Origin
Cheney, WA
Night in Cheney on Sunday
Local time
10:32 PM
PDT
Current temp
31°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Cheney, WA to Kirkland, WA
Drive Time
5h
Distance
266.9 mi
430 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$56
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 47m
★
6 AM
5h 0m
8 AM
5h 27m
10 AM
5h 9m
12 PM
5h 7m
3 PM
5h 11m
5 PM
5h 26m
8 PM
4h 52m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cheney, WA
Sanket Mishra
Kirkland, WA
Spencer Lee Eiseman
Trip Overview
Spanning 266.9 miles across Washington State, this trip from Cheney to Kirkland is a straightforward journey typically taking about 5 hours. Because the drive is manageable within a single day, you don't necessarily need an overnight split, making it an efficient way to cross the state. You will primarily follow I-90 and the Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Memorial Highway before finishing on I-405. Budgeting around $56 for fuel is a smart move to keep your travel costs predictable. Since both cities are located within the Pacific Coast region, the drive offers a consistent transition rather than a drastic change in climate or geography. It is a practical, highway-focused route perfect for travelers who prioritize speed and efficiency over backroad exploration.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
133.4 miles from Cheney, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 30m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a high-speed, interstate-heavy experience, as 95% of this route is comprised of major highways. You will spend the vast majority of your time on I-90, which accounts for a 246.8-mile stretch of uninterrupted driving. This path is designed for steady cruising, allowing you to cover significant distance without the distraction of frequent turns or technical local roads. While the sheer volume of highway miles creates a consistent rhythm, the final transition onto I-405 marks a shift from open road to the more dense traffic patterns typical of the Kirkland area. Behind the wheel, you should be prepared for a long, focused haul that favors consistency over variety.
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 90 is the longest continuous segment at about 246.8 miles.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,552 ft
274 ft
Total Climb
1,658 ft
Total Descent
3,739 ft
Highest Point
2,552 ft
~211.3 mi in
Elevation Range
2,278 ft
Notable High Points
2,552 ft at ~211.3 miles
+526 ft prominence
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Memorial Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near F Street.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 266.9 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: near the start (F Street): Navigation decision point; at 47.1 miles (I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 258.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
F Street
Turn left onto F Street
Navigation decision point
6
47.1 mi into trip
|
~56m in
|
I 90
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
258.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 46m in
Take the exit toward I 405: Renton, Everett
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 10
Toward I 405: Renton, Everett
8
258.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 46m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 405 North: Everett, Bellevue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 405 North: Everett, Bellevue
8
265.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 55m 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
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 246.8 mi | 4h 28m |
| Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Memorial Highway | 9.2 mi | 13m |
| I 405 | 6.3 mi | 7m |
| 1st Street | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| Northeast 85th Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| 7th Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| 6th Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| F Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 246.8 mi, about 4h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cheney, WA and Kirkland, WA.
1
Start on this road
163 ft
·
17 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto F Street
136 ft
·
7 sec
·
F Street
3
Turn right onto WA 904; US 10 Hist
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
1st Street
4
Continue on WA 904; US 10 Hist
9.2 mi
·
13 min
·
Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Memorial Highway
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
6
Merge onto I 90; US 395
36 mi
·
38 min
·
I 90; US 395
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
211 mi
·
3 hr 50 min
·
I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 10
Toward I 405: Renton, Everett
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
Toward I 405 North: Everett, Bellevue
Use the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto I 405
6.3 mi
·
7 min
·
I 405
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Exit 18
Toward Northeast 85th Street, Kirkland
Use the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
182 ft
·
6 sec
13
Turn straight onto Northeast 85th Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Northeast 85th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Turn right onto 6th Street
449 ft
·
17 sec
·
6th Street
15
Turn left onto 7th Avenue
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
7th Avenue
16
Continue on 7th Avenue
0.3 mi
·
50 sec
·
7th Avenue
17
Continue on 7th Avenue
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
7th Avenue
18
Turn right onto 1st Street
399 ft
·
11 sec
·
1st Street
19
Arrive at destination
1st Street
Trip Plan
Planning for this 5-hour drive is simple, but your timing will dictate your comfort level. Since the itinerary suggests just one planned stop, make sure to time your break strategically to avoid the fatigue that can set in during that long 246.8-mile stretch on I-90. Leaving early in the morning can help you bypass heavy congestion as you approach the Kirkland area on I-405. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $56 estimate may fluctuate depending on current prices and how heavily you use your vehicle's climate control. Because this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure to fit your schedule, provided you account for the significant distance covered on the interstate.
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 133.4 miles from Cheney, WA, or about 2h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 246.8 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 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133.4 miles or 2h 30m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 3m
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 Cheney, 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 Cheney, WA
This is one driving day of about 266.9 miles and 5h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Cheney, 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 90 for about 246.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 133.4 mi from Cheney, WA · 2h 30m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
133 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 133.4 miles from Cheney, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 246.8 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$56.02 one way
$112.03 round trip
$5.33/gal
25.4 MPG avg
93 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.57 | $58.50 | $116.99 |
| premium | $5.77 | $60.64 | $121.28 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $59.30 | $118.59 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$56
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 80.1 | 0 | $28.02 | $12.81 |
| Efficient EV | 66.7 | 0 | $23.35 | $10.68 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 106.8 | 1 | $37.37 | $17.08 |
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Kirkland, WA
Night in Kirkland on Sunday
Local time
10:32 PM
PDT
Current temp
41°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
10 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
5h on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Cheney, WA to Kirkland, WA covers 266.9 miles and takes about 5h without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 90, Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Memorial Highway, I 405. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 133.4 miles from Cheney, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $56.02 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 266.9 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: near the start (F Street): Navigation decision point; at 47.1 miles (I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 258.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Cheney, WA to Kirkland, WA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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