Origin
Benton City, WA
Evening in Benton City on Sunday
Local time
7:47 PM
PDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Benton City, WA to Kent, WA
Drive Time
3h 57m
Distance
205.6 mi
331 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$43
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 45m
★
6 AM
3h 57m
8 AM
4h 23m
10 AM
4h 6m
12 PM
4h 4m
3 PM
4h 8m
5 PM
4h 22m
8 PM
3h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Benton City, WA
JOHN CALLERY
Trip Overview
Spanning 205.6 miles across Washington, this trip from Benton City to Kent is a straightforward journey that typically takes about 3 hours and 57 minutes. Because the route is highway-focused, it is well-suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $43 on fuel, making it a relatively affordable excursion. By utilizing I-82, US 97, and State Route 18, you will transition efficiently between these two Pacific Coast region locations. Whether you are traveling for business or a change of scenery, this path provides a reliable link across the state.
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
102.8 miles from Benton City, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 53m into the drive .
Drive Character
With 96% of the journey spent on highways, you should prepare for a consistent, fast-paced driving experience. The route features a significant 95.4-mile stretch along I-82, which serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of your trip. While the drive is heavily focused on major thoroughfares, the transition from interstate travel to the segments on US 97 and State Route 18 keeps the journey from feeling entirely monotonous. You will spend the vast majority of your time maintaining highway speeds, so ensure your vehicle is prepared for a steady, high-speed trek. Expect a functional road environment that prioritizes efficiency and direct travel over winding secondary roads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 82 is the longest continuous segment at about 95.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 82 and US 97. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 97 miles in near US 97.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 205.6 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 97 miles (US 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 182.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 183 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
97 mi into trip
|
~1h 47m in
|
US 97
Keep slight left at fork onto US 97 toward I 90 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Toward I 90 West
7
182.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 22m in
Take the exit toward WA 18 West: Auburn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 25
Toward WA 18 West: Auburn
9
183 mi into trip
|
~3h 23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, Tacoma
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn,...
7
199.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 44m in
Take the exit toward WA 516: South East 272nd Street, Covington
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 WA 516: South East 272nd Street, Covingt...
7
205.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 55m in
|
East Titus Street
Turn left onto East Titus Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Along This Route
Between Benton City, WA and Kent, WA, road signs point toward Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn and Tacoma.
Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn
183 mi in
|
~3h 23m
Tacoma
183 mi in
|
~3h 23m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 82 | 95.4 mi | 1h 43m |
| US 97 | 85.7 mi | 1h 35m |
| State Route 18 | 15.8 mi | 20m |
| Southeast 272nd Street | 2 mi | 3m |
| Southeast Kent Kangley Road | 1.8 mi | 3m |
| Canyon Drive | 1 mi | 1m |
| Babs Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Southeast 256th Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 82
— 95.4 mi, about 1h 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Benton City, WA and Kent, WA.
1
Start on WA 225
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
·
9th Street
2
Continue on WA 225
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Babs Avenue
3
Turn straight onto WA 225
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
·
1st Street
4
Enter roundabout
29 ft
·
0 sec
5
Continue
0.3 mi
·
19 sec
6
Merge onto I 82; US 12
64 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
I 82; US 12
7
Continue on I 82; US 97
31 mi
·
33 min
·
I 82; US 97
8
Keep slight left at fork onto US 97
86 mi
·
1 hr 35 min
·
US 97
Toward I 90 West
Use the none lane.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 25
Toward WA 18 West: Auburn
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
448 ft
·
13 sec
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, Tacoma
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
11
Merge onto WA 18
0.3 mi
·
25 sec
·
Snoqualmie Parkway
12
Continue on WA 18
16 mi
·
20 min
·
State Route 18
Use the none lane.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward WA 516: South East 272nd Street, Covington
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Turn right onto WA 516
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Southeast 272nd Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
15
Continue on WA 516
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
Southeast Kent-Kangley Road
Use the none lane.
16
Continue on WA 516
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Southeast Kent Kangley Road
Use the none lane.
17
Continue on WA 516
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
·
Southeast 256th Street
Use the left lane.
18
Continue on WA 516
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Canyon Drive
Use the none lane.
19
Continue on WA 516
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
East Smith Street
20
Turn left onto East Titus Street
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
·
East Titus Street
Use the left lane.
21
Continue on East Gowe Street
0.3 mi
·
56 sec
·
East Gowe Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue South
10 ft
·
0 sec
·
2nd Avenue South
23
Arrive at destination
2nd Avenue South
Trip Plan
Since this is a manageable drive of just under four hours, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. Planning for at least one dedicated stop is a smart way to break up the 205.6-mile trek and keep your energy levels consistent behind the wheel. Given the reliance on major corridors like I-82, try to avoid peak commuter hours to ensure you maintain your estimated arrival time. Make sure to monitor your fuel gauge before you commit to the longest 95.4-mile stretch of the interstate. Use your single planned stop to check traffic conditions on State Route 18, as this segment can be a critical point for congestion as you approach the Kent area.
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 102.8 miles from Benton City, WA, or about 1h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 95.4 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 80 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.8 miles or 1h 53m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 6m
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 Benton City, 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 Benton City, WA
This is one driving day of about 205.6 miles and 3h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Benton City, 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 82 for about 95.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 102.8 mi from Benton City, WA · 1h 53m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
103 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 102.8 miles from Benton City, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 82 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 95.4 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
$43.15 one way
$86.30 round trip
$5.33/gal
25.4 MPG avg
72 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.57 | $45.06 | $90.12 |
| premium | $5.77 | $46.71 | $93.43 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $45.68 | $91.35 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61.7 | 0 | $21.59 | $9.87 |
| Efficient EV | 51.4 | 0 | $17.99 | $8.22 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 82.2 | 1 | $28.78 | $13.16 |
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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.
Destination
Kent, WA
Evening in Kent on Sunday
Local time
7:47 PM
PDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
52°F
Monroe, WA
103 mi in
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 57m 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 Benton City, WA to Kent, WA covers 205.6 miles and takes about 3h 57m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 82, US 97, State Route 18. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 102.8 miles from Benton City, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $43.15 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 10 significant decision points across 205.6 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 97 miles (US 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 182.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 183 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Benton City, WA and Kent, WA, road signs point toward Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn and Tacoma.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Kent, WA
More trips to Kent, WA
Explore more options from Benton City, WA or browse trips ending in Kent, WA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse WA road trips.
Explore maps for Benton City, WA or Kent, WA on MapSof.net.