How far is Ester, AK from Fairbanks, AK?
The driving distance from Ester, AK to Fairbanks, AK is about 10.9 miles (17.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 8.8 miles (14.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 36m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM AKDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 18m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 in Alaska, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow then Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ester and Fairbanks.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ester and Fairbanks.
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1
Start on Ester Loop
83 m · 12 sec · Ester Loop
-
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 · 40 sec · Old Nenana Highway
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5
Turn left onto George Parks Highway
6.3 mi · 9 min · George Parks Highway
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6
Take the exit straight toward East Airport Way
1630 ft · 40 sec
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7
Continue on Airport Way
3.5 mi · 6 min · Airport Way
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8
Turn left onto Cushman Street
635 ft · 27 sec · Cushman Street
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9
Turn right onto 12th Avenue
111 m · 16 sec · 12th Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 12th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ester and Fairbanks.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
George Parks Highway
Turn left onto George Parks Highway
6.29 mi · 00h 09m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Chance Rain And Snow then Mostly Cloudy leaving Ester and Mostly Cloudy near Fairbanks.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ester to Fairbanks?
The road trip is about 10.9 miles (17.6 km) and usually takes 00h 18m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
College is a useful midpoint, sitting about 5.5 miles from Ester and 5.5 miles from Fairbanks.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 8.8 miles (14.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.1 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM AKDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:54 PM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.93 one way or $3.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 3.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain And Snow then Mostly Cloudy around Ester and Mostly Cloudy near Fairbanks.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ester and Fairbanks. Straight-line distance: 8.78 mi (14.13 km).
#1 Ester
Census designated place
| Population | 2,422 |
| Coordinates | 64.8472200, -148.0144400 |
| Altitude | 224 |
| 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: 18 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 10m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $1.93 | $3.86 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $2.08 | $4.16 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $2.17 | $4.34 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $2.48 | $4.97 |
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.