How far is Valdez, AK from Bethel, AK?
The estimated driving distance from Valdez, AK to Bethel, AK is about 608.9 miles (980 km), with a travel time of about 10h 40m by car.
- This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 516 miles (830.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 21h 21m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 7:30 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 10h 40m.
Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
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 Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Isolated Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
Road route is being refreshed. This page currently uses an estimated driving distance.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Valdez and Bethel.
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
Better with a longer stop
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Valdez and Isolated Rain And Snow Showers near Bethel.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Valdez to Bethel?
The road trip is about 608.9 miles (980 km) and usually takes 10h 40m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Nondalton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 258.1 miles from Valdez and 351 miles from Bethel.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 516 miles (830.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 92.9 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 7:30 AM AKDT. Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $106.40 one way or $212.79 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 191 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Valdez and Isolated Rain And Snow Showers near Bethel.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Valdez and Bethel. Straight-line distance: 516.06 mi (830.52 km).
#1 Valdez
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 3,843 |
| Coordinates | 61.1308300, -146.3483300 |
| Altitude | 30 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Bethel
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 6,658 |
| Coordinates | 60.7922200, -161.7558300 |
| Altitude | 1 |
| Country | United States |
End: Bethel (-161.75583, 60.79222)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 980 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 20h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 15h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 12h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 10h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 08h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 07h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $106.40 | $212.79 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $114.71 | $229.43 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $119.61 | $239.23 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $136.81 | $273.61 |
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