Trip from Kenai, AK to Diamond Ridge, AK

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 59m

Distance

81.7 mi

132 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Fair

3 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min

4 AM

1h 51m ★

6 AM

1h 59m

8 AM

2h 17m

10 AM

2h 5m

12 PM

2h 4m

3 PM

2h 6m

5 PM

2h 16m

8 PM

1h 54m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Trip Overview

The drive from Kenai, AK to Diamond Ridge, AK covers 81.7 miles and takes about 1h 59m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Sterling Highway, Kalifornsky Beach Road, Diamond Ridge Road for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 55.9 miles on Sterling Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $17.71 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

40.9 miles from Kenai, AK

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 57m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 59m. Total distance: 81.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile.

Drive Character

Expect a 1h 59m drive with frequent turns across 81.7 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 10 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Sterling Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 55.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Broad Street.

Driving Effort 1/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Kenai, AK to Diamond Ridge, AK is easy. At 1h 59m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Broad Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles (Bridge Access Road): Navigation decision point; at 3.9 miles (Kalifornsky Beach Road): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 7 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

4

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Broad Street

Turn left onto Broad Street

Navigation decision point

4

0.6 mi into trip | ~1m in | Bridge Access Road

Turn right onto Bridge Access Road

Navigation decision point

4

3.9 mi into trip | ~6m in | Kalifornsky Beach Road

Turn right onto Kalifornsky Beach Road

Navigation decision point

4

76 mi into trip | ~1h 46m in | Diamond Ridge Road

Turn left onto Diamond Ridge Road

Navigation decision point

4

80.8 mi into trip | ~1h 57m in | Skyline Drive

At end of road, turn left onto Skyline Drive

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Sterling Highway	55.9 mi	1h 17m
Kalifornsky Beach Road	16.2 mi	22m
Diamond Ridge Road	4.8 mi	10m
Bridge Access Road	3.3 mi	5m
Skyline Drive	0.7 mi	1m
Kenai Spur Highway	0.5 mi	1m
Autumn Star Street	0.2 mi	<1m
Frontage Road	<0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Sterling Highway — 55.9 mi, about 1h 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Kenai, AK and Diamond Ridge, AK.

1

Start on Frontage Road

465 ft · 25 sec · Frontage Road

2

Turn left onto Broad Street

91 ft · 5 sec · Broad Street

3

Turn right onto Kenai Spur Highway

0.5 mi · 1 min · Kenai Spur Highway

4

Turn right onto Bridge Access Road

3.3 mi · 5 min · Bridge Access Road

5

Turn right onto Kalifornsky Beach Road

16 mi · 22 min · Kalifornsky Beach Road

6

Turn right onto AK 1

56 mi · 1 hr 17 min · Sterling Highway

7

Turn left onto Diamond Ridge Road

4.8 mi · 10 min · Diamond Ridge Road

8

At end of road, turn left onto Skyline Drive

0.7 mi · 1 min · Skyline Drive

9

Turn slight left onto Autumn Star Street

0.2 mi · 48 sec · Autumn Star Street

10

Arrive at destination

Autumn Star Street

Trip Plan

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.

The halfway point lands around 40.9 miles from Kenai, AK, or about 57m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.9 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 18 miles or 26m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 40.9 miles or 57m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 37m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Diamond Ridge, AK than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Kenai, AK so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Kenai, AK

This is one driving day of about 81.7 miles and 1h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Kenai, AK.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

The longest stretch is on Sterling Highway for about 55.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 40.9 mi from Kenai, AK · 57m into the drive

census-designated place in Alaska, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Anchor Point, AK

41 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Cohoe, AK

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 18 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Anchor Point, AK

Meal break

The midpoint is around 40.9 miles from Kenai, AK, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Diamond Ridge, AK

The final approach into Diamond Ridge, AK usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Kamakani Kitchen

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kenai, Alaska

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: Closed

Visit website

Charlotte's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kenai, Alaska

0.4 mi

Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Kenai, Alaska

0.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The Espresso Barn

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kenai, Alaska

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 5 am–6 pm

+19072836565

Visit website

Shorty's Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kenai, Alaska

0.4 mi

Ooakzen

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kenai, Alaska

0.6 mi

Paradiso's Restaurant

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route Moderately

Kenai, Alaska

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19072832222

Visit website

Kamakani Kitchen

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Kenai, Alaska

Hours: Closed

Visit website

Charlotte's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Kenai, Alaska

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+19072832777

Visit website

Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Kenai, Alaska

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19072833003

Visit website

The Flats Bistro

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 5.8

Kenai, Alaska

Hours: 3–8 pm

+19073351010

Visit website

Fat Olives Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 81.7

Homer, Alaska

Hours: 11:30 am–8:30 pm

+19072358488

Visit website

Captain's Coffee Cafe & Bakerium

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 81.7

Homer, Alaska

Hours: 6:30 am–3 pm

+19072354970

Visit website

Wild Honey Bistro

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 81.7

Homer, Alaska

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

+19074357635

Visit website

The Espresso Barn

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Kenai, Alaska

Hours: 5 am–6 pm

+19072836565

Visit website

Shorty's Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Kenai, Alaska

Hours: 5 am–6 pm

+19072832287

Ooakzen

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Kenai, Alaska

Hours: 12–12:30 pm

+15126074183

Visit website

Coffee Express Lounge

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Kenai, Alaska

Hours: Closed

+19072830627

Visit website

The Buzz Espresso

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 46.7

Ninilchik, Alaska

Hours: 5:30 am–6 pm

Coffee Express

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Kenai, Alaska

Hours: 6 am–6:30 pm

Northern Lights Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 64.2

Anchor Point, Alaska

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

Fika Coffee Roasters

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 64.2

Anchor Point, Alaska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15099617908

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 81.7

Homer, Alaska

Hours: Open 24 hours

EV Connect Charging Station

1.8 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 81.7

Homer, Alaska

+18668167584

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 81.7

Homer, Alaska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19072357076

Visit website

Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Kenai, Alaska

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19072831991

Visit website

Kenai Municipal Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Kenai, Alaska

Hours: 5 am–12 pm

+19072838262

Visit website

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (Islands and Ocean)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 81.7

Homer, Alaska

Hours: 12–4 pm

+19073024810

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$17.71 one way

$35.41 round trip

$5.51/gal 25.4 MPG avg 29 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$5.79	$18.62	$37.24
premium	$5.98	$19.23	$38.47
diesel	$5.61	$18.04	$36.08

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 28.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	24.5	$8.58	$3.92
Efficient EV	20.4	$7.15	$3.27
EV Truck/SUV	32.7	$11.44	$5.23

Gas CO2

29 kg

EV CO2

10 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Kenai, AK

Morning in Kenai on Saturday

Local time

8:58 AM

AKDT

Current temp

26°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Diamond Ridge, AK

Morning in Diamond Ridge on Saturday

Local time

8:58 AM

AKDT

Current temp

36°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

10 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 59m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Kenai, AK to Diamond Ridge, AK covers 81.7 miles and takes about 1h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Sterling Highway, Kalifornsky Beach Road, Diamond Ridge Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 40.9 miles from Kenai, AK. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $17.71 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

The drive from Kenai, AK to Diamond Ridge, AK is easy. At 1h 59m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Broad Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles (Bridge Access Road): Navigation decision point; at 3.9 miles (Kalifornsky Beach Road): Navigation decision point.

The route from Kenai, AK to Diamond Ridge, AK does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Trip from Kenai, AK to Diamond Ridge, AK

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Who Is This Route For?

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Diamond Ridge, AK

Nearby Places

Kamakani Kitchen

The Espresso Barn

Paradiso's Restaurant

Kamakani Kitchen

Charlotte's Restaurant

Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant

The Flats Bistro

Fat Olives Restaurant

Captain's Coffee Cafe & Bakerium

Wild Honey Bistro

The Espresso Barn

Shorty's Coffee

Ooakzen

Coffee Express Lounge

The Buzz Espresso

Coffee Express

Northern Lights Coffee

Fika Coffee Roasters

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

Tesla Destination Charger

Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center

Kenai Municipal Park

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (Islands and Ocean)

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Kenai, AK

Diamond Ridge, AK

Same local time

10 degrees warmer at arrival

1h 59m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trip from Kenai, AK to Diamond Ridge, AK?

What are the main roads on this route?

Is this a good same-day trip?

Where should I stop halfway?

How much does gas cost for this trip?

What is the best time to leave?

How hard is the drive from Kenai, AK to Diamond Ridge, AK?

Where does this route get tricky?

What towns show up on signs driving from Kenai, AK to Diamond Ridge, AK?

How this page is built

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