How far is Sterling, AK from Kenai, AK?
The driving distance from Sterling, AK to Kenai, AK is about 22.3 miles (35.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 16.8 miles (27.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 01m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM AKDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 30m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Alaska, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain And Snow
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sterling and Kenai.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling and Kenai.
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1
Start on Great Land Street
24 m · 3 sec · Great Land Street
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2
Turn left onto Sterling Highway
12.4 mi · 19 min · Sterling Highway
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3
Turn right onto Kalifornsky Beach Road
6 mi · 8 min · Kalifornsky Beach Road
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4
Turn right onto Bridge Access Road
3.3 mi · 5 min · Bridge Access Road
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5
Turn left onto Kenai Spur Highway
2847 ft · 1 min · Kenai Spur Highway
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6
Turn left onto Broad Street
28 m · 6 sec · Broad Street
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7
Turn right onto Frontage Road
142 m · 20 sec · Frontage Road
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Frontage Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sterling and Kenai.
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.
Sterling Highway
Turn left onto Sterling Highway
12.4 mi · 00h 19m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow leaving Sterling and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain And Snow near Kenai.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sterling to Kenai?
The road trip is about 22.3 miles (35.9 km) and usually takes 00h 30m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Soldotna is a useful midpoint, sitting about 11.1 miles from Sterling and 11.2 miles from Kenai.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 16.8 miles (27.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.5 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM AKDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:28 PM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.91 one way or $7.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain And Snow around Sterling and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain And Snow near Kenai.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sterling and Kenai. Straight-line distance: 16.81 mi (27.06 km).
#1 Sterling
Sterling is a place in Alaska, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 60.5372200, -150.7647200 |
| Altitude | 67 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Kenai
City in Alaska
| Population | 7,890 |
| Coordinates | 60.5544400, -151.2583300 |
| Altitude | 22 |
| Country | United States |
End: Frontage Road (-151.258293, 60.554244)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 36 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $3.91 | $7.82 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $4.22 | $8.43 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $4.40 | $8.79 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $5.03 | $10.06 |
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.