How far is Anchorage, AK from Ketchikan, AK?
Fastest route
Traveling from Anchorage, Alaska, USA to Ketchikan, Alaska 99901, USA takes approximately 36 hours and covers a distance of 1,675 miles. The route involves using Alaska Hwy/Yukon 1 E and BC-37 S, including a ferry crossing and passing through Canada. COVID-19 checkpoints and tolls may be encountered along the way. Permit requirements and other restrictions should be verified before the journey.
Directions
- Head west on W 5th Ave toward K St.
- Turn left at the 1st cross street onto K St.
- Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W 6th Ave.
- Continue on AK-1 N/E 5th Ave and follow AK-1 N.
- Use the right 2 lanes to take the AK-1 E exit toward Palmer/Glennallen.
- Continue straight to stay on AK-1 N.
- Turn right onto AK-1 N/Glenn Highway-Tok Cutoff.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Make sure to verify COVID-19 restrictions, permits, and other requirements before embarking on the journey.
- 🛣️ This route includes a ferry crossing, so plan accordingly and check ferry schedules in advance.
- 💰 Tolls may be encountered along the route, so have cash or a payment method ready.
- 📝 It is advisable to carry identification documents and travel essentials when crossing into Canada.
- 🕑 Expect a long travel time of approximately 36 hours, so plan for rest stops and accommodations along the way.
- 🛣️ Follow the directions provided for each highway and road mentioned in the route.
- 🗺️ Use navigation tools or a GPS device to stay on track and find your way to Ketchikan, Alaska.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 32h 13m.
Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Light Rain Likely
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Anchorage and Ketchikan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Anchorage and Ketchikan.
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1
Start on the route
26 m · 8 sec
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2
Turn right onto West 4th Avenue
1.6 km · 3 min · West 4th Avenue
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3
Turn right onto Gambell Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · Gambell Street
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4
Continue on Seward Highway
47.1 mi · 58 min · Seward Highway
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5
Turn left onto Portage Glacier Road
5 mi · 7 min · Portage Glacier Road
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6
Continue on Portage Glacier Highway
4.7 mi · 11 min · Portage Glacier Highway
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7
Continue on West Camp Road
1.5 mi · 2 min · West Camp Road
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8
Turn right
52 m · 8 sec
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9
Turn left
76 m · 4 sec
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10
Turn straight onto Alaska Marine Highway - Whittier-Yakutat
334.5 mi · 22 hr · Alaska Marine Highway - Whittier-Yakutat
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11
Turn sharp right onto Alaska Marine Highway - Juneau-Yakutat
262.6 mi · 17 hr · Alaska Marine Highway - Juneau-Yakutat
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12
Turn sharp right onto Alaska Marine Highway - Ketchikan ↔ Juneau
276.8 mi · 8 hr · Alaska Marine Highway - Ketchikan ↔ Juneau
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13
Continue on Main Berth Ramp
60 m · 34 sec · Main Berth Ramp
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14
Continue on Ketchikan Ferry Terminal Road
629 ft · 19 sec · Ketchikan Ferry Terminal Road
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15
At the end of the road, turn right onto Tongass Avenue
1.7 mi · 3 min · Tongass Avenue
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16
Turn right onto Water Street
1928 ft · 39 sec · Water Street
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17
Turn right onto Front Street
122 m · 12 sec · Front Street
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18
Turn right
3 m · 1 sec
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Anchorage and Ketchikan.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
Alaska Marine Highway - Whittier-Yakutat
Turn straight onto Alaska Marine Highway - Whittier-Yakutat
334 mi · 22h 00m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
Better with a longer stop
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
Light Rain Likely leaving Anchorage and Mostly Sunny near Ketchikan.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Anchorage to Ketchikan?
The road trip is about 1119.2 miles (1801.1 km) and usually takes 32h 13m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Gustavus is a useful midpoint, sitting about 467 miles from Anchorage and 652.1 miles from Ketchikan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 773.5 miles (1244.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 345.7 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM AKDT. Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $195.51 one way or $391.03 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 350.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Rain Likely around Anchorage and Mostly Sunny near Ketchikan.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Anchorage and Ketchikan. Straight-line distance: 773.57 mi (1244.94 km).
#1 Anchorage
The most populous city in Alaska and the center of the Anchorage metropolitan area.
| Population | 294,356 |
| Coordinates | 61.2180600, -149.9002800 |
| Altitude | 31 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ketchikan
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 8,187 |
| Coordinates | 55.3418000, -131.6475700 |
| Altitude | 8 |
| Country | United States |
End: Front Street (-131.647548, 55.341795)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 1801 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 37h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 27h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 22h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 18h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 15h 59m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 13h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $195.51 | $391.03 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $210.80 | $421.60 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $219.80 | $439.60 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $251.39 | $502.79 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Alaska · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.