How far is Willow, AK from Fairbanks, AK?
The driving distance from Willow, AK to Fairbanks, AK is about 291.3 miles (468.8 km), with a travel time of about 04h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 225.3 miles (362.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 40m 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 04h 50m.
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.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Willow and Fairbanks.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Willow and Fairbanks.
-
1
Start on Petticoat Street
1101 ft · 51 sec · Petticoat Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto West Tuxedo Avenue
657 ft · 29 sec · West Tuxedo Avenue
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3
Continue on West Tuxedo Avenue
13 m · 7 sec · West Tuxedo Avenue
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4
Turn left onto Willow Station Road
1080 ft · 49 sec · Willow Station Road
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5
Turn right onto George Parks Highway
284.9 mi · 5 hr 38 min · George Parks Highway
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6
Take the exit straight toward East Airport Way
1630 ft · 40 sec
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7
Continue on Airport Way
3.5 mi · 6 min · Airport Way
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8
Turn left onto Cushman Street
635 ft · 27 sec · Cushman Street
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9
Turn right onto 12th Avenue
111 m · 16 sec · 12th Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 12th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Willow and Fairbanks.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
George Parks Highway
Turn right onto George Parks Highway
285 mi · 05h 38m
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.
Light Rain leaving Willow and Chance Light Rain near Fairbanks.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Willow to Fairbanks?
The road trip is about 291.3 miles (468.8 km) and usually takes 04h 50m 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?
Healy is a useful midpoint, sitting about 144.3 miles from Willow and 147 miles from Fairbanks.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 225.3 miles (362.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 66 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 7:20 AM AKDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $50.90 one way or $101.79 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 91.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Rain around Willow and Chance Light Rain near Fairbanks.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Willow and Fairbanks. Straight-line distance: 225.33 mi (362.64 km).
#1 Willow
Census-designated place in Alaska, USA
| Population | 2,102 |
| Coordinates | 61.7472200, -150.0375000 |
| Altitude | 64 |
| 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: 469 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $50.90 | $101.79 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $54.87 | $109.75 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $57.22 | $114.44 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $65.44 | $130.88 |
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 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.