How far is Utqiagvik, AK from Fairbanks, AK?
The driving distance from Utqiagvik, AK to Fairbanks, AK is about 551.2 miles (887.1 km), with a travel time of about 18h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 502.4 miles (808.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 37h 24m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM AKDT.
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 18h 42m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Snow
Chance Light Snow
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Utqiagvik and Fairbanks.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Utqiagvik and Fairbanks.
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1
Start on the route
2.9 mi · 19 min
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2
Turn left
10.4 mi · 25 min
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3
At the end of the road, turn right
1.2 km · 2 min
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4
Turn right onto Oliktok Road
4.7 mi · 11 min · Oliktok Road
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5
Keep slight left to continue on Oliktok Road
732 ft · 20 sec · Oliktok Road
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6
Turn straight onto Spine Road
35.1 mi · 1 hr 24 min · Spine Road
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7
Continue on Spine Road
1.2 mi · 3 min · Spine Road
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8
Turn right onto Colleen Lake Road
1.5 km · 2 min · Colleen Lake Road
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9
Turn left onto Dalton Highway
415.8 mi · 14 hr 21 min · Dalton Highway
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10
Continue on Elliott Highway
68.1 mi · 1 hr 39 min · Elliott Highway
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11
Continue on Steese Highway
10.8 mi · 15 min · Steese Highway
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12
Turn right onto 10th Avenue
1413 ft · 46 sec · 10th Avenue
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13
Turn left onto Noble Street
130 m · 14 sec · Noble Street
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14
Turn right onto 12th Avenue
133 m · 19 sec · 12th Avenue
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 12th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Utqiagvik and Fairbanks.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
Dalton Highway
Turn left onto Dalton Highway
416 mi · 14h 21m
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.
Chance Light Snow leaving Utqiagvik and Chance Light Snow near Fairbanks.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Utqiagvik to Fairbanks?
The road trip is about 551.2 miles (887.1 km) and usually takes 18h 42m 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?
Bettles is a useful midpoint, sitting about 274.6 miles from Utqiagvik and 276.5 miles from Fairbanks.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 502.4 miles (808.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 48.8 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 $96.30 one way or $192.59 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 172.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Snow around Utqiagvik and Chance Light Snow near Fairbanks.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Utqiagvik and Fairbanks. Straight-line distance: 502.38 mi (808.5 km).
#1 Utqiagvik
Most northerly city in Alaska, USA
| Population | 4,390 |
| Coordinates | 71.2905800, -156.7887200 |
| Altitude | 3 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Fairbanks
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 30,696 |
| Coordinates | 64.8377800, -147.7163900 |
| Altitude | 136 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fairbanks (-147.71639, 64.83778)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 887 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 18h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 13h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 11h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 09h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 07h 52m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 06h 52m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $96.30 | $192.59 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $103.82 | $207.65 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $108.26 | $216.52 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $123.82 | $247.64 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.