How far is Nikiski, AK from Kenai, AK?
The driving distance from Nikiski, AK to Kenai, AK is about 13.8 miles (22.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 9.4 miles (15.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 38m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM AKDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 19m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
American city in Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Nikiski and Kenai.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Nikiski and Kenai.
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1
Start on Rachet Avenue
155 m · 22 sec · Rachet Avenue
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2
Continue on Bastien Drive
1 mi · 4 min · Bastien Drive
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3
Turn left onto Island Lake Road
1.3 km · 3 min · Island Lake Road
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4
Turn right onto Miller Loop Road
1.9 mi · 3 min · Miller Loop Road
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5
At the end of the road, turn left onto Kenai Spur Highway
10 mi · 15 min · Kenai Spur Highway
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6
Turn right onto Main Street
86 m · 18 sec · Main Street
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7
Turn left onto Frontage Road
89 m · 13 sec · Frontage Road
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Frontage Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Nikiski and Kenai.
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.
Kenai Spur Highway
At the end of the road, turn left onto Kenai Spur Highway
9.97 mi · 00h 15m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Rain leaving Nikiski and Light Rain near Kenai.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Nikiski to Kenai?
The road trip is about 13.8 miles (22.2 km) and usually takes 00h 19m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Ridgeway is a useful midpoint, sitting about 6.9 miles from Nikiski and 6.9 miles from Kenai.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 9.4 miles (15.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.4 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM AKDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:52 PM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.43 one way or $4.85 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 4.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain around Nikiski and Light Rain near Kenai.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Nikiski and Kenai. Straight-line distance: 9.44 mi (15.2 km).
#1 Nikiski
Census-designated place in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska
| Population | 4,493 |
| Coordinates | 60.6902800, -151.2888900 |
| Altitude | 40 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Kenai
City in Alaska
| Population | 7,890 |
| Coordinates | 60.5544400, -151.2583300 |
| Altitude | 22 |
| Country | United States |
End: Frontage Road (-151.258293, 60.554244)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 22 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $2.43 | $4.85 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $2.62 | $5.23 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $2.73 | $5.45 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $3.12 | $6.24 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.