Drive or Fly: Ketchikan, AK to Sitka, AK?
Side-by-side comparison of driving versus flying for this route. Costs, time, and trade-offs at a glance.
Could go either way
This distance is a toss-up. Drive if you want flexibility and lower cost, fly if you value time.
Drive
Door to Door
17h 49m
Distance
440 mi
Total Cost
$276
CO2
178 kg
Cost Breakdown
Fuel$96
Hotel (1 night)$110
Meals (2 days)$70
+
No luggage restrictions or TSA lines
+
Stop anywhere along the route
+
Have your own car at the destination
+
Likely faster door-to-door than flying
−
Requires 2 days of driving
−
Driver fatigue on longer stretches
−
Wear and tear on vehicle
−
Fuel price fluctuations
Fly
Door to Door
4h 2m
22m in the air
Air Distance
184 mi
Total Cost
$182
CO2
47 kg
Cost Breakdown
Estimated ticket$127
Rental car (1 day)$55
Nearest Airports
Ketchikan, AKKetchikan International Airport (3 mi)
Sitka, AKSitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (1 mi)
+
Saves about 13h 47m 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 | 17h 49m | 4h 2m |
| Total cost (1 person) | $276 | $182 |
| Carbon footprint | 178 kg CO2 | 47 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 Sitka, AK with stops, fuel costs, and turn-by-turn directions.