Drive or Fly: Ketchikan, AK to College, 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
55h 37m
Distance
1290.7 mi
Total Cost
$1,041
CO2
521 kg
Cost Breakdown
Fuel$281
Hotel (5 nights)$550
Meals (6 days)$210
+
No luggage restrictions or TSA lines
+
Stop anywhere along the route
+
Have your own car at the destination
−
Requires 6 days of driving
−
Driver fatigue on longer stretches
−
Wear and tear on vehicle
−
Fuel price fluctuations
Fly
Door to Door
5h 23m
1h 43m in the air
Air Distance
856 mi
Total Cost
$303
CO2
218 kg
Cost Breakdown
Estimated ticket$248
Rental car (1 day)$55
Nearest Airports
Ketchikan, AKKetchikan International Airport (3 mi)
College, AKFairbanks International Airport (3 mi)
+
Saves about 50h 14m 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 | 55h 37m | 5h 23m |
| Total cost (1 person) | $1,041 | $303 |
| Carbon footprint | 521 kg CO2 | 218 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 Ketchikan, AK to College, AK with stops, fuel costs, and turn-by-turn directions.