About Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the main air gateway to Alaska and the starting point for many trips into the state's national parks, glaciers and small bush communities. Named after the long-serving Alaska senator Ted Stevens, it opened in 1951 and has grown into a major stop for transpacific cargo aircraft as well as passenger flights.

Location of Anchorage Airport and Distance to Downtown

The airport lies about 8 km (5 miles) southwest of downtown Anchorage. In normal traffic, the drive to the city centre takes around 15 minutes, which makes it easy to land and head straight out to explore.

Anchorage Airport Terminals and Facilities

Passenger operations are split between two buildings:

• South Terminal: handles most scheduled airline flights and holds the majority of the gates.
• North Terminal: used mainly for international, charter and seasonal services.

A free airport shuttle loops between the South Terminal, the North Terminal and the Rental Car Center throughout the day. Both terminals offer dining and shopping, and terminal maps are available from the airport operator.

Airlines and Routes at Anchorage

Alaska Airlines is the main passenger carrier at ANC, with frequent flights to Seattle and routes across the state. Other airlines serving Anchorage include Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines, and a number of additional carriers fly in during the summer peak. Schedules change with the seasons, so check the latest timetable when you plan.

Next to the runways, Lake Hood Seaplane Base is home to floatplanes that fly visitors to remote lodges, lakes and fishing spots.

Ground Transport from Anchorage Airport

• People Mover bus: Route 40 connects the South Terminal with the Downtown Transit Center via Spenard, with a stop outside baggage claim.
• Taxi and rideshare: available at the terminal curbs.
• Rental cars: the Rental Car Center is linked to both terminals by the free shuttle.
• Alaska Railroad: an airport depot is used for seasonal services, mainly for cruise passengers.

Things to Do Around Anchorage

Downtown Anchorage is compact and walkable, and the coastal trail offers views across Cook Inlet. Many visitors use the city as a base for day trips to glaciers and wildlife areas along the Seward Highway or for journeys north towards Denali.

Travel Tips for Anchorage Airport

Summer is the busy season, so allow extra time at check-in and for rental car pickup. If your onward flight is international or charter, confirm which terminal it uses, then take the shuttle if needed. Find your flight to Anchorage and book it on Traveloka.