How far is Palmer, AK from Ester, AK?
The driving distance from Palmer, AK to Ester, AK is about 317.9 miles (511.6 km), with a travel time of about 06h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 227 miles (365.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 12h 57m 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 06h 28m.
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.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Light Rain Likely
Chance Rain And Snow then Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Palmer and Ester.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Palmer and Ester.
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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
4.2 mi · 6 min · West Parks Highway
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7
Continue on George Parks Highway
295.2 mi · 5 hr 52 min · George Parks Highway
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8
Turn left onto Old Nenana Highway
1880 ft · 38 sec · Old Nenana Highway
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9
Turn right onto Village Road
744 ft · 34 sec · Village Road
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10
Turn right onto Main Street
635 ft · 30 sec · Main Street
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11
Turn left onto Ester Loop
83 m · 12 sec · Ester Loop
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Ester Loop
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Palmer and Ester.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
George Parks Highway
Continue on George Parks Highway
295 mi · 05h 52m
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.
Light Rain Likely leaving Palmer and Chance Rain And Snow then Mostly Cloudy near Ester.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Palmer to Ester?
The road trip is about 317.9 miles (511.6 km) and usually takes 06h 28m 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?
Healy is a useful midpoint, sitting about 158.4 miles from Palmer and 159.4 miles from Ester.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 227 miles (365.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 90.9 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 $55.55 one way or $111.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 99.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Rain Likely around Palmer and Chance Rain And Snow then Mostly Cloudy near Ester.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Palmer and Ester. Straight-line distance: 226.99 mi (365.31 km).
#1 Palmer
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 7,766 |
| Coordinates | 61.5994100, -149.1145600 |
| Altitude | 72 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ester
Census designated place
| Population | 2,422 |
| Coordinates | 64.8472200, -148.0144400 |
| Altitude | 224 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ester (-148.01444, 64.84722)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 512 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $55.55 | $111.10 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $59.89 | $119.78 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $62.45 | $124.90 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $71.43 | $142.85 |
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.