How far is Palmer, AK from Big Lake, AK?
The driving distance from Palmer, AK to Big Lake, AK is about 32.2 miles (51.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 28.1 miles (45.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 47m 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 53m.
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.
Census designated place in Alaska, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Rain
Chance Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Palmer and Big Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Palmer and Big Lake.
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1
Start on South Colony Way
4 m · 9 sec · South Colony Way
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2
Turn left onto West Evergreen Avenue
1366 ft · 42 sec · West Evergreen Avenue
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3
Continue on East Palmer Wasilla Highway
2364 ft · 1 min · East Palmer Wasilla Highway
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4
Turn straight onto East Palmer-Wasilla Highway
9.5 mi · 15 min · East Palmer-Wasilla Highway
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5
Turn right onto East Parks Highway
7.6 mi · 12 min · East Parks Highway
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6
Continue on West Parks Highway
3.5 mi · 5 min · West Parks Highway
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7
Turn left onto West Big Lake Road
3.6 mi · 5 min · West Big Lake Road
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward South Big Lake Road
60 m · 5 sec · South Big Lake Road
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9
Exit the roundabout onto South Big Lake Road
2.9 mi · 5 min · South Big Lake Road
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10
Continue on West Susitna Parkway
3.6 mi · 7 min · West Susitna Parkway
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11
Turn right onto South Jay Sedor Street
3134 ft · 2 min · South Jay Sedor Street
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12
Turn right onto West Tinkerbell Court
801 ft · 35 sec · West Tinkerbell Court
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13
Continue on South Crocodile Way
105 m · 15 sec · South Crocodile Way
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Crocodile Way
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Palmer and Big Lake.
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.
East Palmer-Wasilla Highway
Turn straight onto East Palmer-Wasilla Highway
9.51 mi · 00h 15m
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.
Chance Light Rain leaving Palmer and Chance Light Rain near Big Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Palmer to Big Lake?
The road trip is about 32.2 miles (51.9 km) and usually takes 00h 53m 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?
Meadow Lakes is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16 miles from Palmer and 16.2 miles from Big Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 28.1 miles (45.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.1 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 4:42 PM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.68 one way or $11.36 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain around Palmer and Chance Light Rain near Big Lake.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Palmer and Big Lake. Straight-line distance: 28.15 mi (45.31 km).
#1 Palmer
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 7,766 |
| Coordinates | 61.5994100, -149.1145600 |
| Altitude | 72 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Big Lake
This freshwater lake is situated in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough of Alaska, at an elevation of 144 feet.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 61.5213900, -149.9544400 |
| Altitude | 44 |
| Country | United States |
End: Big Lake (-149.95444, 61.52139)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 52 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.98 | $5.68 | $11.36 |
| Mid-grade | $5.23 | $5.96 | $11.93 |
| Premium | $5.45 | $6.21 | $12.42 |
| Diesel | $6.57 | $7.49 | $14.98 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026