When people ask, “How far is Russia from Alaska?” the answer may sound simple, but it carries layers of geography, history, and geopolitics. The shortest distance between Russia and Alaska is about 55 miles across the Bering Strait. At its narrowest, the two territories are separated by the Diomede Islands, which are only about 2.4 miles apart. This means on a clear day, people standing on one island can see the other.
But while the physical distance looks small on a map, the region’s climate, geography, and political restrictions make the separation much greater in practice. To better understand the Russia–Alaska distance, we must explore it through several perspectives: mainland-to-mainland span, island-to-island proximity, maritime borders, seasonal conditions, and historical context.
Mainland to Mainland: Cape Dezhnev to Cape Prince of Wales
The Bering Strait is the narrow body of water separating Russia’s Chukchi Peninsula from Alaska’s Seward Peninsula. The shortest distance across is about 53 to 55 miles (85–88 km).
- On the Russian side, the closest point is Cape Dezhnev, the easternmost point of mainland Eurasia.
- On the American side, the nearest point is Cape Prince of Wales, the westernmost point of mainland North America.
This headland-to-headland measurement is the most widely cited answer when people ask about the distance from Russia to Alaska.
Why estimates vary
Different sources provide slightly different figures, ranging from 52 to 56 miles. These variations come from:
- Different reference points (shoreline curvature, headlands, or coastal baselines).
- Mapping methods (survey data vs. satellite imaging).
- Tidal shifts, erosion, and seasonal ice that alter the exact coastal outlines.
Still, most atlases and geographic institutions agree on 53–55 miles as the standard figure.
The Diomede Islands: Just 2.4 Miles Apart
Within the Bering Strait lie two small islands that dramatically shrink the separation. These are the Diomede Islands:
- Big Diomede (Russia): Belongs to Russia’s Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. It has a military weather station but no civilian population.
- Little Diomede (United States): Part of Alaska, home to about 115 Inupiat residents. It has a school, clinic, and heliport.
The gap between these two islands is only 2.4 to 2.5 miles (3.8–4.0 km).
What makes this stretch even more fascinating is that the International Date Line runs between them. This means standing on Little Diomede, you look across the water into tomorrow on Big Diomede. Locals call them “Yesterday Isle” (U.S.) and “Tomorrow Island” (Russia).
Why it feels closer than it is
In winter, when sea ice forms, the water can freeze between the two islands. At times, an ice bridge makes the 2.4-mile separation look walkable. However, crossing is illegal, and the ice is unstable, making it highly dangerous.
Mid-Range Span: Big Diomede to Mainland Alaska
While the island-to-island gap is the narrowest, another useful measure is the distance from Big Diomede (Russia) to mainland Alaska. This stretch is about 25 miles (40 km).
- This measurement matters because Big Diomede lies almost in the middle of the strait, closer to Russia but relatively near to Alaska’s coast.
- If a fixed link (bridge or tunnel) were ever built, the Diomede Islands would serve as stepping stones for construction.
Maritime Borders and Political Boundaries
The Russia–Alaska border runs between the two Diomede Islands. This line also coincides with the International Date Line, which separates calendar days.
- Big Diomede = Russian territory
- Little Diomede = U.S. territory
- The maritime boundary is drawn directly between them.
Despite being neighbors across such a short distance, travel between the islands is prohibited without special government clearance. During the Cold War, this line became part of the “Ice Curtain,” a heavily restricted frontier between the United States and the Soviet Union.
The Role of Geography: Chukchi Peninsula and Seward Peninsula
The shape of the two landmasses makes the Bering Strait a natural funnel.
- Russia’s Chukchi Peninsula juts eastward into the Bering Sea. Its rocky cliffs and tundra landscapes define the eastern edge of Eurasia.
- Alaska’s Seward Peninsula extends westward into the same waters, forming the western edge of North America.
Together, they form the narrowest point of separation. Their geography explains why 53–55 miles has become the iconic measure of Russia–Alaska distance.
Oceanic Connection: Bering Sea to Arctic Ocean
The Bering Strait isn’t just a divider; it’s also a connector. It links the Bering Sea (south) with the Chukchi Sea and Arctic Ocean (north).
This makes the strait:
- A key route for marine life migration (whales, seals, fish).
- An important climate regulator, moving warm and cold currents.
- A potential shipping route, especially as Arctic ice melts.
Because the strait is shallow (about 55 meters deep), navigation is limited, but its strategic value continues to grow.
Seasonal Ice and Harsh Climate
The short distance between Russia and Alaska doesn’t make travel easy. The Arctic climate of the Bering Strait adds unique challenges.
- Winter: Temperatures drop to 6–10°F (−14 to −12°C), sea ice up to 6 feet thick forms, and ice bridges sometimes link the Diomede Islands.
- Summer: Ice retreats, but fog, storms, and strong currents make navigation tricky.
- Spring/Fall: Rapid freeze-thaw cycles create unstable conditions for both humans and ships.
These harsh environmental realities mean the small distance hides big obstacles.
Time Difference Across the Bering Strait
One of the most striking aspects of the Russia–Alaska distance is not just the miles but the hours.
- Alaska (Little Diomede): Alaska Time Zone, UTC−9.
- Russia (Big Diomede): Kamchatka Time Zone, UTC+12.
This creates a 21-hour time difference across the 2.4-mile channel.
Why not 23 hours?
Some mistakenly say there is a 23-hour gap. The confusion comes from the International Date Line. Big Diomede is one calendar day ahead of Little Diomede, but the actual clock difference is 21 hours, not 23.
This is why locals call the islands “Tomorrow Island” (Russia) and “Yesterday Isle” (U.S.).
Historical Connections Between Russia and Alaska
Vitus Bering’s Expedition (1728–1741)
The first European to explore this region was Vitus Bering, a Danish navigator serving the Russian Empire. His expeditions in 1728 and 1741 mapped Alaska’s coastlines and proved that Asia and North America were separated by water.
Russian Colonization of Alaska
By the 18th century, Russian fur traders (promyshlenniki) began settling in Alaska. They built outposts and traded sea otter pelts with Indigenous groups like the Aleuts and Tlingits.
At its peak, the Russian-American Company controlled much of coastal Alaska, with Sitka serving as the colonial capital.
Alaska Purchase (1867)
The United States bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. This transaction, often called “Seward’s Folly”, shifted the international border to the Bering Strait. From then on, the Russia–Alaska distance became a U.S.–Russia border, not an imperial trade zone.
Cold War “Ice Curtain”
During the 20th century, especially after WWII, the Bering Strait became a highly restricted frontier. Known as the “Ice Curtain”, this border separated the U.S. and the Soviet Union at one of their closest points.
Only after the end of the Cold War were limited cultural exchanges reestablished, such as Indigenous visits across the Diomedes.
Engineering Dreams: Proposed Bridge or Tunnel
The short distance between Russia and Alaska has inspired numerous proposals for a fixed link.
Proposed Bering Strait Crossing
- Bridges & Tunnels: Plans suggest using the Diomede Islands as stepping stones, dividing the span into three parts:
- Alaska to Little Diomede: ~22.4 miles
- Little Diomede to Big Diomede: ~2.4 miles
- Big Diomede to Russia: ~22.9 miles
- Engineering Challenges:
- Winter ice up to 6 feet thick
- Storm surges and Arctic winds
- Permafrost and unstable seabeds
- Lack of roads and railways on both sides
Cost Estimates
- 1990s: $50 billion (Tung-Yen Lin’s plan).
- 2007: ~$105 billion.
- More recent Russian proposals suggest $65–70 billion for a tunnel.
Despite repeated discussions, the harsh climate, high cost, and political tensions have kept the project from moving beyond theory.
Myths and Misconceptions About the Russia–Alaska Distance
- “You can walk across the ice in winter.”
- While sea ice does form, it is unstable and dangerous. Travel is strictly forbidden.
- “The time difference is 23 hours.”
- The actual gap is 21 hours, though the International Date Line creates a calendar-day change.
- “Russia and Alaska are connected by land.”
- They were connected during the Ice Age via the Bering Land Bridge, but today they are separated by the Bering Strait.
Why the Distance Matters Today
- Geopolitics: The Bering Strait remains a strategic chokepoint between two global powers, Russia and the United States.
- Indigenous Culture: The Inupiat and Chukchi peoples share traditions across the strait, despite modern borders.
- Climate & Shipping: As Arctic ice retreats, the strait could become part of future global shipping routes, increasing its importance.
- Military Strategy: Both nations monitor the area closely, with radar stations, patrol aircraft, and coast guard bases.
Quick Reference Distances
| Measurement Type | Endpoints | Approx. Distance | Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland to Mainland | Cape Dezhnev (Russia) ↔ Cape Prince of Wales (Alaska) | 53–55 miles (85–88 km) | Widely cited Russia–Alaska separation |
| Island to Island | Big Diomede (Russia) ↔ Little Diomede (U.S.) | 2.4–2.5 miles (3.8–4 km) | Closest U.S.–Russia distance |
| Big Diomede to Mainland Alaska | Big Diomede ↔ Seward Peninsula | ~25 miles (40 km) | Mid-range span, useful for bridge/tunnel proposals |
| Time Difference | Little Diomede (UTC−9) ↔ Big Diomede (UTC+12) | 21 hours | Creates “Tomorrow Island” vs. “Yesterday Isle” |
FAQs
How far is Russia from Alaska at the closest point?
About 53–55 miles across the Bering Strait.
What is the distance between the Diomede Islands?
Only 2.4–2.5 miles.
Why do people call them Tomorrow and Yesterday Islands?
Because the International Date Line runs between them, creating a one-day calendar difference.
Can you see Russia from Alaska?
Yes, on clear days, you can see Big Diomede from Little Diomede.
Why doesn’t Russia and Alaska have a bridge?
Extreme costs, climate challenges, and lack of infrastructure make it impractical.
What was the Bering Land Bridge?
During the Ice Age, sea levels were lower, and a land bridge connected Siberia and Alaska, allowing human migration.
Conclusion
The question “How far is Russia from Alaska?” has multiple answers, depending on what you measure:
- Mainland to mainland: ~55 miles
- Island to island: ~2.5 miles
- Island to mainland: ~25 miles
Yet beyond the numbers, the Bering Strait carries centuries of exploration, colonization, conflict, and geopolitics. Today, it remains one of the world’s most symbolic borders: a place where two continents nearly touch, separated by just a few miles, a 21-hour time gap, and enormous political and environmental barriers.
