Trip from Kenai, AK to Falls, AK

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 59m

Distance

80.7 mi

130 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$17

one way

EV Charging

Good

5 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min

4 AM

1h 51m ★

6 AM

2h 0m

8 AM

2h 17m

10 AM

2h 6m

12 PM

2h 4m

3 PM

2h 7m

5 PM

2h 16m

8 PM

1h 55m

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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Kenai, AK

John De Leon

Falls, AK

Нурлан

Trip Overview

Kenai to Falls is 80.7 miles and takes about 1 hour 59 minutes via Sterling Highway and Seward Highway, with a fuel budget near $17 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Alaska, connecting two points in the state. Expect a local feel with plenty of turns, rather than a straight, fast highway cruise. With only one recommended day, this trip is easily manageable for a single drive, allowing for a relaxed pace and minimal overnight planning. It’s a relatively short journey, making it ideal for those who prefer to reach their destination without a lengthy travel day.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

40.4 miles from Kenai, AK

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Sterling Highway	58.4 mi	1h 26m
Seward Highway	12.4 mi	18m
Kalifornsky Beach Road	6 mi	8m
Bridge Access Road	3.3 mi	5m
Kenai Spur Highway	0.5 mi	1m
Frontage Road	<0.1 mi	<1m
Broad Street	<0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Sterling Highway — 58.4 mi, about 1h 26m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on Frontage Road

465 ft · 25 sec · Frontage Road

Turn left onto Broad Street

91 ft · 5 sec · Broad Street

Turn right onto Kenai Spur Highway

0.5 mi · 1 min · Kenai Spur Highway

Turn right onto Bridge Access Road

3.3 mi · 5 min · Bridge Access Road

Turn left onto Kalifornsky Beach Road

6.0 mi · 8 min · Kalifornsky Beach Road

Turn left onto AK 1

58 mi · 1 hr 26 min · Sterling Highway

Turn right onto AK 9

12 mi · 18 min · Seward Highway

Arrive at destination

AK 9

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short distance of 80.7 miles and a driving time of under two hours, this trip offers considerable flexibility. You can depart Kenai at your leisure, perhaps after a relaxed morning. Since there are no designated stops listed, consider this an opportunity to discover local points of interest along the way. Keep an eye on your fuel; while the estimated cost is around $17, it's always wise to start with a full tank, especially when navigating unfamiliar local roads. The Sterling Highway is your longest continuous stretch, so use that portion to settle into the drive.

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 40.4 miles from Kenai, AK, or about 1h into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 58.4 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 27m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 40.4 miles or 1h 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 42m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Falls, 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 80.7 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 58.4 miles.

Nearby Places

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

Top Restaurant

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Soldotna, Alaska

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 11.5

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+19072605666

Visit website

Kamakani Kitchen

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kenai, Alaska

0.2 mi

Charlotte's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kenai, Alaska

0.4 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

Coffee Express

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Soldotna, Alaska

0.2 mi

Caribou Caboose Coffee & Creamery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sterling, Alaska

0 mi

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 11.5

Soldotna, Alaska

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+19072605666

Visit website

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

The Duck Inn Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 5.8

Soldotna, Alaska

+19072622656

Visit website

Mykel's Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $30 to $50 mile 11.5

Soldotna, Alaska

Hours: 8 am–8:30 pm

+19072624305

Visit website

Ginger's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 11.5

Soldotna, Alaska

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+19072608003

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 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

Coffee Express

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 11.5

Soldotna, Alaska

Hours: 6 am–6:30 pm

+19072624275

Caribou Caboose Coffee & Creamery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 23.1

Sterling, Alaska

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+19077400292

Visit website

Allen Sisters Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 11.5

Soldotna, Alaska

Hours: 5 am–7 pm

+19072603020

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

Kaladi Brothers Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 11.5

Soldotna, Alaska

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+19072625980

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

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 11.5

Soldotna, Alaska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19073982931

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 11.5

Soldotna, Alaska

+18668167584

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 57.7

Cooper Landing, Alaska

+18668167584

Visit website

EvGateway Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 23.1

Sterling, Alaska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19499452000

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 11.5

Soldotna, Alaska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Brew@602

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 11.5

Soldotna, Alaska

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+19072620602

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

Prospector John

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 57.7

Cooper Landing, Alaska

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19075981808

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 6

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 9.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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

Turn left onto Broad Street

Navigation decision point

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Kenai Spur Highway

Turn right onto Kenai Spur Highway

Navigation decision point

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

Turn right onto Bridge Access Road

Navigation decision point

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

Turn left onto Kalifornsky Beach Road

Navigation decision point

9.9 mi into trip | ~15m in | AK 1 / Sterling Highway

Turn left onto AK 1 / Sterling Highway

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$17.49 one way

$34.98 round trip

$5.51/gal 25.4 MPG avg 28 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$5.79	$18.39	$36.79
premium	$5.98	$19.00	$38.00
diesel	$5.61	$17.82	$35.64

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 28.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	24.2	$8.47	$3.87
Efficient EV	20.2	$7.06	$3.23
EV Truck/SUV	32.3	$11.30	$5.16

Gas CO2

28 kg

EV CO2

9 kg (68% 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 16, 2026

Origin

Kenai, AK

Evening in Kenai on Saturday

Local time

8:14 PM

AKDT

Current temp

39°F

Light Snow Likely then Widespread Rain And Snow Showers

NE 5 mph 77% chance Live forecast

Destination

Falls, AK

Evening in Falls on Saturday

Local time

8:14 PM

AKDT

Current temp

44°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

5 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

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is characterized by its turn-heavy, local character, with a 0% highway share. You'll encounter a varied road profile, moving between different local roads and highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll experience is 58.4 miles, primarily on the Sterling Highway. Be prepared for a dynamic driving experience that requires attention as the route progresses, rather than a monotonous cruise. This type of drive often means navigating through communities and varied terrain.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.

8 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 58.4 mi on Sterling Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

1/10

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 Falls, 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 0.1 miles (Kenai Spur Highway): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles (Bridge Access Road): Navigation decision point.

About the Cities

Starting in Kenai, AK

Full guide →

Kenai is a town of 8,000 people (2018) in Southcentral Alaska.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 59m. Total distance: 80.7 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

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 58.4 miles on Sterling Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through AK can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Falls, AK before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner 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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Explore more options from Kenai, AK or browse trips ending in Falls, AK.

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Trip from Kenai, AK to Falls, AK

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Nearby Places

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant

The Espresso Barn

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant

Paradiso's Restaurant

Kamakani Kitchen

Charlotte's Restaurant

The Duck Inn Bar and Restaurant

Mykel's Restaurant

Ginger's Restaurant

Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant

The Espresso Barn

Coffee Express

Caribou Caboose Coffee & Creamery

Allen Sisters Coffee

Shorty's Coffee

Ooakzen

Kaladi Brothers Coffee

Coffee Express Lounge

Tesla Supercharger

EV Connect Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

EvGateway Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Brew@602

Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center

Kenai Municipal Park

Prospector John

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Kenai, AK

Falls, AK

Same local time

5 degrees warmer at arrival

1h 59m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Starting in Kenai, AK

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Will I have cell service along this route?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Falls, AK

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