How far is Big Lake, AK from Fairbanks, AK?
The driving distance from Big Lake, AK to Fairbanks, AK is about 316.4 miles (509.2 km), with a travel time of about 05h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 239.5 miles (385.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 44m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 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 05h 22m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain And Snow
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Big Lake and Fairbanks.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Big Lake and Fairbanks.
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1
Start on South Crocodile Way
105 m · 15 sec · South Crocodile Way
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2
Continue on West Tinkerbell Court
860 ft · 38 sec · West Tinkerbell Court
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3
Turn left onto South Jay Sedor Street
3075 ft · 2 min · South Jay Sedor Street
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4
Turn left onto West Susitna Parkway
3.6 mi · 7 min · West Susitna Parkway
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5
Continue on South Big Lake Road
2.9 mi · 5 min · South Big Lake Road
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Big Lake road
5 m · 1 sec · Big Lake road
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7
Exit the roundabout onto Big Lake road
650 ft · 13 sec · Big Lake road
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8
Turn straight onto West Big Lake Road
3.4 mi · 5 min · West Big Lake Road
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9
At the end of the road, turn left onto West Parks Highway
1.2 km · 1 min · West Parks Highway
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10
Continue on George Parks Highway
301.4 mi · 6 hr 1 min · George Parks Highway
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11
Take the exit straight toward East Airport Way
1630 ft · 40 sec
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12
Continue on Airport Way
3.5 mi · 6 min · Airport Way
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13
Turn left onto Cushman Street
635 ft · 27 sec · Cushman Street
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14
Turn right onto 12th Avenue
111 m · 16 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 Big Lake and Fairbanks.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
George Parks Highway
Continue on George Parks Highway
301 mi · 06h 01m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Light Rain leaving Big Lake and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain And Snow near Fairbanks.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Big Lake to Fairbanks?
The road trip is about 316.4 miles (509.2 km) and usually takes 05h 22m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Healy is a useful midpoint, sitting about 157.6 miles from Big Lake and 158.8 miles from Fairbanks.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 239.5 miles (385.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 76.9 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 8:00 AM AKDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 6:16 AM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $55.60 one way or $111.20 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 99.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain around Big Lake and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain And Snow near Fairbanks.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Big Lake and Fairbanks. Straight-line distance: 239.49 mi (385.42 km).
#1 Big Lake
This freshwater lake is situated in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough of Alaska, at an elevation of 144 feet.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 61.5213900, -149.9544400 |
| Altitude | 44 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Fairbanks
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 30,696 |
| Coordinates | 64.8377800, -147.7163900 |
| Altitude | 136 |
| Country | United States |
End: 12th Avenue (-147.71648, 64.838038)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 509 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 56m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.98 | $55.60 | $111.20 |
| Mid-grade | $5.23 | $58.38 | $116.76 |
| Premium | $5.45 | $60.80 | $121.60 |
| Diesel | $6.57 | $73.32 | $146.64 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026