How far is Ester, AK from Anchorage, AK?
The driving distance from Ester, AK to Anchorage, AK is about 349.5 miles (562.4 km), with a travel time of about 05h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 257.6 miles (414.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 31m 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 45m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Place in Alaska
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow then Mostly Cloudy
Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ester and Anchorage.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ester and Anchorage.
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1
Start on Ester Loop
83 m · 12 sec · Ester Loop
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2
Turn right onto Main Street
635 ft · 33 sec · Main Street
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3
Turn left onto Village Road
744 ft · 38 sec · Village Road
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4
Turn left onto Old Nenana Highway
1880 ft · 37 sec · Old Nenana Highway
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5
Turn right onto George Parks Highway
295.2 mi · 5 hr 52 min · George Parks Highway
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6
Continue on West Parks Highway
18.7 mi · 26 min · West Parks Highway
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7
Continue on Glenn Highway
33.1 mi · 38 min · Glenn Highway
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8
Continue on East 5th Avenue
2.4 mi · 6 min · East 5th Avenue
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9
Turn right onto I Street
109 m · 18 sec · I Street
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10
Turn left onto West 4th Avenue
37 m · 10 sec · West 4th Avenue
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11
Turn left
26 m · 6 sec
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ester and Anchorage.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
George Parks Highway
Turn right onto George Parks Highway
295 mi · 05h 52m
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 Rain And Snow then Mostly Cloudy leaving Ester and Light Rain near Anchorage.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ester to Anchorage?
The road trip is about 349.5 miles (562.4 km) and usually takes 05h 45m 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?
Talkeetna is a useful midpoint, sitting about 174.5 miles from Ester and 174.9 miles from Anchorage.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 257.6 miles (414.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 91.9 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 5:28 AM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $61.05 one way or $122.09 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 109.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain And Snow then Mostly Cloudy around Ester and Light Rain near Anchorage.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ester and Anchorage. Straight-line distance: 257.59 mi (414.55 km).
#1 Ester
Census designated place
| Population | 2,422 |
| Coordinates | 64.8472200, -148.0144400 |
| Altitude | 224 |
| Country | United States |
#2 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 |
End: (-149.900352, 61.218324)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 562 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 11h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 59m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $61.05 | $122.09 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $65.82 | $131.64 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $68.63 | $137.26 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $78.49 | $156.99 |
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.