Trip from College Place, WA to Renton, WA

Drive Time

5h 6m

Distance

269 mi

433 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

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 53m ★
6 AM
5h 7m
8 AM
5h 34m
10 AM
5h 16m
12 PM
5h 13m
3 PM
5h 17m
5 PM
5h 32m
8 PM
4h 59m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown College Place, WA, WA

College Place, WA

david hou

Trip Overview

Traveling from College Place to Renton covers 269 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 6 minutes of driving time. Because this journey is entirely within Washington, you will remain in the Pacific Coast region for the duration of the trip. The route is well-suited for a single-day push, as it doesn't necessitate an overnight stay unless you prefer a more leisurely pace. You should budget approximately $55 for fuel to complete the transit successfully. This is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that connects the eastern part of the state to the urban corridor near Renton. It is a practical choice for travelers looking to move efficiently 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

134.5 miles from College Place, WA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 32m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highly efficient transit, as 98% of this drive is spent on highways. Your route utilizes a combination of US 12, US 97, and I-82 to navigate the distance. You will encounter your longest uninterrupted stretch on US 12, covering 112.6 miles of open road. Behind the wheel, you will notice a consistent rhythm characterized by high-speed highway travel rather than technical, winding local roads. This profile makes for a predictable, steady driving experience that prioritizes speed and directness over secondary road exploration.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 12 is the longest continuous segment at about 112.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 12 and US 97. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 45.8 miles in near I 182; US 12.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 269 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 45.8 miles (I 182; US 12): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 159.5 miles (US 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 260.9 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.

8
45.8 mi into trip | ~55m in | I 182; US 12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 182; US 12 toward I 182, US 12

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight lane. Toward I 182, US 12
7
159.5 mi into trip | ~2h 59m 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
8
260.9 mi into trip | ~4h 53m 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
7
261.1 mi into trip | ~4h 53m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 405 South: Renton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 405 South: Renton
8
266.7 mi into trip | ~5h 1m in

Take the exit toward WA 900 East: Park Avenue North, Sunset Boulevard Northeast

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 5 Toward WA 900 East: Park Avenue North, Sunset B...

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from College Place, WA to Renton, WA, road signs begin pointing toward Yakima along the way.

Yakima

57.6 mi in | ~1h 8m | via US 12

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 12 112.6 mi 2h 5m
US 97 101.4 mi 1h 53m
I 82 31 mi 33m
I 182 11.8 mi 12m
I 405 4.9 mi 6m
Wallula Avenue 2.1 mi 3m
Old Highway 12 1.2 mi 2m
Logan Avenue North 1.1 mi 2m
Longest stretch: US 12 — 112.6 mi, about 2h 5m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between College Place, WA and Renton, WA.

1

Start on East Whitman Drive

61 ft · 5 sec · East Whitman Drive
2

Turn right onto North College Avenue

0.3 mi · 34 sec · North College Avenue
3

Turn left

174 ft · 7 sec
4

Continue on North College Avenue

0.2 mi · 18 sec · North College Avenue
5

Enter roundabout

88 ft · 2 sec
6

Continue

137 ft · 6 sec
7

Continue on Wallula Avenue

2.1 mi · 3 min · Wallula Avenue
8

At end of road, turn left onto Old Highway 12

1.2 mi · 2 min · Old Highway 12
9

Turn right onto Spalding Road

0.2 mi · 18 sec · Spalding Road
10

Turn left onto US 12

23 mi · 26 min · US 12
11

Keep slight right at fork

287 ft · 3 sec
12

Merge onto US 12

19 mi · 21 min · US 12
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 182; US 12

12 mi · 12 min · I 182; US 12
Toward I 182, US 12 Use the straight lane.
14

Keep slight right at fork onto US 12

71 mi · 1 hr 17 min · US 12
Toward I 82 West, US 12 West: Prosser, Yakima
15

Continue on I 82; US 97

31 mi · 33 min · I 82; US 97
16

Keep slight left at fork onto US 97

101 mi · 1 hr 53 min · US 97
Toward I 90 West Use the none lane.
17

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Exit 10 Toward I 405: Renton, Everett Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 405 South: Renton Use the slight left lane.
19

Merge onto I 405

4.9 mi · 6 min · I 405
Use the none lane.
20

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Exit 5 Toward WA 900 East: Park Avenue North, Sunset Boulevard Northeast Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Turn right onto North Southport Drive

0.3 mi · 48 sec · North Southport Drive
Use the right lane.
22

Continue on Logan Avenue North

1.1 mi · 2 min · Logan Avenue North
Use the straight lane.
23

Continue on Airport Way South

0.4 mi · 59 sec · Airport Way South
Use the left lane.
24

Turn left onto Rainier Avenue South

0.1 mi · 24 sec · Rainier Avenue South
Use the left lane.
25

Turn left

39 ft · 2 sec
26

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a 5-hour drive, planning for at least one stop is essential to keep you alert and refreshed. Leaving early in the morning can help you bypass potential traffic congestion as you approach the Renton area. Given that the route is almost entirely highway-based, ensure your vehicle is prepared for sustained speeds before you depart. Consider topping off your tank before hitting the longest 112.6-mile stretch on US 12 to avoid any fuel anxiety in more remote segments. Because this trip is manageable in a single day, you have the flexibility to adjust your arrival time based on your personal preference and traffic conditions.

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 134.5 miles from College Place, WA, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.6 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 80 miles or 1h 33m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 134.5 miles or 2h 32m 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 8m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Renton, WA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving College Place, 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 College Place, WA

This is one driving day of about 269 miles and 5h 6m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from College Place, 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 US 12 for about 112.6 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 134.5 mi from College Place, WA · 2h 32m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Yakima, WA

135 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

Hermiston, OR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Yakima, WA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 134.5 miles from College Place, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 12 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 112.6 miles.

Arriving in Renton, WA

The final approach into Renton, 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 Renton, 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

$56.46 one way

$112.92 round trip

$5.33/gal 25.4 MPG avg 94 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.57 $58.96 $117.92
premium $5.77 $61.12 $122.24
diesel $5.64 $59.76 $119.52

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: 94.1 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 80.7 0 $28.24 $12.91
Efficient EV 67.3 0 $23.54 $10.76
EV Truck/SUV 107.6 1 $37.66 $17.22

Gas CO2

94 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.

Forecast data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

College Place, WA

Evening in College Place on Sunday

Local time

6:09 PM

PDT

Current temp

37°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Renton, WA

Evening in Renton on Sunday

Local time

6:09 PM

PDT

Current temp

40°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

3 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 6m 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 College Place, WA to Renton, WA covers 269 miles and takes about 5h 6m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 12, US 97, I 82. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 134.5 miles from College Place, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $56.46 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 17 significant decision points across 269 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 45.8 miles (I 182; US 12): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 159.5 miles (US 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 260.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from College Place, WA to Renton, WA, road signs begin pointing toward Yakima along the way.

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Return Trip

Renton, WA to College Place, WA

Plan the drive back the other way.

269.8 mi 5h 6m

Explore more options from College Place, WA or browse trips ending in Renton, WA.

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