This 171.8-mile drive from Barberton, WA to Kirkland, WA is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Plan for approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes of travel time, with the majority of your miles covered on I-5, I-405, and I-205. With a fuel cost estimated around $36, this is an efficient trip for your budget. Given its relatively short duration and highway nature, it's well-suited as a day trip, offering flexibility in your departure and arrival times. Both your origin and destination are within the Pacific Coast region, so you'll remain in familiar territory throughout.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
85.9 miles from Barberton, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 40m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 24m. Total distance: 171.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 171.8-mile route, with 98% of your travel occurring on major interstates like I-5, I-405, and I-205. You'll encounter long, uninterrupted stretches, including a significant 146.2-mile segment on I-5, which means consistent speeds and a focus on efficient travel. The personality of this drive is largely that of a modern interstate system, designed for direct and timely transit between points. While the landscape outside your window will change, the driving experience itself remains largely consistent on these high-speed corridors.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 5 is the longest continuous segment at about 146.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and I 405. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.4 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 171.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 131.5 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 152.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
1.4 mi into trip|~2m in
Turn left toward I 205 North: Seattle
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 205 North: Seattle
6
131.5 mi into trip|~2h 31m in|I 5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
8
152.1 mi into trip|~2h 57m in
Take the exit toward WA 518 West, I 405 North: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Bellevue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 154A-B
Toward WA 518 West, I 405 North: Seattle-Tacoma...
9
152.2 mi into trip|~2h 57m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 405 North: Renton, Bellevue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 154B
Toward I 405 North: Renton, Bellevue
8
170 mi into trip|~3h 20m in
Take the exit toward Northeast 85th Street, Kirkland
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 18
Toward Northeast 85th Street, Kirkland
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Barberton, WA to Kirkland, WA, road signs begin pointing toward Bellevue along the way.
Bellevue
152.1 mi in|~2h 57m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 5
146.2 mi
2h 47m
I 405
17.4 mi
21m
I 205
4.2 mi
5m
Northeast 85th Street
0.7 mi
1m
7th Avenue
0.5 mi
1m
Northeast Padden Parkway
0.5 mi
1m
Northeast Andresen Road
0.5 mi
<1m
Northeast 72nd Avenue
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 5
— 146.2 mi, about 2h 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Barberton, WA and Kirkland, WA.
1
Start on Northeast 99th Street
86 ft·7 sec·Northeast 99th Street
2
Turn left onto Northeast 72nd Avenue
0.3 mi·32 sec·Northeast 72nd Avenue
3
Continue on Northeast Andresen Road
0.5 mi·52 sec·Northeast Andresen Road
4
Turn left onto Northeast Padden Parkway
0.5 mi·1 min·Northeast Padden Parkway
Use the left lane.
5
Turn left
0.4 mi·2 min
Toward I 205 North: SeattleUse the left lane.
6
Merge onto I 205
4.2 mi·5 min·I 205
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 5
126 mi·2 hr 21 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
21 mi·25 min·I 5
Use the slight right lane.
9
Take the exit
448 ft·10 sec
Exit 154A-BToward WA 518 West, I 405 North: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, BellevueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 154BToward I 405 North: Renton, BellevueUse the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 405
17 mi·21 min·I 405
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 18Toward Northeast 85th Street, KirklandUse the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
182 ft·6 sec
14
Turn straight onto Northeast 85th Street
0.7 mi·1 min·Northeast 85th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Turn right onto 6th Street
449 ft·17 sec·6th Street
16
Turn left onto 7th Avenue
0.1 mi·15 sec·7th Avenue
17
Continue on 7th Avenue
0.3 mi·50 sec·7th Avenue
18
Continue on 7th Avenue
0.1 mi·18 sec·7th Avenue
19
Turn right onto 1st Street
399 ft·11 sec·1st Street
20
Arrive at destination
1st Street
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 24-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Seattle metropolitan area. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 146.2 miles on I-5, you can easily complete this trip without needing to break it up. Keep an eye on fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $36, and plan your fill-ups accordingly. Since this is a relatively short, highway-centric journey, you have the flexibility to take your time or push through efficiently. A good tip is to have your GPS ready, as navigating the I-405 and I-205 interchanges can be busy.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 85.9 miles from Barberton, WA, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 146.2 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 38 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 85.9 miles or 1h 40m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kirkland, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Barberton, WA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Barberton, WA
This is one driving day of about 171.8 miles and 3h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Barberton, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 5 for about 146.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 85.9 mi from Barberton, WA
· 1h 40m into the drive
The midpoint is around 85.9 miles from Barberton, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 5 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 146.2 miles.
Arriving in Kirkland, WA
The final approach into Kirkland, WA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Kirkland, WA.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Seattle flourished during and after the Klondike Gold Rush. Merchants supplied people from around the world passing through this port city on their way to a remarkable adventure in the Yukon Territory...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 165.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.96 one way
$71.91 round trip
$5.32/gal25.4 MPG avg60 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.58
$37.71
$75.42
premium
$5.77
$39.01
$78.03
diesel
$5.61
$37.93
$75.86
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
51.5
0
$18.04
$8.25
Efficient EV
43
0
$15.03
$6.87
EV Truck/SUV
68.7
0
$24.05
$11.00
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (67% 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
Barberton, WA
Night
in Barberton on Friday
Local time
9:00 PM
PDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Kirkland, WA
Night
in Kirkland on Friday
Local time
9:00 PM
PDT
Current temp
57°F
Sunny
SSW 5 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued April 16 at 6:46AM PDT until April 17 at 9:00AM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued April 16 at 6:46AM PDT until April 17 at 9:00AM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
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
16 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
3h 24m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Barberton, WA to Kirkland, WA covers 171.8 miles and takes about 3h 24m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 5, I 405, I 205. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 85.9 miles from Barberton, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $35.96 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 171.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 131.5 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 152.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Barberton, WA to Kirkland, WA, road signs begin pointing toward Bellevue along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
