How far is North Pole, AK from Palmer, AK?
The driving distance from North Pole, AK to Palmer, AK is about 341.4 miles (549.5 km), with a travel time of about 05h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 224.6 miles (361.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 32m 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 05h 46m.
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.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Snow
Chance Rain And Snow then Rain And Snow Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between North Pole and Palmer.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North Pole and Palmer.
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1
Start on Fourth Avenue
60 m · 11 sec · Fourth Avenue
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2
Turn right onto Snowman Lane
45 m · 12 sec · Snowman Lane
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3
Turn left onto 4th Avenue
106 m · 17 sec · 4th Avenue
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4
Turn right onto South Santa Claus Lane
1846 ft · 37 sec · South Santa Claus Lane
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5
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward North Santa Claus Lane
37 m · 2 sec · North Santa Claus Lane
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6
Exit the roundabout onto North Santa Claus Lane
142 m · 9 sec · North Santa Claus Lane
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7
Turn slight left onto Badger Road
135 m · 13 sec · Badger Road
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8
Continue on Badger Road
26 m · 2 sec · Badger Road
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9
Take the ramp slight right
1145 ft · 28 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto Richardson Highway
11 mi · 14 min · Richardson Highway
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11
Take the exit slight right
318.2 mi · 6 hr 25 min
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12
Turn left onto East Palmer-Wasilla Highway
9.6 mi · 15 min · East Palmer-Wasilla Highway
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13
Continue on East Palmer Wasilla Highway
1867 ft · 49 sec · East Palmer Wasilla Highway
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14
Continue on West Evergreen Avenue
1423 ft · 49 sec · West Evergreen Avenue
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15
Turn right onto South Colony Way
4 m · 1 sec · South Colony Way
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Colony Way
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between North Pole and Palmer.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
Richardson Highway
Take the exit slight right
318 mi · 06h 25m
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 Snow leaving North Pole and Chance Rain And Snow then Rain And Snow Likely near Palmer.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from North Pole to Palmer?
The road trip is about 341.4 miles (549.5 km) and usually takes 05h 46m 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?
Healy is a useful midpoint, sitting about 169.6 miles from North Pole and 171.8 miles from Palmer.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 224.6 miles (361.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 116.8 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 5:28 AM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $59.66 one way or $119.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 107.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Snow around North Pole and Chance Rain And Snow then Rain And Snow Likely near Palmer.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between North Pole and Palmer. Straight-line distance: 224.59 mi (361.44 km).
#1 North Pole
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 2,108 |
| Coordinates | 64.7511100, -147.3494400 |
| Altitude | 147 |
| 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: 549 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 11h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 52m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $59.66 | $119.32 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $64.32 | $128.65 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $67.07 | $134.14 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $76.71 | $153.42 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.