How far is Sterling, AK from Anchorage, AK?
The driving distance from Sterling, AK to Anchorage, AK is about 136.7 miles (220 km), with a travel time of about 02h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 55.3 miles (89 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 55m 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 02h 27m.
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.
City in United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sterling and Anchorage.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling and Anchorage.
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1
Start on Great Land Street
24 m · 6 sec · Great Land Street
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2
Turn right onto Sterling Highway
46 mi · 1 hr 8 min · Sterling Highway
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto Seward Highway
88.3 mi · 1 hr 47 min · Seward Highway
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4
Turn left onto East Fireweed Lane
2696 ft · 1 min · East Fireweed Lane
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5
Turn right onto A Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · A Street
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6
Turn left onto West 9th Avenue
2881 ft · 2 min · West 9th Avenue
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7
Turn right onto I Street
1802 ft · 1 min · I Street
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8
Turn left onto West 4th Avenue
37 m · 10 sec · West 4th Avenue
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9
Turn left
26 m · 6 sec
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sterling and Anchorage.
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
At the end of the road, turn left onto Seward Highway
88.3 mi · 01h 47m
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.
Partly Cloudy leaving Sterling and Sunny near Anchorage.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sterling to Anchorage?
The road trip is about 136.7 miles (220 km) and usually takes 02h 27m 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?
Girdwood is a useful midpoint, sitting about 68.2 miles from Sterling and 68.5 miles from Anchorage.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 55.3 miles (89 km), while the road route adds roughly 81.4 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 1:34 PM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.86 one way or $47.73 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Sterling and Sunny near Anchorage.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sterling and Anchorage. Straight-line distance: 55.3 mi (88.99 km).
#1 Sterling
Sterling is a place in Alaska, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 60.5372200, -150.7647200 |
| Altitude | 67 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Anchorage
The most populous city in Alaska and the center of the Anchorage metropolitan area.
| Population | 294,356 |
| Coordinates | 61.2180600, -149.9002800 |
| Altitude | 31 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-149.900352, 61.218324)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 220 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $23.86 | $47.73 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $25.73 | $51.46 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $26.83 | $53.66 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $30.68 | $61.37 |
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.