What strait separates Alaska and Russia?
Quick answer
The Bering Strait separates Alaska (USA) from Russia’s Chukotka Peninsula. At its narrowest point it’s only about 82 km (51 miles) wide. In the middle sit two islands, Big Diomede (Russia) and Little Diomede (USA), just 3.8 km (2.4 miles) apart.
Key facts
| Width at narrowest | ~82 km (51 miles) |
| Depth | Only about 30–50 m |
| Connects | The Bering Sea (Pacific) and the Chukchi Sea (Arctic) |
| Named after | Vitus Bering, a Danish explorer in Russian service, who sailed through in 1728 |
Two islands, two days
The International Date Line runs between the two Diomede islands. That means Big Diomede is almost a full day ahead of Little Diomede, even though you can see one from the other. They’re nicknamed “Tomorrow Island” and “Yesterday Island.”
The ancient land bridge
During the last Ice Age, sea levels were much lower, and a wide strip of land called Beringia connected Asia and North America. Scientists believe the first people to reach the Americas crossed this land bridge, or traveled along its coast, at least 15,000 to 20,000 years ago. Animals such as mammoths, horses and bison also crossed.
Can you see Russia from Alaska?
Yes, but only from certain places, such as Little Diomede Island and, on clear days, high ground on the Seward Peninsula. You can’t see it from mainland cities like Anchorage.
Crossing the strait
There are no regular ferries or bridges. In winter the strait can freeze, and in 1987 swimmer Lynne Cox famously swam between the Diomedes. Proposals for a tunnel or bridge have been discussed for over a century but never built.
Time zones change across the strait too; see which country has the most time zones. Alaska is also part of North America’s longest coastline region, shared with Canada.
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