How far is Gateway, AK from Kenai, AK?
The driving distance from Gateway, AK to Kenai, AK is about 195.5 miles (314.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 97.4 miles (156.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 07m 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 03h 33m.
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.
City in United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Snow
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gateway and Kenai.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gateway and Kenai.
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1
Start on Joanne Drive
785 ft · 39 sec · Joanne Drive
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2
Turn left onto Regents Road
1124 ft · 50 sec · Regents Road
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3
Continue on East Duchess Drive
1982 ft · 2 min · East Duchess Drive
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4
At the end of the road, turn left onto East Cottrell-Campus Drive
90 m · 6 sec · East Cottrell-Campus Drive
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5
Continue on South Georgeson Drive
1.2 km · 2 min · South Georgeson Drive
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Trunk Road
67 m · 4 sec · Trunk Road
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7
Exit the roundabout onto Trunk Road
1759 ft · 44 sec · Trunk Road
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 4 toward AK 3 South: Anchorage, Palmer
122 m · 7 sec
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9
Exit the roundabout onto AK 3 South: Anchorage, Palmer
1962 ft · 48 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto East Parks Highway
1.5 mi · 2 min · East Parks Highway
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11
Continue on Glenn Highway
33.1 mi · 38 min · Glenn Highway
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12
Continue on East 5th Avenue
1.5 mi · 3 min · East 5th Avenue
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13
Turn left onto Gambell Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · Gambell Street
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14
Continue on Seward Highway
87.9 mi · 1 hr 46 min · Seward Highway
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15
Take the exit slight right
58.4 mi · 1 hr 26 min
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16
Turn right onto Kalifornsky Beach Road
6 mi · 8 min · Kalifornsky Beach Road
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17
Turn right onto Bridge Access Road
3.3 mi · 5 min · Bridge Access Road
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18
Turn left onto Kenai Spur Highway
2847 ft · 1 min · Kenai Spur Highway
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19
Turn left onto Broad Street
28 m · 6 sec · Broad Street
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20
Turn right onto Frontage Road
142 m · 20 sec · Frontage Road
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Frontage Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gateway and Kenai.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Seward Highway
Continue on Seward Highway
87.9 mi · 01h 46m
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.
Light Snow Likely leaving Gateway and Chance Light Snow near Kenai.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gateway to Kenai?
The road trip is about 195.5 miles (314.6 km) and usually takes 03h 33m 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?
Girdwood is a useful midpoint, sitting about 97.6 miles from Gateway and 98 miles from Kenai.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 97.4 miles (156.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 98.1 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM AKDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:52 AM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $34.16 one way or $68.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Snow Likely around Gateway and Chance Light Snow near Kenai.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gateway and Kenai. Straight-line distance: 97.46 mi (156.84 km).
#1 Gateway
Gateway is a place in Alaska, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 61.5727800, -149.2408300 |
| Altitude | 63 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Kenai
City in Alaska
| Population | 7,890 |
| Coordinates | 60.5544400, -151.2583300 |
| Altitude | 22 |
| Country | United States |
End: Frontage Road (-151.258293, 60.554244)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 315 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 53m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $34.16 | $68.32 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $36.83 | $73.66 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $38.41 | $76.81 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $43.93 | $87.85 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.