Girdwood Airport

Girdwood Airport Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Anchorage Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled amid the majestic Chugach Mountains, Girdwood Airport (FAA/IATA: AQY) is a small but vital gateway for travelers seeking adventure in Alaska’s Anchorage region. Primarily serving general aviation, air taxi, and charter flights, the airport offers essential connectivity between Girdwood and Anchorage, as well as access to world-class recreational destinations such as Alyeska Resort and Chugach National Forest.

This guide provides all the key information for visitors, covering airport visiting hours, ticketing options, transportation, accessibility, local attractions, and the airport’s historical context. Though it lacks commercial airline service and extensive amenities, Girdwood Airport is valued for its unique gravel runway, panoramic mountain views, and proximity to Girdwood’s rich Indigenous and gold rush heritage.

For up-to-date travel details and tips, consult the Alaska Department of Transportation, Visit Girdwood, and Alaska Railroad. Downloading the Audiala mobile app is also recommended for real-time flight and weather updates specific to Alaska’s aviation environment.

Introduction
Girdwood Airport Overview
Visiting Hours and Ticketing
Transportation Access
Accessibility and Seasonal Considerations
Airport Facilities and Visitor Information
Attractions and Activities Near Girdwood Airport
Governance, Community, and Heritage
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Planning Resources
References

Girdwood Airport Overview

Girdwood Airport is a publicly owned facility, located about three miles northeast of Girdwood’s center, within the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska (Wikipedia). Set in Glacier Valley and surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, its single gravel runway (2/20, approximately 2,095 feet) accommodates small propeller aircraft and helicopters. It primarily supports general aviation, air taxi, and flightseeing tours, serving as a key access point for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors to Girdwood.

The airport’s history is closely tied to Girdwood’s transformation from a mining supply outpost during the gold rush to a thriving destination for tourism, outdoor recreation, and environmental stewardship.

Visiting Hours and Ticketing

Operating Hours:
Girdwood Airport operates year-round, generally aligning with daylight hours, especially in winter when daylight is limited. As there are no staffed terminals or commercial airline services, visitors and pilots should check with local air taxi operators or the Municipality of Anchorage for any seasonal variations or updates.

Ticketing:
There are no scheduled commercial flights or traditional airline ticket counters at Girdwood Airport. Travelers typically book flights via local air taxi or helicopter tour services—advance reservations are highly recommended, especially in summer and winter peak seasons.

Transportation Access

Road Access

The main route to Girdwood Airport from Anchorage is the scenic Seward Highway (AK-1), a 40-mile drive along Turnagain Arm, offering breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife (Alaska.org).

Directions: Take Seward Highway south from Anchorage. At Mile 90, exit for Girdwood; the airport is northeast of the town center.
Parking: Limited, mainly for pilots and short-term visitors. Confirm availability ahead of time, particularly during busy periods.

Car rentals are available at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, providing flexibility for exploring the region (theworldcountries.com).

Public Transportation

Girdwood Express Shuttle: Provides direct shared rides between Anchorage Airport and Girdwood, stopping at Alyeska Resort (Marriott Activities).
Alaska Bus Company: Scheduled service from Anchorage to Girdwood, with stops at the Tesoro Mall (Alaska Bus Company).
Park Connection Motorcoach: Offers seasonal service with drop-off at the Girdwood “Y” (AlaskaTravel.com).
Alaska Railroad: Two daily departures from Anchorage to Girdwood. Note: the train station is not adjacent to the airport; use taxis or shuttles for local transit (Alaska.org).
Local Shuttle: Alyeska Resort and Glacier Valley Transit provide local shuttle options within Girdwood (Visit Girdwood).

Taxis and Rideshare:
Available between Anchorage and Girdwood, but rideshare coverage is variable and may be limited in off-peak times (1Map).

Air Access

Girdwood Airport’s single gravel runway serves small aircraft, helicopters, and air taxis—essential for heli-skiing, guided tours, and wilderness access (theworldcountries.com). There are no fuel services or fixed-based operators on site, so pilots should plan accordingly.

Accessibility and Seasonal Considerations

Weather:
Girdwood experiences significant snowfall and variable weather—impacting both road and airport access, especially in winter. Visitors should check forecasts, carry emergency supplies, and travel with caution during adverse conditions.

Accessibility:
Facilities are limited, with minimal infrastructure for travelers with disabilities. Contact air taxi or shuttle providers ahead of time for specific accommodations.

Airport Facilities and Visitor Information

Runway: Gravel, 2,095 feet long, suitable for small aircraft.
Amenities: No passenger terminals, retail, or food services. No public Wi-Fi at the airport; available in Girdwood village.
Restrooms: Limited or none onsite—plan accordingly.
Safety: The airport is uncontrolled (no tower); pilots should check NOTAMs and weather updates before arrival.

Attractions and Activities Near Girdwood Airport

Alyeska Resort: Alaska’s premier all-season resort, offering skiing, snowboarding, the Nordic spa, dining, and the Alyeska Aerial Tram.
Chugach National Forest: Extensive wilderness for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Crow Creek Mine: A historic gold mining site open for tours, panning, and exploring local history.
Girdwood Trails and Moose Meadow Park: Network of scenic trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife encounters.
Local Dining & Shops: Girdwood village features unique restaurants, galleries, and stores.
Guided Tours: Options include heli-skiing, helicopter sightseeing, glacier dog sledding, and wildlife excursions (AlaskaTravel.com).

Governance, Community, and Heritage

Since 1975, Girdwood has been part of the Municipality of Anchorage. The Heritage Land Bank manages land around the airport, with parcels held by the Alaska Mental Health Trust. The Girdwood Board of Supervisors plays an active role in airport land-use planning and community development. The airport and town are located on the traditional homelands of the Dena’ina and Alutiiq peoples, whose heritage is honored in local events and community practices.

Practical Visitor Tips

Plan logistics ahead: Book transportation and tours in advance, especially during summer and winter.
Prepare for weather: Dress in layers and pack rain gear.
Wildlife safety: Bears and moose are common—follow guidelines and do not leave food or trash unattended (theworldcountries.com).
Bring essentials: With few amenities at the airport, carry snacks, water, and emergency supplies.
Photography: The best light for photos is early morning or late afternoon.
Stay updated: Download travel apps and follow local alerts, especially for weather and travel advisories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Girdwood Airport’s operating hours?
A: The airport operates year-round, typically during daylight hours. Confirm current hours with local operators.

Q: Are there commercial flights or ticketing services?
A: No, there are no scheduled commercial flights; tickets are available through air taxi and tour providers.

Q: How do I get to Girdwood Airport from Anchorage?
A: Options include driving via Seward Highway, shuttles, scheduled bus service, Alaska Railroad, or taxi/rideshare.

Q: Is the airport accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Facilities are basic; contact providers in advance for specific needs.

Q: What are must-see attractions near the airport?
A: Alyeska Resort, Chugach National Forest, Crow Creek Mine, and local trails.

Summary and Planning Resources

Girdwood Airport is more than a simple airfield—it’s a vital access point to Alaska’s wilderness, outdoor adventure, and rich community life. Visitors benefit from a variety of travel options, from air taxi and heli-ski tours to scenic drives and train rides. Environmental stewardship and community engagement are central to the airport’s operations and future development, with upcoming projects like a proposed 150-room lodge under consideration (Anchorage Daily News).

Plan ahead by consulting official resources, booking transportation and tours early, and preparing for Alaska’s dynamic weather and terrain. For real-time updates, download the Audiala app, follow local tourism and community organizations, and immerse yourself in the unique spirit of Girdwood.