How far is Kenai, AK from Anchorage, AK?
The driving distance from Kenai, AK to Anchorage, AK is about 159.1 miles (256 km), with a travel time of about 03h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 64.7 miles (104.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 15m 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 07m.
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.
Light Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kenai and Anchorage.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kenai and Anchorage.
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1
Start on Frontage Road
142 m · 25 sec · Frontage Road
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2
Turn left onto Broad Street
28 m · 6 sec · Broad Street
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3
Turn right onto Kenai Spur Highway
2847 ft · 1 min · Kenai Spur Highway
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4
Turn right onto Bridge Access Road
3.3 mi · 5 min · Bridge Access Road
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5
Turn left onto Kalifornsky Beach Road
6 mi · 8 min · Kalifornsky Beach Road
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6
Turn left onto Sterling Highway
58.4 mi · 1 hr 26 min · Sterling Highway
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7
At the end of the road, turn left onto Seward Highway
88.3 mi · 1 hr 47 min · Seward Highway
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8
Turn left onto East Fireweed Lane
2696 ft · 1 min · East Fireweed Lane
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9
Turn right onto A Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · A Street
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10
Turn left onto West 9th Avenue
2881 ft · 2 min · West 9th Avenue
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11
Turn right onto I Street
1802 ft · 1 min · I Street
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12
Turn left onto West 4th Avenue
37 m · 10 sec · West 4th Avenue
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13
Turn left
26 m · 6 sec
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kenai and Anchorage.
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
At the end of the road, turn left onto Seward Highway
88.3 mi · 01h 47m
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 Rain leaving Kenai and Light Rain Likely near Anchorage.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kenai to Anchorage?
The road trip is about 159.1 miles (256 km) and usually takes 03h 07m 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 79.3 miles from Kenai and 79.8 miles from Anchorage.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 64.7 miles (104.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 94.4 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 10:44 AM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.78 one way or $55.55 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Rain around Kenai and Light Rain Likely near Anchorage.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kenai and Anchorage. Straight-line distance: 64.7 mi (104.13 km).
#1 Kenai
City in Alaska
| Population | 7,890 |
| Coordinates | 60.5544400, -151.2583300 |
| Altitude | 22 |
| 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: 256 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $27.78 | $55.55 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $29.95 | $59.89 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $31.23 | $62.45 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $35.71 | $71.43 |
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 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.