Origin
Palmer, AK
Evening in Palmer on Sunday
Local time
7:04 PM
AKDT
Current temp
27°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Palmer, AK to Fritz Creek, AK
Drive Time
6h 19m
Distance
276.9 mi
446 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$60
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
9 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 7m
★
6 AM
6h 19m
8 AM
6h 45m
10 AM
6h 28m
12 PM
6h 26m
3 PM
6h 29m
5 PM
6h 43m
8 PM
6h 12m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Palmer, AK
Engin Akyurt
Fritz Creek, AK
Frank Krasznavolgyi
Trip Overview
Spanning 276.9 miles, the drive from Palmer to Fritz Creek is a substantial journey that typically requires about 6 hours and 19 minutes of time behind the wheel. You will primarily navigate via the Glenn Highway, the Seward Highway, and AK 1, transitioning through the diverse landscapes of Alaska. While it is feasible to complete this distance in a single day, be prepared for a long stint on the road if you choose not to break it up. Budgeting approximately $60 for fuel will cover your transit, though it is wise to keep an eye on your gauge as you move between regions. This route works best for travelers who enjoy a full day of driving and want to experience the transition from Palmer to the coastal environment of Fritz Creek.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
138.5 miles from Palmer, AK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 51m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip offers a mixed driving profile, balancing high-speed transit with varying road conditions. You will spend roughly 48% of your time on highways, though the experience shifts significantly as you transition between the Glenn and Seward Highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 131.8-mile segment on AK 1, which demands steady focus and careful pacing. Expect the character of the road to change as you progress, requiring you to adapt to different traffic flows and road types. It is not a monotonous interstate grind, so stay alert as you navigate the changing terrain throughout the 276.9-mile journey.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
AK 1 is the longest continuous segment at about 131.8 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
388 ft
154 ft
Total Climb
144 ft
Total Descent
234 ft
Highest Point
388 ft
~19.8 mi in
Elevation Range
234 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West Evergreen Avenue.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
The route itself is not hard, but at 6h 19m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 7 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Evergreen Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.3 miles (AK 1 / Glenn Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.3 miles (AK 3 / East Parks Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
West Evergreen Avenue
Turn left onto West Evergreen Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
0.3 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
AK 1 / Glenn Highway
Turn left onto AK 1 / Glenn Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
3
7.3 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
AK 3 / East Parks Highway
Merge onto AK 3 / East Parks Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining
4
41.9 mi into trip
|
~52m in
|
AK 1 / Gambell Street
Turn left onto AK 1 / Gambell Street
Navigation decision point
4
275.6 mi into trip
|
~6h 14m in
|
Hutler Road
Turn left onto Hutler Road
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| AK 1 | 131.8 mi | 3h 9m |
| Seward Highway | 87.9 mi | 1h 45m |
| Glenn Highway | 40.1 mi | 48m |
| East End Road | 11.8 mi | 20m |
| East 5th Avenue | 1.5 mi | 3m |
| Hutler Road | 1.3 mi | 5m |
| Gambell Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| West Pioneer Avenue | 1 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
AK 1
— 131.8 mi, about 3h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Palmer, AK and Fritz Creek, AK.
1
Start on South Colony Way
12 ft
·
8 sec
·
South Colony Way
2
Turn left onto West Evergreen Avenue
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
West Evergreen Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Turn left onto AK 1
7.0 mi
·
10 min
·
Glenn Highway
Use the left lane.
4
Merge onto AK 3
516 ft
·
6 sec
·
East Parks Highway
5
Continue on AK 1
33 mi
·
38 min
·
Glenn Highway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on AK 1
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
East 5th Avenue
Use the none lane.
7
Turn left onto AK 1
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Gambell Street
8
Continue on AK 1
88 mi
·
1 hr 45 min
·
Seward Highway
Use the none lane.
9
Take the exit onto AK 1
132 mi
·
3 hr 9 min
·
AK 1
10
Turn left onto West Pioneer Avenue
1.0 mi
·
3 min
·
West Pioneer Avenue
11
Continue on East End Road
12 mi
·
20 min
·
East End Road
12
Turn left onto Hutler Road
1.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Hutler Road
13
Arrive at destination
Hutler Road
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 6-hour and 19-minute trek, aim for an early departure to maximize your daylight hours. Since you only have one planned stop along the way, ensure you utilize your break effectively to stretch and refuel; keep in mind your $60 fuel budget when selecting where to top off. Given the length of the 131.8-mile stretch on AK 1, plan your snacks and hydration well in advance to avoid unnecessary pauses. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider splitting the trip into two days to better enjoy the shift from the interior to the coast. Always monitor your fuel levels before starting the longest segments to ensure you reach Fritz Creek without stress.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 138.5 miles from Palmer, AK, or about 2h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 131.8 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 80 miles or 1h 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 138.5 miles or 2h 51m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fritz Creek, AK than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Palmer, AK so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Palmer, AK
This is one driving day of about 276.9 miles and 6h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Palmer, AK.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on AK 1 for about 131.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 138.5 mi from Palmer, AK · 2h 51m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
138 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 138.5 miles from Palmer, AK, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before AK 1 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 131.8 miles.
Arriving in Fritz Creek, AK
The final approach into Fritz Creek, AK usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Fritz Creek, AK.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$60.26 one way
$120.53 round trip
$5.53/gal
25.4 MPG avg
97 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.82 | $63.39 | $126.79 |
| premium | $6.02 | $65.65 | $131.30 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $61.52 | $123.04 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$60
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
EV Charging Along Route
9 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Chugiak, AK - Tesla Supercharger
Chugiak, AK
Tesla
8 DCFC
Fred Meyer - Tesla Supercharger
Anchorage, AK
Tesla
8 DCFC
Three Bears - Birchwood
Chugiak, AK
EVGATEWAY
4 DCFC
Three Bears - Sterling
Sterling, AK
EVGATEWAY
4 DCFC
Whistle Stop - Tesla Supercharger
Soldotna, AK
Tesla
4 DCFC
Chevrolet of Wasilla
Wasilla, AK
Non-Networked
2 DCFC
Chugach Electric HQ
Anchorage, AK
SYNERGEV
2 DCFC
Soldotna Auto Mall
Soldotna, AK
Blink Network
2 DCFC
Tesla: 3
EVGATEWAY: 2
Non-Networked: 1
SYNERGEV: 1
ChargePoint Network: 1
Blink Network: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 83.1 | 1 | $29.07 | $13.29 |
| Efficient EV | 69.2 | 0 | $24.23 | $11.08 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 110.8 | 1 | $38.77 | $17.72 |
Gas CO2
97 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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.
Destination
Fritz Creek, AK
Evening in Fritz Creek on Sunday
Local time
7:04 PM
AKDT
Current temp
29°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
2 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
6h 19m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Palmer, AK to Fritz Creek, AK covers 276.9 miles and takes about 6h 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are AK 1, Seward Highway, Glenn Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 138.5 miles from Palmer, AK. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $60.26 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
The route itself is not hard, but at 6h 19m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 7 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Evergreen Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.3 miles (AK 1 / Glenn Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.3 miles (AK 3 / East Parks Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining.
The route from Palmer, AK to Fritz Creek, AK does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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