Ted Stevens Anchorage Layover Guide (ANC)

What are you looking for in ANC?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Anchorage Airport (ANC) is an international airport located in Anchorage, Alaska. It’s situated about 8 km (5 miles) from downtown Anchorage. The airport officially opened in 1951. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and serves as a major transportation hub for the state. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, including mountains and wildlife, and offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing.

Can you leave Anchorage Airport (ANC) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
To exit Anchorage (ANC) during a layover you must clear US Customs and Border Protection. You require a valid US visa (e.g. C-1 transit, B-1/B-2 visitor) or an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. Ensure you meet eligibility and apply before travel at least 72 hours prior to departure. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Anchorage Museum Explore regional art, history, science and rotating exhibitions at this top cultural institution showcasing Alaska’s heritage, contemporary art and Indigenous artifacts. Interactive displays engage visitors of all ages throughout the year (official site). (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or People Mover Route 40 bus ~45 min.)
• Alaska Native Heritage Center Step into living history with authentic cultural demonstrations, traditional dance performances, storytelling and native architecture. Seasonal events often include craft workshops and guided tours (official site). (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or People Mover Route 55 bus ~1 hr.)
• Tony Knowles Coastal Trail Bike or walk along this stunning 11-mile coastal trail offering panoramic views of Cook Inlet, snow-capped peaks and abundant wildlife. Trail access points are well-marked for easy entry. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or People Mover Route 45 bus ~1 hr.)
• Flattop Mountain Hike to the summit of Anchorage’s most popular peak, offering breathtaking city and mountain vistas. Allow time for photo stops at scenic ledges along the well-maintained switchback trail. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or People Mover Route 90 with transfer ~1 h 15 min.)
• Earthquake Park Visit this tranquil park commemorating the 1964 Good Friday earthquake with interpretive signs, paved paths and views of Turnagain Arm. Enjoy a peaceful stroll amid black spruce and coastal meadows. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~10 min or People Mover Route 40 bus ~30 min.)
• Ship Creek Fishing and Stroll Experience Anchorage’s riverfront hub by watching locals fish for salmon, walking along docks and enjoying potential wildlife sightings. Best between June and August for peak activity. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~10 min or People Mover Route 75 bus ~40 min.)
• Alaska Aviation Museum Discover Alaska’s aviation legacy through historic aircraft displays, interactive exhibits and engaging guided tours. Family-friendly with flight simulators and pilot stories (official site). (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~12 min or People Mover Routes 40/42 bus ~45 min.)
• Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary Walk boardwalk trails through wetlands teeming with shorebirds, waterfowl and occasional moose sightings. Bench overlooks offer rest and prime photo spots just outside the city. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or People Mover Route 75 bus ~50 min.)

Things to Do in Anchorage Airport (ANC)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Alaska Lounge at Concourse C offers comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, beverages, and workstations. Denali Lounge provides quiet spaces and panoramic runway views. Both lounges feature free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and flight information displays. Open daily to eligible passengers and members, they create tranquil environment away from terminal crowds, offering relaxation. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
The Anchorage airport area features several nearby hotels within a five-minute drive: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel, Cambria Hotel Downtown, and SpringHill Suites Airport. Many offer complimentary shuttle service, comfortable, spacious rooms, fitness centers, and on-site dining. Advance reservation is recommended, especially during peak seasons, for guaranteed availability and airport convenience. Excellent amenities. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Alaska Airlines provides designated rest zones near gates B1 and C2 with reclining loungers and privacy dividers. Travelers can access quiet nooks by the south terminal’s observation deck with benches ideal for short naps. Power outlets and Wi-Fi nearby support device charging. Overnight stays are tolerated but without shower facilities.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Anchorage Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Select “ANC Free Wi-Fi”, accept the terms, and connect instantly. Coverage spans gates, lounges, and public areas. There are no usage limits or fees. Speed is sufficient for streaming, video calls, and file downloads, seamlessly meeting needs of business and leisure travelers.

SIM/eSIM Card: Local SIM and eSIM cards are available for purchase at airport newsstands and specialty shops in the main terminal. Providers offer data plans starting at 1GB valid for seven days. Activation assistance is provided on-site. eSIM options can be purchased online before arrival and activated instantly upon landing in Alaska. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A fleet of licensed taxis operates 24/7 outside the arrivals level. Standard sedan rides to downtown Anchorage cost around $15–20. Wheelchair-accessible vans are available on request. Fares are metered; credit cards accepted. Allow extra time during peak hours. Taxi lines are monitored by airport staff for safety and efficiency.

Train: Anchorage Airport has no direct train link. The nearest Alaska Railroad Depot in downtown Anchorage is reachable via taxi or shuttle service. Year-round seasonal routes connect Anchorage to Denali and Fairbanks. Departure times vary by season. Visit the website for tickets, seasonal updates, and route details. (more info)

Bus: People Mover Route 15 bus stops at airport arrivals, linking to downtown and midtown Anchorage. Runs hourly on weekdays and every two hours on weekends. Service hours run 5 AM to 11 PM daily. Fare is $2 per ride; exact cash or prepaid passes accepted. Fully ADA accessible. (more info)

Shuttle: Multiple private and hotel shuttles serve Anchorage Airport. Free hotel shuttles operate 24/7 to partner properties; look for their branded vans at the lower curb. Shared ride services and Express shuttles to nearby towns require advance booking. Pickup points are clearly marked outside the baggage claim area for easy identification.

Car rentals: All major car rental companies operate on-site at Anchorage Airport in the Rental Car Facility. Shuttle buses run every 10 minutes from the terminal to the facility. Options range from economy sedans to SUVs and cargo vans. Reservations are recommended. Rental desks handle insurance, GPS, and roadside assistance at rates. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking garages and lots are available adjacent to the terminal, with pedestrian bridges. Rates start at $2 per hour for short-term and $10 per day for long-term. Self-parking and covered options exist. An off-site economy lot provides lower daily rates with free shuttle service to the terminal.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No luggage storage or lockers are available inside Anchorage Airport. Travelers can arrange baggage holding through hotels or specialty services downtown. A baggage storage facility at the Alaska Railroad Depot offers hourly and daily rates. Alternatively, some tour operators provide short-term luggage holding with advanced reservation before departure or arrival. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Anchorage Airport (ANC) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks