Drive or Fly: Anchorage, AK to Ketchikan, AK?
Side-by-side comparison of driving versus flying for this route. Costs, time, and trade-offs at a glance.
Flying wins
Flying saves significant time at this distance. Consider driving only if you enjoy the road trip.
Drive
Door to Door
48h 29m
Distance
936.7 mi
Total Cost
$819
CO2
378 kg
Cost Breakdown
Fuel$204
Hotel (4 nights)$440
Meals (5 days)$175
+
No luggage restrictions or TSA lines
+
Stop anywhere along the route
+
Have your own car at the destination
−
Requires 5 days of driving
−
Driver fatigue on longer stretches
−
Wear and tear on vehicle
−
Fuel price fluctuations
Fly
Door to Door
5h 13m
1h 33m in the air
Air Distance
774 mi
Total Cost
$297
CO2
197 kg
Cost Breakdown
Estimated ticket$242
Rental car (1 day)$55
Nearest Airports
Anchorage, AKAnchorage International Airport (4 mi)
Ketchikan, AKKetchikan International Airport (3 mi)
+
Saves about 43h 16m compared to driving
+
Less physical fatigue
+
Predictable arrival time
−
Airport security and check-in overhead
−
May need a rental car at destination
−
Luggage fees and restrictions
−
Less flexibility for stops along the way
At a Glance
| Drive | Fly | |
|---|---|---|
| Door-to-door time | 48h 29m | 5h 13m |
| Total cost (1 person) | $819 | $297 |
| Carbon footprint | 378 kg CO2 | 197 kg CO2 |
| Flexibility | High | Low |
| Luggage | Unlimited | Restricted |
Costs are rough estimates based on US averages. Flight prices vary by airline, date, and booking time.
Decided to drive? See the full trip plan from Anchorage, AK to Ketchikan, AK with stops, fuel costs, and turn-by-turn directions.