Arctic Circle and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. The ground tour can take place in a 26 passenger coach or 15 passenger van depending on the number of guests we have. Longest time between stops is 2 hours; however, some stops will be closer. Most stops have an outhouse or bathroom for guests to use if we are not traveling in the coach which has a bathroom on board.

    What's included

    Included

    • Local guide
    • Professional guide
    • All taxes, fees and handling charges
    • 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.
    • Food and drinks
    • Gratuities
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off

    What you'll see and do

    1. James Dalton Highway

      DOES NOT GO TO COLDFOOT - But Viator Locator only has Coldfoot. Guests will be on the Dalton Highway from Mile 0 - 115 - The turn around for the day tour is the Arctic Circle Rest Area. This is a full day guided ground tour on the Dalton Highway to the Arctic Circle. Along the way the guide will share the story of Alaska's Arctic both while in motion and at the various stops along the way.

      720 minutes here

    2. Yukon River

      The Dalton Highway has the only bridge crossing the mighty Yukon River -- and guests will be on it as they make their way north. A stop is made here both north and south to get out and step along the banks of the Yukon River. This is also the home of the Yukon River Camp Noodle House where guests can purchase lunch/dinner as needed.

      60 minutes here

    3. Arctic Circle Trading Post

      Located in Joy Alaska this is one part of the story of Alaska's Arctic - Homesteading and making a home in Alaska's remote wild areas. Learn about this process and how earlier pioneers made a home off the road system and off the grid.

      30 minutes here

    4. BLM Arctic Circle Monument Sign

      Located at 66'33" - the Arctic Circle marks the location that on June 21 the sun doesn't set and on December 21 the sun doesn't rise. Your guide will celebrate with you when you make this crossing and present you with your official Arctic Circle Certificate.

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Fairbanks

    This is located on the East Ramp Airport, the small plane side of the airport. All guests need to call and reconfirm their tour departure/check in time 24 - 48 hours prior to departure.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    This is located on the East Ramp Airport, the small plane side of the airport. All guests need to call and reconfirm their tour departure/check in time 24 - 48 hours prior to departure.

    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 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Northern Alaska Tour Company

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • 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
    • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
    • This tour is conducted in a 25 passenger motor coach or 15 passenger van depending on the number of guests traveling. The coach does have a restroom on board to be used between stops or at stops that don't have a restroom. If we are not traveling on the coach we will be stopping approximately every 2 hours for a restroom break -- which are outhouses along the Dalton Highway.
    • We encourage guests with any questions on limited mobility and this adventure to contact us and speak directly about the tour and what your needs are to see if they can be met.
    • CHECK IN TIME - Check in opens at 5:45AM and closes at 6:00AM for this tour. Guests not here by 6:00AM risk missing this tour.

    Photos

    Reach the Arctic CircleOriginal Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks in Fairbanks, photo 3Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks in Fairbanks, photo 4The start of the Dalton HighwayDalton HighwayTrans Alaska Pipeline

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 220 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Value for money

    5 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    220 verified traveler reviews for Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    189
    4 star
    22
    3 star
    3
    2 star
    2
    1 star
    4
    Sort
    Greg_g · August 2026

    Artic circle sign

    Good trip Ezra was an excellent guide, food was ok. Lunch meat sandwich (added cost) dinner Salmon burger with sweet potato fries(added cost) be ready for rough road as dalton highway is gravel. Stopped every couple hours for a break, brought our own snacks and beverages to have while driving. About a 14 hour day round trip. Good group we travelled with good equipment would definitely recommend

    Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us on the Original Arctic Circle Drive Adventure. We are so glad you enjoyed the adventure.

    via Viator

    hillc01 · July 2026

    Great tour!

    It was a long day and a rough bumpy road, but our guide, Sienna, was enthusiastic and shared her vast knowledge of Alaska. We were excited to go above the Arctic Circle!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us for your adventure in Alaska's Arctic. So glad you enjoyed the experience.

    via Viator

    dmF7774ME · July 2026

    Long ride on dirt road - but worth it!

    I’m not going to lie, this is a loooooong drive on a dirt road. However, you get a real feel for Alaska (remote, great distances, no easy way to get there, etc.) To me it was worth it, and we had perfectly timed stops to stretch our legs and grab a bite at the halfway point coming and going.

    Response from the operator: So glad you enjoyed your adventure. Yes, we do not try to hide the fact it is a full day in a very remote area. Best wishes for more great adventures in Alaska!

    via Tripadvisor

    Ramasu_S · July 2026

    Awesome tour (bucket list item)

    The scenery was amazing. Sabrina from northern Alaska tour was fantastic. She was courteous, personable, and provided a lot of info. Excellent driver - 16 hours on bumpy road with a lot of heavy trucks. Visiting the arctic circle sign was on our bucket list and we met that. It was a great feeling! The food at Yukon river trading post was awesome. Loved their vegan burger. Loved it and recommend it highly.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your recommendation and for sharing with others your experience. We are so glad you enjoyed yourself (and for sharing your experience eating at the Yukon River!). Safe travels!

    via Viator

    Annette_M · July 2026

    Great Adventure

    This is an amazing trip to the Artic Circle. It is a very long day but so worth it. Our guide, Paul M is awesome. He is very knowledgeable about Alaska, it’s citizens, and it’s wildlife. Be prepared for a bumpy ride and mosquitoes!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us on the Arctic Circle Drive Adventure. Yes, you hit it spot on -- the only wildlife we can guarantee in the summer is those mosquitoes! So glad you enjoyed it despite them. Happy travels!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    16 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    78
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 74

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)85
    Review evidence (18% weight)74
    Booking momentum (14% weight)70
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)56
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Fairbanks.

    How much does Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks cost?

    +

    Prices start at $279 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 Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks take?

    +

    Plan for about 16 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 Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 222 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Fairbanks, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks?

    +

    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 Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 16-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks?

    +

    Around 78 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?

    +

    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 16-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Original Arctic Circle Drive from Fairbanks start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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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