How far is Palmer, AK from Valdez, AK?
The driving distance from Palmer, AK to Valdez, AK is about 257.4 miles (414.2 km), with a travel time of about 05h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 97.1 miles (156.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 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 16m.
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 Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Palmer and Valdez.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Palmer and Valdez.
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1
Start on South Colony Way
4 m · 2 sec · South Colony Way
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2
Continue on South Alaska Street
2640 ft · 1 min · South Alaska Street
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3
Turn left onto West Arctic Avenue
670 ft · 21 sec · West Arctic Avenue
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4
Turn right onto Glenn Highway
139.2 mi · 2 hr 53 min · Glenn Highway
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5
At the end of the road, turn right onto Richardson Highway
117.1 mi · 2 hr 21 min · Richardson Highway
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6
Continue on East Egan Avenue
2134 ft · 38 sec · East Egan Avenue
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7
Turn right onto East Pioneer Drive
661 ft · 20 sec · East Pioneer Drive
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8
Turn right
5 m · 1 sec
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Palmer and Valdez.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Glenn Highway
Turn right onto Glenn Highway
139 mi · 02h 53m
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 Rain Showers leaving Palmer and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Valdez.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Palmer to Valdez?
The road trip is about 257.4 miles (414.2 km) and usually takes 05h 16m 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?
Lazy Mountain is a useful midpoint, sitting about 128.3 miles from Palmer and 129.1 miles from Valdez.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 97.1 miles (156.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 160.3 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 6:28 AM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $44.96 one way or $89.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 80.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Palmer and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Valdez.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Palmer and Valdez. Straight-line distance: 97.14 mi (156.33 km).
#1 Palmer
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 7,766 |
| Coordinates | 61.5994100, -149.1145600 |
| Altitude | 72 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Valdez
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 3,843 |
| Coordinates | 61.1308300, -146.3483300 |
| Altitude | 30 |
| Country | United States |
End: Valdez (-146.34833, 61.13083)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 414 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $44.96 | $89.91 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $48.47 | $96.94 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $50.54 | $101.08 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $57.80 | $115.61 |
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 · May 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.