Origin
Wasilla, AK
Late night in Wasilla on Wednesday
Local time
1:36 AM
AKDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Wasilla, AK to Anchorage, AK
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
55m
Distance
43.5 mi
70 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 51m
★
6 AM
0h 55m
8 AM
1h 4m
10 AM
0h 58m
12 PM
0h 58m
3 PM
0h 59m
5 PM
1h 4m
8 PM
0h 53m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Wasilla, AK
Wikimedia Commons
Anchorage, AK
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This relatively short 43.5-mile drive from Wasilla to Anchorage, Alaska, is best tackled in a single day, taking approximately 55 minutes. You'll primarily navigate the Glenn Highway and East Parks Highway, with a brief stretch on East 5th Avenue as you reach your destination. The fuel cost is estimated at a modest $9, making it an economical option for a quick trip. Given its nature as a turn-heavy local drive, it’s a straightforward journey within the state of Alaska. This route is ideal for those looking for a direct and efficient transfer between these two Alaskan communities.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
21.8 miles from Wasilla, AK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 26m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive for the majority of this 43.5-mile trip. While you'll be on the Glenn Highway and East Parks Highway for significant portions, the route doesn't feature a high percentage of pure highway driving. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 33.1 miles on the Glenn Highway, offering a brief period of more consistent speed before you transition to more local road conditions closer to Anchorage. The character of the road shifts from a more open highway feel to a more integrated urban approach as you near your destination.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 8 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Glenn Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 33.1 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 early in the drive near AK 3 / East Parks Highway.
Route Complexity
2/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Wasilla, AK to Anchorage, AK is easy. At 55m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (AK 3 / East Parks Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 43.4 miles (I Street): Navigation decision point; at 43.5 miles (West 4th Avenue): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
4 of 4 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
AK 3 / East Parks Highway
Turn left onto AK 3 / East Parks Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
4
43.4 mi into trip
|
~54m in
|
I Street
Turn right onto I Street
Navigation decision point
5
43.5 mi into trip
|
~55m in
|
West 4th Avenue
Turn left onto West 4th Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
43.5 mi into trip
|
~55m in
Turn left
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Glenn Highway | 33.1 mi | 38m |
| East Parks Highway | 7.9 mi | 10m |
| East 5th Avenue | 2.4 mi | 5m |
| I Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| West 4th Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Main Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Glenn Highway
— 33.1 mi, about 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wasilla, AK and Anchorage, AK.
1
Start on Main Street
15 ft
·
7 sec
·
Main Street
2
Turn left onto AK 3
7.9 mi
·
10 min
·
East Parks Highway
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on AK 1
33 mi
·
38 min
·
Glenn Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Continue on AK 1
2.4 mi
·
5 min
·
East 5th Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
5
Turn right onto I Street
358 ft
·
17 sec
·
I Street
6
Turn left onto West 4th Avenue
120 ft
·
9 sec
·
West 4th Avenue
7
Turn left
85 ft
·
6 sec
8
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 55-minute drive from Wasilla to Anchorage, timing your departure can help you avoid the busiest local traffic. Since the total distance is only 43.5 miles and the fuel cost is a low $9, you have a lot of flexibility. Consider leaving mid-morning or early afternoon to bypass peak commute times. There are no specified stops on this route, so you can make it a direct journey or pull over if you see a local spot that catches your eye. Be mindful of the transitions between the main roads and city streets as you enter Anchorage; keeping an eye on your GPS will be helpful for navigating the final turns.
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 21.8 miles from Wasilla, AK, or about 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 33.1 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 43.5 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 21.8 miles or 26m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Anchorage, AK than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Wasilla, 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 Wasilla, AK
This is one driving day of about 43.5 miles and 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Wasilla, AK.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Glenn Highway for about 33.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 21.8 mi from Wasilla, AK · 26m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
22 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 43.5 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 21.8 miles from Wasilla, AK, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Anchorage, AK
The final approach into Anchorage, 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 Anchorage, AK.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$9.43 one way
$18.86 round trip
$5.51/gal
25.4 MPG avg
15 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.79 | $9.91 | $19.83 |
| premium | $5.98 | $10.24 | $20.48 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $9.60 | $19.21 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$9
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$34–$59
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 15.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 13 | 0 | $4.57 | $2.09 |
| Efficient EV | 10.9 | 0 | $3.81 | $1.74 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 17.4 | 0 | $6.09 | $2.78 |
Gas CO2
15 kg
EV CO2
5 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Anchorage, AK
Late night in Anchorage on Wednesday
Local time
1:36 AM
AKDT
Current temp
27°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
44°F
Gateway, AK
22 mi in
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
17 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
55m 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 Wasilla, AK to Anchorage, AK covers 43.5 miles and takes about 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Glenn Highway, East Parks Highway, East 5th Avenue. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 21.8 miles from Wasilla, AK. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $9.43 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 Wasilla, AK to Anchorage, AK is easy. At 55m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (AK 3 / East Parks Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 43.4 miles (I Street): Navigation decision point; at 43.5 miles (West 4th Avenue): Navigation decision point.
The route from Wasilla, AK to Anchorage, AK does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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