How far is Meadow Lakes, AK from Bethel, AK?
The estimated driving distance from Meadow Lakes, AK to Bethel, AK is about 481.4 miles (774.7 km), with a travel time of about 08h 26m by car.
- This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 407.9 miles (656.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 16h 52m 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 08h 26m.
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 Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny
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 Meadow Lakes and Bethel.
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Meadow Lakes and Mostly Sunny near Bethel.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Meadow Lakes to Bethel?
The road trip is about 481.4 miles (774.7 km) and usually takes 08h 26m 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?
Nondalton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 203.9 miles from Meadow Lakes and 277.4 miles from Bethel.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 407.9 miles (656.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 73.5 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 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 $84.12 one way or $168.23 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 151 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Meadow Lakes and Mostly Sunny near Bethel.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Meadow Lakes and Bethel. Straight-line distance: 407.92 mi (656.49 km).
#1 Meadow Lakes
Census designated place in Alaska, United States
| Population | 7,570 |
| Coordinates | 61.6247200, -149.6011100 |
| Altitude | 116 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Bethel
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 6,658 |
| Coordinates | 60.7922200, -161.7558300 |
| Altitude | 1 |
| Country | United States |
End: Bethel (-161.75583, 60.79222)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 775 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 16h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 12h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 09h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 08h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 06h 52m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 06h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $84.12 | $168.23 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $90.69 | $181.39 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $94.57 | $189.13 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $108.16 | $216.32 |
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