How far is Valdez, AK from Fairbanks, AK?
The driving distance from Valdez, AK to Fairbanks, AK is about 363.2 miles (584.5 km), with a travel time of about 06h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 259.7 miles (417.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 12h 20m 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 06h 10m.
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 Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Valdez and Fairbanks.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Valdez and Fairbanks.
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1
Start on the route
5 m · 7 sec
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2
Turn left onto East Pioneer Drive
661 ft · 23 sec · East Pioneer Drive
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3
Turn left onto East Egan Avenue
2134 ft · 36 sec · East Egan Avenue
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4
Continue on Richardson Highway
362.8 mi · 7 hr 13 min · Richardson Highway
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5
Turn left onto Airport Way
1183 ft · 31 sec · Airport Way
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6
Turn right onto Noble Street
813 ft · 28 sec · Noble Street
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7
Turn left onto 12th Avenue
133 m · 19 sec · 12th Avenue
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 12th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Valdez and Fairbanks.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
Richardson Highway
Continue on Richardson Highway
363 mi · 07h 13m
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 Chance Rain Showers near Fairbanks.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Valdez to Fairbanks?
The road trip is about 363.2 miles (584.5 km) and usually takes 06h 10m 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?
Delta Junction is a useful midpoint, sitting about 181.4 miles from Valdez and 181.9 miles from Fairbanks.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 259.7 miles (417.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 103.5 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 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 $63.47 one way or $126.94 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 113.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Valdez and Chance Rain Showers near Fairbanks.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Valdez and Fairbanks. Straight-line distance: 259.68 mi (417.92 km).
#1 Valdez
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 3,843 |
| Coordinates | 61.1308300, -146.3483300 |
| Altitude | 30 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Fairbanks
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 30,696 |
| Coordinates | 64.8377800, -147.7163900 |
| Altitude | 136 |
| Country | United States |
End: 12th Avenue (-147.71648, 64.838038)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 585 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 12h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 09h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 07h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 06h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $63.47 | $126.94 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $68.43 | $136.87 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $71.36 | $142.71 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $81.61 | $163.22 |
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.