How far is Ketchikan, AK from Metlakatla, AK?
The driving distance from Ketchikan, AK to Metlakatla, AK is about 23.1 miles (37.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 15 miles (24.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 52m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM AKDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 00h 56m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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 Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Slight Chance Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ketchikan and Metlakatla.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ketchikan and Metlakatla.
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1
Start on the route
760 ft · 34 sec
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto Water Street
66 m · 12 sec · Water Street
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3
Continue on Water Street
1875 ft · 37 sec · Water Street
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4
Turn left onto Tongass Avenue
1.6 mi · 3 min · Tongass Avenue
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5
Turn left
39 m · 9 sec
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6
Turn left
55 m · 6 sec
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7
At the end of the road, turn right
102 m · 34 sec
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8
Turn straight onto Alaska Marine Highway - Ketchikan ↔ Metlakatla
19.3 mi · 45 min · Alaska Marine Highway - Ketchikan ↔ Metlakatla
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9
Continue on Ferry Terminal Roas
140 m · 37 sec · Ferry Terminal Roas
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10
Turn right onto Walden Point Road
1.1 mi · 4 min · Walden Point Road
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11
Continue on Tait Street
1653 ft · 1 min · Tait Street
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12
Turn left onto 4th Avenue
53 m · 8 sec · 4th Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 4th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ketchikan and Metlakatla.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Alaska Marine Highway - Ketchikan ↔ Metlakatla
Turn straight onto Alaska Marine Highway - Ketchikan ↔ Metlakatla
19.3 mi · 00h 45m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Ketchikan and Slight Chance Light Rain near Metlakatla.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ketchikan to Metlakatla?
The road trip is about 23.1 miles (37.1 km) and usually takes 00h 56m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Saxman is a useful midpoint, sitting about 11.5 miles from Ketchikan and 11.6 miles from Metlakatla.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 15 miles (24.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.1 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM AKDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:38 PM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.01 one way or $8.02 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 7.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Ketchikan and Slight Chance Light Rain near Metlakatla.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ketchikan and Metlakatla. Straight-line distance: 15.01 mi (24.16 km).
#1 Ketchikan
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 8,187 |
| Coordinates | 55.3418000, -131.6475700 |
| Altitude | 8 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Metlakatla
Census-designated place in Alaska, United States
| Population | 1,419 |
| Coordinates | 55.1284800, -131.5751900 |
| Altitude | 1 |
| Country | United States |
End: Metlakatla (-131.57519, 55.12848)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 37 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $4.01 | $8.02 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $4.32 | $8.65 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $4.51 | $9.02 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $5.16 | $10.31 |
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.