Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport sits right by Lake Hood, the busiest seaplane base in the world: visitors immediately notice the small aircraft taking off from the water. It's also one of the biggest cargo hubs in the United States, with UPS and FedEx flights around the clock. Staying in the airport area pays off for dawn departures or stopovers toward Alaska's remote destinations; downtown, about ten minutes by car, offers more restaurants and views over Cook Inlet for those stopping to visit Anchorage before continuing on.

Airport area (Lake Hood)

Airport area · Free shuttles running 24 hours to the terminals, minutes from hotels in the area.

Best for: Dawn flights, overnight layovers and anyone who wants to watch the seaplanes take off from Lake Hood.

Pros

Free and frequent shuttles to the terminals
The Lakefront overlooks the seaplane base and the Chugach mountains

Cons

Only service roads and airport around, little for the evening
Downtown remains about ten minutes away by car

Recommended hotels in this area

Comfort Suites Anchorage International Airport: Free shuttle and hot breakfast included; reviews point to some of the most helpful staff in the airport area.
Courtyard by Marriott Anchorage Airport: Free shuttle running even at three in the morning; Bistro restaurant and indoor pool for long layovers.
The Lakefront Anchorage: On Lake Hood, with a private dock for seaplanes and a free shuttle to the airport and downtown; a buffet breakfast that's very well liked.

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Midtown

Neighbourhood · About ten minutes by car or taxi from the airport, along the same route as downtown.

Best for: Those who want to stay close to the airport but with more restaurants and shops within reach.

Pros

More choice for dinner than the airport area alone
Also convenient for downtown, just a few minutes further

Cons

Still needs a taxi or a car, no direct public shuttles
Commercial district, not very suited to an evening stroll

Recommended hotels in this area

Homewood Suites by Hilton Anchorage: Suites with a kitchen and a highly praised buffet breakfast; recently renovated, ten minutes from both the airport and downtown.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage: Suites with a separate living area; reviews especially praise the buffet breakfast with made-to-order omelets.

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Downtown

City centre · About ten minutes by car or taxi from the airport; no direct train or tram.

Best for: Those on a layover who want to see Anchorage on foot, among museums, restaurants and the Cook Inlet waterfront.

Pros

Walking distance from most of downtown's restaurants and museums
Views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach mountains from many rooms

Cons

Still always needs a taxi or a car to the airport, about ten minutes
In low season the district empties out early in the evening

Recommended hotels in this area

The Hotel Captain Cook: In the heart of downtown, a short walk from the museums; reviews praise the views over Cook Inlet and the Chugach from the upper floors.
Marriott Anchorage Downtown: 392 rooms downtown with city or mountain views; convenient for those working or on a long layover who want to stay in the area.

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