Alaska is a region that has constantly inspired travelers to explore the frigid and untamed wilderness of America’s northernmost state. Before you can head out to the seas or begin hiking through the vast forests, you will need to first touch down in Fairbanks. With adventure at your doorstep, you will have everything from hiking trails to fishing all within your grasp!
Much like many of the other cities in America, there is an obvious lack of backpackers hostels in Fairbanks. With budget hotels sparse, many travelers would abandon their dreams of exploring the wonders of Alaska just after seeing the cost of a dorm bed.
Don’t unpack just yet! I have brought together all the best hostels and BnBs to one place so you can find that perfect place to stay to suit your budget!
I know you are excited now! You will be exploring the snowy mountains and roaring rivers of Fairbanks in just a few clicks!
Quick answer: The best hostels in Fairbanks
- Overall Best Hostel in Fairbanks- Billie’s Backpackers Hostel
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The Best Hostels in Fairbanks
This is the first step to have you exploring and adventuring through the Alaskan wilderness! Take a close look at these hostels and BnBs, with each of the stays a little bit different from the next, you are bound to find that perfect hostel for you!
Billie’s Backpackers Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Fairbanks
For nearly 40 years, Billie’s Backpackers Hostel has been a haven for budget travelers passing through Fairbanks! As one of the few proper hostels in Fairbanks, Billie’s has made a name for itself for giving travelers that authentic hostel experience. With its shared kitchen, lounges, and garden, mixing and chatting with the other guests is a big part of the vibe at Billie’s.
Complete with your average dorm rooms and even beds located in a glass gazebo, you can have a truly one of a kind stay at this backpackers hostel! Top it off with free bikes and all the best sights of Fairbanks nearby, there is no better place to kick off your adventure!
Deluxe Log Cabin
Okay, so I know what you’re thinking, a deluxe log cabin isn’t exactly a hostel. And you’d be right. But hear me out. Hostel options in Fairbanks are pretty limited, so I’m bringing you the next best thing.
Whether you’re flying solo or traveling with friends, this log cabin hits the spot. Not only do you get front row seats to the northern lights, but it doesn’t get much cosier than this. With a fireplace and a snug living area, it’s the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring. The bedroom has a large double bed and a bunk bed, so if you squint it’s kind of a hostel. Overall this log cabin is ideal for solo travellers or even better with a group of four as you can split the cost making this place an absolute no brainer.
Modern Apartment with work space
Okay for you digital nomads or couples out there, this snazzy apartment is an ideal place to perch up. It’s got everything you need and no randomers keeping you up all night snoring. Make yourself at home with a fully equipped kitchen, cosy living area and a work place to fire up the laptop and make that dolla. After a busy day exploring crash into an insanley comfy double bed and enjoy the luxury of your own spacious bathroom. Sure, it’s going to be slightly more pricer than a hostel but you get some serious bang for your buck with this place.
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View on Osprey View on REILa Quinta
Okay, Fairbanks isn’t exactly overflowing with hostels but La Quinta offers budget friendly accommodation without bed bugs and annoying bunk mates. You’re super close to the airport and with a free shuttle service it helps to save a few bucks. The rooms are clean, the beds won’t leave you with a backache, and there’s free breakfast, which is really just an excuse to load up on waffles before braving the cold. The rooms are pretty snazzy compared with a hostel and you get your own bathroom, plus it’s not going to break the bank. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights.
North Star Place
If you’re in Fairbanks and not keen on sharing a dorm room with a stranger who snores like a chainsaw, North Star Place is a solid choice. It’s a one bedroom apartment that feels like a home away from home. The beds are actually comfortable rather than sleeping on a concrete slab with a brick for a pillow, plus there’s a fully equipped kitchen so can save some dolla and cook at home. There’s a cosy living room ideal for unwinding wth a glass of wine after a busy day exploring.
Obviously yt’s not exactly a social backpacker hub, but if you’ll have some peace, privacy, and the ability to make your own coffee in the morning, this place has everything you need for an epic stay.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More of the Best Hostels in Fairbanks
7 Gables Inn & Suites
Why don’t we upgrade you from those shared dorms in a backpackers hostel to this homey budget guesthouse? With its tasteful design and all the subtle touches of home, you will feel like you are staying in more of a BnB that a hotel! Complete with vintage furnishings and undeniable charm, this is one guesthouse you can’t help but to fall in love with! Although it may not be a hostel, you still have tons of ways to meet other travelers. With its shared kitchen, patio, and barbeque pit, there is no better place to pull up a chair next to the fair and exchange travel stories!
Wedgewood Resort
If you’re after peaceful escape this place is for you. The rooms and more like apartments, complete with a kitchen, living area, and enough space to do cartwheels.
It’s right next to a wildlife sanctuary, so you might spot a moose before your morning coffee. Again not a hostel but if you want a space to relax, cook your own meals that isnt going to empty the bank balance, Wedgewood is a top pick.
Borealis Inn
If you are wanting some added comfort and privacy while you are traveling through Fairbanks, Borealis Inn will give you a spacious room for just a little bit more than the hostels! With its very own patio, you will have tons of space to spread out in and relax! Complete with its very own shared kitchen, you can also save some extra money by cooking for yourself! Borealis Inn will also put you in the heart of Fairbanks. With supermarkets, restaurants, and even a movie theatre nearby, you will have everything you need to feel right at home!
Jeremiah’s BnB
That small yet cozy studio apartment will provide you with everything you need to make this BnB your perfect home away from home in Fairbanks. With a large yard, fire pit, kitchen, and warm atmosphere, this homestay will have you feeling like you are part of the family. Putting you in a central location, nearby all of the best sights in Fairbanks, this BnB is great for travelers looking to head to North Pole. With its thoughtful touches and budget price, staying in this BnB is the first step to kicking off your dream vacation!
Fairbanks Vacation Rental
If you want a cosy, private spot in Fairbanks, this rental is a winner. You get a fully equipped kitchen (ideal for keeping costs low), a comfy living area, and most importantly a solid night’s sleep without random strangers snoring two feet away.
Location wise, it’s tough to beat you’re close enough to town but tucked away enough to enjoy some peace and quiet. It’s not the cheapest option, but if you’re travelling with a group then splitting the cost makes it a bargain.
Three Bedroom Apartment
Round up the troops, this three bedroom apartment has enough room for a small army of travellers. Live the life of luxury with three spacious bedrooms and enough room for up to six guests. Make yourself at home with a cosy living room and fully equipped kitchen. Plus you’re in a great location with some tasty restaurants nearby.
The Alaskan Dream Lodge
Why stay in a hostel dorm when you can stay in an Alaskan dream lodge? Okay so it might not be the best option if you’re travelling solo but if you’re with a group of friends this is the ideal spot.
Enjoy a beautiful cosy log cabin with a spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen and three large bedrooms. You’re in a great location surrounded by nature and whilst being close to everything you need.
What to Pack for your Fairbanks Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Why you should travel to Fairbanks
When traveling to Fairbanks, Alaska you are truly blazing a new trail. But that also means you won’t find that many backpacker’s hostels awaiting you when you touchdown in the wilderness. If you are still unsure on where to stay in Fairbanks, let me give you an extra pointer. Billie’s Backpackers Hostel is the one place in Fairbanks where you can get that classic backpacker’s experience and has our vote for the best hostel in Fairbanks!
FAQ about Hostels in Fairbanks
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Fairbanks.
How much do hostels in Fairbanks cost?
A night stay in a hostel in Fairbanks starts from $43 for a dorm and $100 for a private room.
What are the best hostels in Fairbanks for couples?
Fairbanks Basecamp is the best homely hostel for couples in Fairbanks. It is cozy and a perfect place to watch the aurora lights.
What is the best hostel in Fairbanks near the airport?
7 Gables Inn & Suites is the best budget guesthouse, 3km from the Fairbanks International Airport. It is a charming guesthouse with vintage furnishings.
Travel Safety Tips for Fairbanks
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Over to you
No matter if you are heading to Fairbanks to see the mesmerizing aurora lights or trekking through the vast Alaskan wilderness. Fairbanks will be the city where your journey both starts and ends! As the perfect base for exploring the countryside and with loads of bars and restaurants, there is no better place to kick off your Alaskan adventure!
Although you will not find an abundance of backpackers hostels in Fairbanks, the youth hostels and BnB available will set the tone and get your vacation started off right!
Am I missing any great backpackers hostels of budget guesthouses from my list? Let me know in the comments below!
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for USA to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate USA backpacking guide.
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