How far is Kenai, AK from Palmer, AK?
The driving distance from Kenai, AK to Palmer, AK is about 202.1 miles (325.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 101.7 miles (163.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 51m 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 55m.
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 Rain
Light Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kenai and Palmer.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kenai and Palmer.
-
1
Start on Frontage Road
142 m · 25 sec · Frontage Road
-
2
Turn left onto Broad Street
28 m · 6 sec · Broad Street
-
3
Turn right onto Kenai Spur Highway
2847 ft · 1 min · Kenai Spur Highway
-
4
Turn right onto Bridge Access Road
3.3 mi · 5 min · Bridge Access Road
-
5
Turn left onto Kalifornsky Beach Road
6 mi · 8 min · Kalifornsky Beach Road
-
6
Turn left onto Sterling Highway
58.4 mi · 1 hr 26 min · Sterling Highway
-
7
At the end of the road, turn left onto Seward Highway
88.5 mi · 1 hr 47 min · Seward Highway
-
8
Continue on Ingra Street
1 mi · 2 min · Ingra Street
-
9
Turn right onto East 6th Avenue
1924 ft · 57 sec · East 6th Avenue
-
10
Continue on East 5th Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · East 5th Avenue
-
11
Continue on Glenn Highway
33 mi · 38 min · Glenn Highway
-
12
Keep slight right to continue on Glenn Highway
7.2 mi · 10 min · Glenn Highway
-
13
Turn right onto West Evergreen Avenue
1367 ft · 49 sec · West Evergreen Avenue
-
14
Turn right onto South Colony Way
4 m · 1 sec · South Colony Way
-
15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Colony Way
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kenai and Palmer.
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
88.5 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.
Chance Light Rain leaving Kenai and Light Rain Likely near Palmer.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kenai to Palmer?
The road trip is about 202.1 miles (325.3 km) and usually takes 03h 55m 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 99.5 miles from Kenai and 102.5 miles from Palmer.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 101.7 miles (163.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 100.4 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 9:08 AM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $35.30 one way or $70.60 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 63.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain around Kenai and Light Rain Likely near Palmer.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kenai and Palmer. Straight-line distance: 101.7 mi (163.67 km).
#1 Kenai
City in Alaska
| Population | 7,890 |
| Coordinates | 60.5544400, -151.2583300 |
| Altitude | 22 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Palmer
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 7,766 |
| Coordinates | 61.5994100, -149.1145600 |
| Altitude | 72 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Colony Way (-149.114582, 61.599443)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 325 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $35.30 | $70.60 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $38.06 | $76.12 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $39.69 | $79.37 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $45.39 | $90.78 |
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.