Alaska to Russia Distance
At their closest mainland points, Alaska and Russia are about 55 miles (89 km) apart, separated by the Bering Strait. The gap is even narrower between the two Diomede Islands sitting in the middle of the strait — Little Diomede (USA) and Big Diomede (Russia) — which are only 2.4 miles (3.8 km) apart. There is no road, bridge, or tunnel connecting the two countries, so this distance cannot be driven; it can only be measured as a straight-line (as-the-crow-flies) distance across open water.
Mainland-to-Mainland
~55 miles (89 km) between Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska, and Cape Dezhnev, Russia — the closest mainland points.
Island-to-Island
~2.4 miles (3.8 km) between Little Diomede (USA) and Big Diomede (Russia), the narrowest point of all.
Body of Water
The Bering Strait separates the two countries, connecting the Bering Sea to the Arctic Ocean.
Time Difference
Because of the International Date Line, Big Diomede is up to 21 hours ahead of Little Diomede.
Where Are Alaska and Russia Closest?
There are two commonly cited distances between Alaska and Russia, depending on whether you're comparing the mainlands or the islands in between:
Mainland to Mainland
- Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska (westernmost point of North America)
- Cape Dezhnev, Russia (easternmost point of Eurasia)
- ~55 miles (89 km) apart across the Bering Strait
Diomede Island to Diomede Island
- Little Diomede, Alaska (US territory)
- Big Diomede, Russia (uninhabited)
- ~2.4 miles (3.8 km) apart — the closest point overall
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Russia from Alaska?
At the closest mainland points, Russia is about 55 miles (89 km) from Alaska across the Bering Strait. Between the Diomede Islands in the middle of the strait, the gap narrows to just 2.4 miles (3.8 km).
Can you see Russia from Alaska?
On a clear day, yes — from Little Diomede Island, Big Diomede in Russia is visible just 2.4 miles away. Visibility from the mainland depends on weather and exact location.
Is there a bridge or tunnel between Alaska and Russia?
No. There is currently no bridge, tunnel, or road connecting Alaska and Russia. A Bering Strait crossing has been proposed at various points but never built.
Can you walk from Alaska to Russia?
In winter, the water between the Diomede Islands sometimes freezes into an ice bridge that people have crossed on foot. This is not a legally permitted border crossing.
Why is there such a big time difference so close together?
The International Date Line runs between the two Diomede Islands. Despite being only 2.4 miles apart, Big Diomede (Russia) is up to 21 hours ahead of Little Diomede (USA).
Why This Distance Matters
Geography Education
A common trivia and classroom topic — the US and Russia are closer together than many people realize.
Bering Land Bridge History
This narrow gap was once a land bridge connecting Asia and North America during the last ice age.
Border & Sovereignty Questions
Useful context for understanding the maritime border between the US and Russia in the Bering Strait.
Arctic Travel Planning
Relevant for researchers, journalists, and travelers exploring the remote communities of the Bering Strait region.
Other Distances
Need a driving distance instead? Try our free distance calculator for any two drivable cities.