How far is Sterling, AK from Wasilla, AK?
The driving distance from Sterling, AK to Wasilla, AK is about 177.8 miles (286.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 06m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 84.6 miles (136.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 12m 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 06m.
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.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow
Light Snow Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sterling and Wasilla.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling and Wasilla.
-
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
88.5 mi · 1 hr 47 min · Seward Highway
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4
Continue on Ingra Street
1 mi · 2 min · Ingra Street
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5
Turn right onto East 6th Avenue
1924 ft · 57 sec · East 6th Avenue
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6
Continue on East 5th Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · East 5th Avenue
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7
Continue on Glenn Highway
33 mi · 38 min · Glenn Highway
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8
Keep slight left to continue on East Parks Highway
8 mi · 11 min · East Parks Highway
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9
Turn left onto Main Street
8 m · 1 sec · Main Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sterling and Wasilla.
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
88.5 mi · 01h 47m
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.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow leaving Sterling and Light Snow Likely near Wasilla.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sterling to Wasilla?
The road trip is about 177.8 miles (286.1 km) and usually takes 03h 06m 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 88.7 miles from Sterling and 89 miles from Wasilla.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 84.6 miles (136.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 93.2 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 10:48 AM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.04 one way or $62.09 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain And Snow around Sterling and Light Snow Likely near Wasilla.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sterling and Wasilla. Straight-line distance: 84.6 mi (136.15 km).
#1 Sterling
Sterling is a place in Alaska, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 60.5372200, -150.7647200 |
| Altitude | 67 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Wasilla
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 11,099 |
| Coordinates | 61.5809000, -149.4415000 |
| Altitude | 106 |
| Country | United States |
End: Main Street (-149.441488, 61.58086)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 286 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $31.04 | $62.09 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $33.47 | $66.94 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $34.90 | $69.80 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $39.91 | $79.83 |
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.