How far is Houston, AK from Fairbanks, AK?
The driving distance from Houston, AK to Fairbanks, AK is about 302.5 miles (486.8 km), with a travel time of about 05h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 231 miles (371.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 01m 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 00m.
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 Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Houston and Fairbanks.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Houston and Fairbanks.
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1
Start on George Parks Highway
296.7 mi · 5 hr 54 min · George Parks Highway
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2
Take the exit straight toward East Airport Way
1630 ft · 40 sec
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3
Continue on Airport Way
3.5 mi · 6 min · Airport Way
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4
Turn left onto Cushman Street
635 ft · 27 sec · Cushman Street
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5
Turn right onto 12th Avenue
111 m · 16 sec · 12th Avenue
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6
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 12th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Houston 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
Start on George Parks Highway
297 mi · 05h 54m
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 Showers leaving Houston and Chance Rain Showers near Fairbanks.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Houston to Fairbanks?
The road trip is about 302.5 miles (486.8 km) and usually takes 05h 00m 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 149.9 miles from Houston and 152.6 miles from Fairbanks.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 231 miles (371.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 71.5 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 6:58 AM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $52.88 one way or $105.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 94.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Houston and Chance Rain Showers near Fairbanks.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Houston and Fairbanks. Straight-line distance: 231.03 mi (371.81 km).
#1 Houston
City in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, United States
| Population | 2,462 |
| Coordinates | 61.6302800, -149.8180600 |
| Altitude | 76 |
| 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: 487 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $52.88 | $105.75 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $57.01 | $114.02 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $59.44 | $118.89 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $67.99 | $135.98 |
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 · May 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.