How far is Palmer, AK from Sterling, AK?
The driving distance from Palmer, AK to Sterling, AK is about 176.9 miles (284.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 91.8 miles (147.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 36m 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 03h 48m.
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.
City in United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain And Snow
Slight Chance Rain And Snow
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Palmer and Sterling.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Palmer and Sterling.
-
1
Start on South Colony Way
4 m · 9 sec · South Colony Way
-
2
Turn left onto West Evergreen Avenue
1366 ft · 42 sec · West Evergreen Avenue
-
3
Turn left onto Glenn Highway
7 mi · 10 min · Glenn Highway
-
4
Merge slight left onto East Parks Highway
157 m · 6 sec · East Parks Highway
-
5
Continue on Glenn Highway
33.1 mi · 38 min · Glenn Highway
-
6
Continue on East 5th Avenue
1.5 mi · 3 min · East 5th Avenue
-
7
Turn left onto Gambell Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · Gambell Street
-
8
Continue on Seward Highway
87.9 mi · 1 hr 46 min · Seward Highway
-
9
Take the exit slight right
46 mi · 1 hr 8 min
-
10
Turn left onto Great Land Street
34 m · 5 sec · Great Land Street
-
11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Great Land Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Palmer and Sterling.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Seward Highway
Continue on Seward Highway
87.9 mi · 01h 46m
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.
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain And Snow leaving Palmer and Slight Chance Rain And Snow near Sterling.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Palmer to Sterling?
The road trip is about 176.9 miles (284.7 km) and usually takes 03h 48m 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?
Girdwood is a useful midpoint, sitting about 88.2 miles from Palmer and 88.7 miles from Sterling.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 91.8 miles (147.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 85.1 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM AKDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:24 AM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $30.89 one way or $61.79 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain And Snow around Palmer and Slight Chance Rain And Snow near Sterling.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Palmer and Sterling. Straight-line distance: 91.8 mi (147.74 km).
#1 Palmer
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 7,766 |
| Coordinates | 61.5994100, -149.1145600 |
| Altitude | 72 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sterling
Sterling is a place in Alaska, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 60.5372200, -150.7647200 |
| Altitude | 67 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sterling (-150.76472, 60.53722)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 285 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $30.89 | $61.79 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $33.31 | $66.62 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $34.73 | $69.46 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $39.72 | $79.45 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.