Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Anchorage is not merely an air gateway to the USA, but the main transport hub of Alaska, connecting this rugged and beautiful region with the rest of the world. Located at the crossroads of global routes, it plays a key role not only in passenger travel but also in freight transport, being one of the busiest cargo airports on the planet. For many travellers, their introduction to "The Last Frontier" begins right here, amidst the hum of aircraft and views of distant mountain peaks.

Below is the essential information about the airport to help plan your journey.

Anchorage Airport boasts a number of unique features. Its strategic location makes it one of the world's most important hubs for air cargo — it is located less than 9.5 hours of flight time from 90% of the industrialised world. It is the fourth largest cargo airport globally and the second in the USA. Furthermore, the air harbour is renowned for its effective snow removal system, thanks to which the airport has never closed due to snowfall, which is an outstanding achievement for its northern location. Another highlight is the adjacent Lake Hood Seaplane Base, the busiest in the world, highlighting the importance of small aviation for life in Alaska.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

• Official Website: dot.alaska.gov/anc. Here you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: +1 907-266-2526. You can receive consultation on general airport inquiries via this number.
• Airport Address: 5000 W International Airport Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502, USA.
• Email: To contact airport representatives, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website or the telephone numbers of the relevant departments.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official social media pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of luggage loss on board, please contact your airline first. If items were lost within the terminal building, contact the Airport Police & Fire Lost and Found service at +1 907-266-2411.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For the prompt resolution of issues related to your travel through Anchorage Airport, please use the information desk telephone.

Getting to Ted Stevens International Airport from Anchorage is straightforward, as it is located just 10 kilometres southwest of the city centre. Travellers have access to several transport options, varying in cost, speed, and convenience, allowing you to choose the optimal method depending on your budget and plans.

Public Transport is the most economical option. The municipal bus People Mover, route No. 40, regularly runs between the airport and the transit centre in downtown Anchorage. The journey takes approximately 25-35 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is an excellent choice for tourists travelling light who wish to save money. The fare costs just a few dollars.

Taxis and Rideshare Services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a faster and more comfortable way to reach the terminal. Cars can be found at the designated parking area outside the arrivals zone. A trip to the city centre usually takes 15-20 minutes, and the cost will be approximately 20-30 dollars. This option is ideal for those travelling with a significant amount of luggage, with family, or simply those who value their time and comfort.

Car Rental is a wonderful solution for those planning to explore the picturesque surroundings of Anchorage and the natural beauty of Alaska. Several major rental companies operate at the airport, with counters located in the dedicated Rental Car Center, connected to the South Terminal. If you are arriving at the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, several parking options are at your service. Short-term parking is located directly by the terminals and is suitable for quick drop-offs or meeting passengers, while long-term car parks offer more favourable rates for those leaving their car for several days. Free shuttles usually run from the remote car parks to the terminals.

Thus, the choice of transport to the airport in Anchorage depends on your priorities. For maximum savings, choose the bus. If speed and convenience are important, take a taxi. And for complete freedom of movement across one of the most amazing states in the USA, nothing beats a rented car.

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Anchorage (ANC) has a simple and clear structure consisting of two main passenger terminals: the South (Domestic Terminal) and the North (North Terminal). The South Terminal is the primary facility and handles the majority of domestic flights within the USA. The North Terminal, in turn, specialises in international destinations and charter flights. A free shuttle runs between the terminals, allowing passengers to move quickly between them. The interval is usually around 15-20 minutes.

The South Terminal is a modern and larger building where the main activity is concentrated. It is divided into three concourses: A, B, and C. Here you will find most airlines operating flights within Alaska and to other states. Departure zones with numerous check-in counters and security checkpoints are located on the upper level, while arrival and baggage claim zones are on the lower level. The terminal is decorated with an impressive collection of Alaska Native artwork, making the wait for a flight more interesting. This is also where the main selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants is located.

The North Terminal, also known as the international terminal, is significantly smaller in size and more utilitarian. It was built to service flights from Asia and Europe. Despite its compactness, it is fully equipped for border and customs control. There are fewer services here than in the South Terminal, but the atmosphere is calmer. The terminal layout is very simple, allowing for quick orientation and completion of all formalities without unnecessary fuss.

For a comfortable passage through all procedures, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. During peak seasons, especially in summer, passenger traffic increases, so it is worth allowing extra time. Navigation in both terminals is intuitive thanks to clear signage. Top tip: check in advance which terminal your flight departs from (South for domestic, North for international) to avoid rushing and the need to move between buildings.

The history of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Anchorage is a fascinating saga of how geography and global events can shape the destiny of a single facility. The airport opened in 1951 and was originally named Anchorage International Airport. Its construction was a strategically important step for connecting the remote territory of Alaska with the rest of the USA and the world.

The airport's golden age occurred during the Cold War era. Due to restrictions on flying over Soviet airspace for Western airlines, Anchorage became an indispensable refuelling stop on long-haul routes between Europe, North America, and Asia. The airport earned the nickname "Crossroads of the World", hosting flights from giants such as Pan Am, British Airways, KLM, and Japan Airlines. It was a bustling international hub where travellers from all over the globe could be met.

One of the most dramatic moments in the airport's history was the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964. Massive tremors destroyed the control tower and caused serious damage to the infrastructure. However, thanks to its critical importance, the airport was restored in the shortest possible time. The end of the Cold War and the opening of Russian airspace in the early 1990s led to a decline in transit passenger traffic, as airlines gained the ability to fly directly.

Despite this, the airport found a new calling and experienced a true renaissance as one of the world's largest cargo hubs. Its unique location — approximately 9.5 hours flight from 90% of the industrialised countries of the Northern Hemisphere — made it the ideal refuelling point for cargo aircraft. Today, it consistently ranks among the top five busiest cargo airports on the planet, serving logistics giants such as FedEx and UPS.

In 2000, the airport was renamed in honour of Ted Stevens, a senator from Alaska who made a huge contribution to the development of the state. In subsequent years, significant renovations were carried out, including the modernisation of passenger terminals to meet modern standards of comfort and safety. An interesting fact: due to the immense volume of cargo transport, aircraft from all over the world can be seen on the airport apron, many of which never operate passenger flights to Anchorage, using it exclusively as a technical stop.

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport offers passengers a wide range of services to make their stay as comfortable and convenient as possible. Within the airport terminals, you will find everything necessary for both a short wait before a flight and a long layover.

For those feeling hungry, numerous restaurants, cafes, and dining outlets are available where one can quickly grab a sandwich or enjoy a full meal featuring local and international cuisine. In the airport shops, including Duty Free, you can purchase souvenirs, jewellery, famous Alaskan products, as well as travel essentials. Particular attention should be paid to shops offering unique items made by local artisans.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous power outlets and USB ports are provided in waiting areas and at boarding gates for charging electronic devices. For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, lounges such as the Alaska Lounge are available, where you can relax in peace, use workstations, and enjoy snacks and beverages.

Financial services are represented by ATMs and currency exchange points located in both terminals. In case of necessity, passengers can seek medical assistance. Special nursing rooms are equipped for travellers with children, and a barrier-free environment has been created for passengers with reduced mobility: ramps, lifts, accessible toilets, and assistance services.

Business travellers can utilise conference rooms and business services. Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, which can be easily reached via free shuttles.

At Ted Stevens International Airport, you will find a decent selection of establishments to have a snack before a flight or a full dinner. Unlike many airports, there is an emphasis here on local cuisine, allowing travellers to enjoy the flavours of Alaska until the very last minute. Options can be found both for those in a hurry and for those wishing to relax while waiting for a flight.

Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the South (Domestic) Terminal. In the public area (before security), the selection is limited, but you can find coffee shops for a quick coffee and pastry. The main gastronomic variety awaits passengers in the secure area, after passing security control. Here, in concourses A, B, and C, both well-known chain establishments and unique local restaurants are located. For instance, you might visit Silver Gulch Brewing & Bottling Co. to try local specialities, or Norton Sound Seafood House for fresh seafood dishes. In the North (International) Terminal, the selection is more modest and often depends on the flight schedule, but basic snack options are usually available.

The main recommendation is to definitely try local delicacies. For many, this is the last chance to taste authentic smoked salmon, a sandwich with reindeer sausage, or King Crab dishes. Local producers are also widely represented in airport establishments, offering unique beverages crafted in Alaska. This is a wonderful way to experience the region's gastronomic culture without leaving the terminal building.

For a quick bite, coffee shops like Kaladi Brothers Coffee or outlets with ready-made food are ideal. If you have time for a full lunch, consider restaurants with table service, such as Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse. Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian options are available in most restaurants. For gluten-free, vegan, or Halal dishes, it is best to verify information directly with the staff — in larger establishments, they will likely be able to accommodate your requests.

Prices at Anchorage airport are consistent with the average level for airports in the USA — be prepared to pay slightly more than in the city. Opening hours for most establishments are tied to peak departure times; however, some cafes may close earlier in the evening. If you have a late or very early flight, it is better to check in advance which food outlets will be open.

Planning a trip through Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Anchorage will be easier if you consider a few tips. We recommend arriving at the airport well in advance: 2-3 hours before departure for domestic destinations and at least 3 hours before international flights, especially during the height of the tourist season (in summer), when passenger traffic increases.

To save time in queues, use online check-in for your flight. Security screening procedures at the airport are standard for the USA and are conducted by the TSA. Be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronic devices from your hand luggage. All liquids must be in containers no larger than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag.

When choosing a seat on the plane, prefer a window seat. In good weather, during takeoff and landing, unforgettable views of mountain ranges and the inlet will open up to you. Regarding hand luggage, pay attention to specific Alaska restrictions: for example, bear spray is most often prohibited for carriage in both hand luggage and checked baggage. Always clarify your airline's rules in advance.

For passengers with transfers, Anchorage Airport is quite convenient due to its compactness. If you arrive on an international flight for onward travel within the country, you will need to pass passport and customs control, collect your luggage, and re-check it for the next flight. At customs, have your passport and declaration ready, and be prepared to clearly answer questions about the purpose of your visit.

To save a little money, take an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it with water after passing the security zone at special water fountains. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high, so having a light snack with you is a good idea.

In the event of a flight delay, you won't be bored. In the airport terminals, you can explore interesting exhibits dedicated to the history of aviation in the region and a large collection of Alaska Native art. Additionally, there are excellent observation decks from where you can watch aircraft against the backdrop of majestic mountains.