Why Fuel Planning Matters in Alaska

In the Lower 48, running low on gas is an inconvenience. In Alaska, it can be an emergency. Many Alaska highways have gaps of 50 to 100 miles or more between fuel stations, and on routes like the Dalton Highway, the gap stretches to nearly 240 miles. Gas stations in remote areas may also have limited hours, seasonal closures, or broken pumps. Planning your fuel stops is not optional on an Alaska road trip.

The Golden Rule

Never pass a gas station with less than half a tank. This simple rule will keep you out of trouble on virtually every road in Alaska. When you see a station, top off. The price might sting, but it is always cheaper than a tow from the middle of nowhere.

Fuel Prices in Alaska

Gas prices in Alaska are higher than the national average and increase significantly as you move away from Anchorage and Fairbanks. As a general guide:

  • Anchorage: $3.80 to $4.50 per gallon
  • Fairbanks: $4.00 to $4.80 per gallon
  • Kenai Peninsula (Seward, Homer): $4.20 to $5.00 per gallon
  • Tok, Glennallen, Valdez: $4.50 to $5.50 per gallon
  • Remote highway lodges: $5.00 to $7.00 per gallon
  • Dalton Highway (Coldfoot, Deadhorse): $7.00 to $10.00+ per gallon

Prices fluctuate with oil markets and vary by season. Summer prices tend to be slightly higher due to demand. Diesel is usually 20-40 cents more per gallon than regular gasoline.

Longest Gaps Between Fuel Stations

Here are the stretches where fuel planning is most critical:

  • Coldfoot to Deadhorse (Dalton Highway): 239 miles. The longest fuel gap on any public road in the US. Carry extra fuel.
  • Tok to Canadian border stations: On the Taylor Highway/Top of the World Highway, the gap from Chicken to Dawson City is roughly 130 miles.
  • Glennallen to Valdez: About 115 miles with limited services in between.
  • Cantwell to Paxson (Denali Highway): 135 miles with only one or two seasonal fuel stops that may or may not be open.
  • Tok to Delta Junction: About 108 miles with one fuel stop at Delta Junction.

On the Alaska Highway through Canada, fuel stations appear every 50 to 150 miles, but some are seasonal or have limited hours. The Yukon government posts fuel availability updates that are worth checking before your trip.

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Tips for Fuel Planning

Before Your Trip

  • Know your vehicle's fuel tank capacity and realistic range (highway mpg at your likely speed, not the optimistic EPA number)
  • For the Dalton Highway or other very remote routes, invest in a fuel-approved jerry can (5-10 gallons)
  • Download offline maps that show gas station locations. The Milepost guidebook is the classic reference and lists every fuel stop on every Alaska highway.

On the Road

  • Fill up every time you stop, even if your tank is half full
  • Do not assume a gas station will be open. Small stations in remote areas may close early, run out of fuel, or shut down seasonally.
  • Pay attention to signs. Many highway lodges and stations post signs 10-20 miles in advance. These are worth heeding.
  • Drive efficiently on remote stretches. Moderate speeds (55-60 mph) use significantly less fuel than 70+ mph.
  • If you are carrying extra fuel in jerry cans, store them securely. Use only approved fuel containers, keep them in the bed of a truck or on an exterior rack, and never store fuel inside the passenger compartment.

Route-by-Route Fuel Stop Guide

Anchorage to Seward (Seward Highway)

127 miles. Fuel available in Anchorage, Girdwood, and Seward. No concerns.

Anchorage to Homer (Sterling Highway)

226 miles. Fuel available in Anchorage, along the Seward Highway, in Sterling, Soldotna/Kenai, and Homer. Stations are frequent.

Anchorage to Denali (Parks Highway)

237 miles. Fuel in Wasilla, near Talkeetna junction, in Cantwell, and at Denali Park entrance area. No concerns.

Anchorage to Fairbanks (Parks Highway)

362 miles. Multiple fuel stops. Healy, Nenana, and Fairbanks are all well-stocked.

Fairbanks to Deadhorse (Dalton Highway)

500 miles. Fuel at Hilltop Truck Stop (Fairbanks), Yukon River camp (Mile 56), and Coldfoot (Mile 175). Then nothing until Deadhorse (Mile 414). Carry extra fuel for the Coldfoot-to-Deadhorse leg.

What If You Run Out?

If you find yourself low on fuel in a remote area:

  • Slow down to maximize fuel efficiency (45-50 mph uses far less fuel than 65 mph)
  • Turn off the air conditioning
  • If you run dry, pull completely off the road and set out warning triangles or flares
  • On major highways, other travelers or commercial vehicles may be able to help. On the Dalton Highway, truckers often carry extra fuel and may assist stranded motorists.
  • A satellite communicator is invaluable for calling for help in areas without cell service

Prevention is always easier than rescue. Follow the half-tank rule, carry extra fuel on remote routes, and you will never have to worry about running dry.