Origin
Bellingham, WA
Evening in Bellingham on Thursday
Local time
6:54 PM
PDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Bellingham, WA to Kent, WA
Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026
Drive Time
2h 13m
Distance
106.4 mi
171 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 4m
★
6 AM
2h 14m
8 AM
2h 32m
10 AM
2h 20m
12 PM
2h 18m
3 PM
2h 21m
5 PM
2h 32m
8 PM
2h 8m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bellingham, WA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 106.4-mile drive from Bellingham, WA to Kent, WA is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in a single day, taking about 2 hours and 13 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-5, I-405, and the Valley Freeway, this route is almost entirely highway driving at 95%. With an estimated fuel cost of $22, it's an economical option for traversing the Pacific Coast region within Washington. This journey is best suited as a day trip, allowing ample flexibility for when you depart and how you manage your time on the road.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
53.2 miles from Bellingham, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 5m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 13m. Total distance: 106.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 106.4-mile journey. With 95% of the drive on major freeways like I-5 and I-405, the pace is generally quick. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 69.6 miles on I-5, offering a consistent driving rhythm. While primarily interstate, the route transitions between different major arteries, providing some variation in the urban and suburban landscapes you'll pass through. This drive is characterized by its efficiency and directness.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 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 69.6 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 1.6 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 106.4 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 1.6 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 71.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 99.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
1.6 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the ramp toward I 5 South: Seattle
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Toward I 5 South: Seattle
8
71.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
Take the exit toward I 405 South: Bellevue, Renton
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 182
Toward I 405 South: Bellevue, Renton
8
99.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 1m in
Take the exit toward WA 167 South: Auburn, Rainier Avenue South
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 2
Toward WA 167 South: Auburn, Rainier Avenue Sou...
7
99.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 2m in
Keep slight left at fork toward WA 167 South: Auburn
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward WA 167 South: Auburn
7
104.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 9m in
Take the exit toward 84th Avenue South, North Central Avenue
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.
Toward 84th Avenue South, North Central Avenue
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bellingham, WA and Kent, WA, road signs point toward Renton and Rainier Avenue South.
Renton
71.5 mi in
|
~1h 26m
Rainier Avenue South
99.1 mi in
|
~2h 1m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 5 | 69.6 mi | 1h 21m |
| I 405 | 26.7 mi | 33m |
| Valley Freeway | 4.6 mi | 5m |
| Central Avenue North | 1.3 mi | 3m |
| West Magnolia Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Dupont Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Lakeway Drive | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Prospect Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 5
— 69.6 mi, about 1h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bellingham, WA and Kent, WA.
1
Start on Dupont Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Dupont Street
2
Continue on Prospect Street
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
Prospect Street
3
Turn left onto West Champion Street
352 ft
·
11 sec
·
West Champion Street
4
Continue on West Magnolia Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West Magnolia Street
5
Turn right onto Ellis Street
0.1 mi
·
26 sec
·
Ellis Street
6
Turn left onto Lakeway Drive
0.2 mi
·
48 sec
·
Lakeway Drive
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Toward I 5 South: Seattle
8
Merge onto I 5
70 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 182
Toward I 405 South: Bellevue, Renton
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 405
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
I 405
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
26 mi
·
32 min
·
I 405
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 2
Toward WA 167 South: Auburn, Rainier Avenue South
Use the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
Toward WA 167 South: Auburn
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto WA 167
4.6 mi
·
5 min
·
Valley Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward 84th Avenue South, North Central Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn left onto Central Avenue North
1.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Central Avenue North
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
17
Turn right onto East Gowe Street
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
East Gowe Street
18
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue South
10 ft
·
0 sec
·
2nd Avenue South
19
Arrive at destination
2nd Avenue South
Trip Plan
Given this is a manageable 106.4-mile trip that takes just over 2 hours, there's no need to rush. You can plan your departure for any time, but consider avoiding peak commute hours through the Seattle metro area if possible. With no designated stops in the data, plan for fuel and rest breaks as needed, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel it's necessary. The $22 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always monitor your gauge. A practical tip for this route: be aware of the multiple lane changes and potential traffic congestion as you approach and navigate through the greater Seattle area on I-405.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 53.2 miles from Bellingham, WA, or about 1h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69.6 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 23 miles or 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 53.2 miles or 1h 5m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kent, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bellingham, 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 Bellingham, WA
This is one driving day of about 106.4 miles and 2h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Bellingham, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 5 for about 69.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 53.2 mi from Bellingham, WA · 1h 5m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
53 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 53.2 miles from Bellingham, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 5 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 69.6 miles.
Arriving in Kent, WA
The final approach into Kent, 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 Kent, WA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.27 one way
$44.54 round trip
$5.32/gal
25.4 MPG avg
37 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.58 | $23.35 | $46.71 |
| premium | $5.77 | $24.16 | $48.32 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $23.49 | $46.98 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 37.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 31.9 | 0 | $11.17 | $5.11 |
| Efficient EV | 26.6 | 0 | $9.31 | $4.26 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 42.6 | 0 | $14.90 | $6.81 |
Gas CO2
37 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (68% 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.
Destination
Kent, WA
Evening in Kent on Thursday
Local time
6:54 PM
PDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
12 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 13m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Bellingham, WA to Kent, WA covers 106.4 miles and takes about 2h 13m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 5, I 405, Valley Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 53.2 miles from Bellingham, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.27 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 106.4 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 1.6 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 71.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 99.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Bellingham, WA and Kent, WA, road signs point toward Renton and Rainier Avenue South.
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