Origin
Colfax, WA
Night in Colfax on Sunday
Local time
9:05 PM
PDT
Current temp
33°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Colfax, WA to Tacoma, WA
Drive Time
5h 49m
Distance
284.7 mi
458 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$60
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 36m
★
6 AM
5h 49m
8 AM
6h 15m
10 AM
5h 58m
12 PM
5h 56m
3 PM
6h 0m
5 PM
6h 14m
8 PM
5h 41m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Colfax, WA
Abraham Castro
Trip Overview
Spanning 284.7 miles across Washington, this trip from Colfax to Tacoma typically takes about 5 hours and 49 minutes of driving time. Because the route is straightforward, it is perfectly manageable as a single-day journey, though you should budget approximately $60 for fuel to cover the distance. You will primarily navigate via WA 26, I-90, and State Route 18, keeping you on major thoroughfares for the vast majority of the transit. While this trek stays within the Pacific Coast region, it transitions you from the eastern plains toward the western urban centers. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a change of scenery, this highway-focused drive offers a direct path between these two points.
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
142.4 miles from Colfax, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 2m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a high-speed experience, as 97% of this route consists of highway travel. The most significant portion of your drive occurs on WA 26, where you will face a longest uninterrupted stretch of 129.3 miles. This creates a consistent rhythm that requires focus, especially as you transition from the relative openness of the eastern highways onto the busier lanes of I-90 and State Route 18. The road’s personality is defined by its efficiency and reliance on major arteries, making it a functional drive rather than a winding backroads excursion. You should prepare for a steady, highway-focused pace that demands alertness throughout the nearly six-hour duration.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 28 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
WA 26 is the longest continuous segment at about 129.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on WA 26 and I 90. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 246.8 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 284.7 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 246.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 247 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 274.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
246.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 57m 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
247 mi into trip
|
~4h 57m 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,...
8
274.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 33m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway South, Tacoma
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway Sou...
8
283.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 46m in
Take the exit toward A Street, City Center
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward A Street, City Center
9
283.9 mi into trip
|
~5h 46m in
Keep slight left at fork toward South 15 Street, Pacific Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward South 15 Street, Pacific Avenue
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Colfax, WA to Tacoma, WA, road signs begin pointing toward Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn along the way.
Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn
247 mi in
|
~4h 57m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| WA 26 | 129.3 mi | 2h 44m |
| I 90 | 112.3 mi | 2h 2m |
| State Route 18 | 26.7 mi | 34m |
| I 5 | 7.2 mi | 9m |
| Colfax Airport Road | 3 mi | 4m |
| West Fairview Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| South Main Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Snoqualmie Parkway | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
WA 26
— 129.3 mi, about 2h 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Colfax, WA and Tacoma, WA.
1
Start on this road
98 ft
·
9 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto WA 272
138 ft
·
12 sec
·
East Canyon Street
3
Turn left onto US 195
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
South Main Street
4
Continue on South Main Street
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
South Main Street
5
Turn right onto West Fairview Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West Fairview Street
6
Continue on West Almota Road
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
West Almota Road
7
Turn right onto Colfax Airport Road
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Colfax Airport Road
8
Turn left onto WA 26
129 mi
·
2 hr 44 min
·
WA 26
9
Continue on this road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
this road
Toward I 90 West: Seattle
10
Merge onto I 90
112 mi
·
2 hr 2 min
·
I 90
Use the none lane.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 25
Toward WA 18 West: Auburn
Use the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
448 ft
·
13 sec
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, Tacoma
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
13
Merge onto WA 18
0.3 mi
·
25 sec
·
Snoqualmie Parkway
14
Continue on WA 18
27 mi
·
34 min
·
State Route 18
Use the none lane.
15
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 5: Seattle, Tacoma
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway South, Tacoma
Use the straight lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 5 South: Tacoma
Use the none lane.
18
Merge onto I 5
7.2 mi
·
9 min
·
I 5
Use the none lane.
19
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
Exit 133
Toward WA 7 South, I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome
20
Keep slight right at fork
334 ft
·
8 sec
Toward I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome Station
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Toward I 705 North: City Center
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto I 705
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
I 705
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward A Street, City Center
Use the slight left lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward South 15 Street, Pacific Avenue
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
25
Continue on South 15th Street
0.3 mi
·
59 sec
·
South 15th Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
26
Turn right onto Tacoma Avenue South
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
Tacoma Avenue South
27
Turn right onto South 11th Street
43 ft
·
1 sec
·
South 11th Street
28
Arrive at destination
South 11th Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a long, highway-dominated haul, aim to depart early in the day to avoid potential traffic congestion as you approach the Tacoma area. You only have one planned stop in your itinerary, so use it wisely to stretch your legs and refuel before hitting the final stretch on State Route 18. Given the $60 fuel estimate, it is smart to check your vehicle's range before leaving Colfax to ensure you don't get caught needing to fill up in high-traffic zones. Because the drive is essentially a straight shot, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace if you feel fatigue setting in. Prioritize your comfort on the 129.3-mile WA 26 leg, as that initial, lengthy stretch sets the tone for your entire day on the road.
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 142.4 miles from Colfax, WA, or about 3h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 129.3 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 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 142.4 miles or 3h 2m 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tacoma, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Colfax, 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 Colfax, WA
This is one driving day of about 284.7 miles and 5h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Colfax, 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 WA 26 for about 129.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 142.4 mi from Colfax, WA · 3h 2m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
142 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 142.4 miles from Colfax, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before WA 26 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 129.3 miles.
Arriving in Tacoma, WA
The final approach into Tacoma, 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 Tacoma, 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
$59.75 one way
$119.51 round trip
$5.33/gal
25.4 MPG avg
100 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.57 | $62.40 | $124.80 |
| premium | $5.77 | $64.69 | $129.37 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $63.25 | $126.50 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$60
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 99.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 85.4 | 1 | $29.89 | $13.67 |
| Efficient EV | 71.2 | 0 | $24.91 | $11.39 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 113.9 | 1 | $39.86 | $18.22 |
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Tacoma, WA
Night in Tacoma on Sunday
Local time
9:05 PM
PDT
Current temp
38°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
5 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 49m 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 Colfax, WA to Tacoma, WA covers 284.7 miles and takes about 5h 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are WA 26, I 90, 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 142.4 miles from Colfax, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $59.75 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 21 significant decision points across 284.7 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 246.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 247 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 274.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Colfax, WA to Tacoma, WA, road signs begin pointing toward Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Tacoma, WA
More trips to Tacoma, WA
Explore more options from Colfax, WA or browse trips ending in Tacoma, WA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse WA road trips.
Explore maps for Colfax, WA or Tacoma, WA on MapSof.net.