How far is Ketchikan, AK from Kotzebue, AK?
The estimated driving distance from Ketchikan, AK to Kotzebue, AK is about 1513.7 miles (2436.1 km), with a travel time of about 26h 32m by car.
- This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 1282.8 miles (2064.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 53h 04m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 7:30 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 26h 32m.
Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
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 Alaska, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
Road route is being refreshed. This page currently uses an estimated driving distance.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ketchikan and Kotzebue.
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
Better with a longer stop
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
Partly Sunny leaving Ketchikan and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Kotzebue.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ketchikan to Kotzebue?
The road trip is about 1513.7 miles (2436.1 km) and usually takes 26h 32m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Valdez is a useful midpoint, sitting about 641.4 miles from Ketchikan and 872.3 miles from Kotzebue.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 1282.8 miles (2064.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 230.9 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 7:30 AM AKDT. Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $264.43 one way or $528.87 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 474.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Ketchikan and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Kotzebue.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ketchikan and Kotzebue. Straight-line distance: 1282.8 mi (2064.47 km).
#1 Ketchikan
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 8,187 |
| Coordinates | 55.3418000, -131.6475700 |
| Altitude | 8 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Kotzebue
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 3,260 |
| Coordinates | 66.8984600, -162.5980900 |
| Altitude | 6 |
| Country | United States |
End: Kotzebue (-162.59809, 66.89846)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 2436 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 50h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 37h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 30h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 25h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 21h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 18h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $264.43 | $528.87 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $285.10 | $570.21 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $297.28 | $594.56 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $340.01 | $680.02 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
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