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Trip from Federal Way, WA to Arlington, WA

Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026

Drive Time

1h 30m

Distance

69 mi

111 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 21 min
4 AM
1h 23m ★
6 AM
1h 30m
8 AM
1h 44m
10 AM
1h 35m
12 PM
1h 34m
3 PM
1h 36m
5 PM
1h 43m
8 PM
1h 26m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in northern Snohomish County, Washington, United States

Arlington, WA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Federal Way, WA to Arlington, WA covers 69 miles and takes about 1h 30m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 5, Pacific Highway South, State Highway 530 Northeast for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 61.2 miles on I 5. At current regular gas prices, budget about $14.44 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

34.5 miles from Federal Way, WA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 45m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 30m. Total distance: 69 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 1h 30m highway drive covering 69 miles, with most of the trip on I 5 and Pacific Highway South. The longest continuous stretch is about 61.2 miles on I 5.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 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 61.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and Pacific Highway South. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near South 312th Street.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 1h 30m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (South 312th Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.5 miles (South 272nd Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | South 312th Street

Turn left onto South 312th Street

Navigation decision point

5
2.5 mi into trip | ~4m in | South 272nd Street

Turn right onto South 272nd Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
7
3.2 mi into trip | ~6m in

Take the ramp toward I-5 North: Seattle

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I-5 North: Seattle
5
3.6 mi into trip | ~7m in | I 5

Merge onto I 5

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
64.9 mi into trip | ~1h 23m in

Take the exit toward WA 530 East: Arlington, Darrington

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 208 Toward WA 530 East: Arlington, Darrington

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Federal Way, WA to Arlington, WA, road signs begin pointing toward Darrington along the way.

Darrington

64.9 mi in | ~1h 23m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 5 61.2 mi 1h 16m
Pacific Highway South 2.5 mi 4m
State Highway 530 Northeast 2.3 mi 3m
WA 530 1.5 mi 2m
South 272nd Street 0.7 mi 1m
West Division Street 0.1 mi <1m
South 312th Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 5 — 61.2 mi, about 1h 16m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Federal Way, WA and Arlington, WA.

1

Start on this road

24 ft · 7 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto South 312th Street

158 ft · 7 sec · South 312th Street
3

Turn right onto WA 99

2.5 mi · 4 min · Pacific Highway South
4

Turn right onto South 272nd Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · South 272nd Street
Use the right lane.
5

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 54 sec
Toward I-5 North: Seattle Use the left lane.
6

Merge onto I 5

61 mi · 1 hr 16 min · I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Exit 208 Toward WA 530 East: Arlington, Darrington Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Turn right onto WA 530

2.3 mi · 3 min · State Highway 530 Northeast
9

Enter roundabout onto WA 530

51 ft · 0 sec · WA 530
10

Continue on WA 530

0.3 mi · 26 sec · WA 530
11

Enter roundabout onto WA 530

89 ft · 1 sec · WA 530
12

Continue on WA 530

1.1 mi · 1 min · WA 530
13

Enter roundabout onto West Division Street

96 ft · 2 sec · West Division Street
14

Continue on West Division Street

0.1 mi · 18 sec · West Division Street
15

Enter roundabout

124 ft · 3 sec
16

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

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 34.5 miles from Federal Way, WA, or about 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.2 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 15 miles or 21m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 34.5 miles or 45m 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 15m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Federal Way, WA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Federal Way, WA

This is one driving day of about 69 miles and 1h 30m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Federal Way, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 5 for about 61.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 34.5 mi from Federal Way, WA · 45m into the drive

city in King County, Washington, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Shoreline, WA

35 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

Burien, WA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 15 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Shoreline, WA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 34.5 miles from Federal Way, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 5 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.2 miles.

Arriving in Arlington, WA

The final approach into Arlington, WA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Time Out | Greek & American Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mountlake Terrace, Washington

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 34.5

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14256725144

Visit website

Emory's on Silver Lake

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Everett, Washington

0.7 mi

Luca Italian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Everett, Washington

0.9 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Cafe Seoul

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Federal Way, Washington

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12064605185

Visit website

Santo Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Seattle, Washington

2.2 mi

Candor Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Renton, Washington

2.2 mi

Time Out | Greek & American Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 34.5

Mountlake Terrace, Washington

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14256725144

Visit website

Emory's on Silver Lake

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 44.4

Everett, Washington

Hours: 2–9 pm

+14253377772

Visit website

Luca Italian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 49.3

Everett, Washington

Hours: 4–10 pm

+14257891279

Visit website

The Sisters Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 49.3

Everett, Washington

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+14252520480

Visit website

Fanny's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 54.2

Marysville, Washington

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13606538164

Altura

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $100 or ab mile 24.7

Seattle, Washington

Hours: 6–10 pm

+12064026749

Visit website

19 GOLD Taiwanese Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 24.7

Seattle, Washington

Hours: 11:30 am–9:30 pm

+12065880952

Visit website

El Patio

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 29.6

Seattle, Washington

Hours: 10 am–9:30 pm

+12065243046

Visit website

Cafe Seoul

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Federal Way, Washington

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12064605185

Visit website

Santo Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 24.7

Seattle, Washington

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+12064031678

Visit website

Candor Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 9.9

Renton, Washington

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+12532368630

Visit website

Daisy Mae's Café

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 9.9

Kent, Washington

Hours: 4:30 am–5 pm

+12538725580

Herkimer Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 29.6

Seattle, Washington

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+12067840202

Visit website

Escape Everett

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 49.3

Everett, Washington

Visit website

Victory Heights Playground Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 29.6

Seattle, Washington

Hours: 4 am–11:30 pm

+12066844075

Visit website

Beneath the Streets

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 19.7

Seattle, Washington

Hours: 10:30 am–4:30 pm

+12066241237

Visit website

North Creek Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 39.4

Bothell, Washington

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+14253886600

Visit website

Spooked In Seattle Ghost Tours

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 19.7

Seattle, Washington

+14259547701

Visit website

Space Needle

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Expensive mile 24.7

Seattle, Washington

Hours: 9:30 am–9 pm

+12069052100

Visit website

Jimi Hendrix Statue

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 24.7

Seattle, Washington

Hours: Open 24 hours

Sandel Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 29.6

Seattle, Washington

Hours: 4 am–11:30 pm

+12066844075

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.44 one way

$28.88 round trip

$5.32/gal 25.4 MPG avg 24 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.58 $15.14 $30.29
premium $5.77 $15.67 $31.34
diesel $5.61 $15.23 $30.47

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$14

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$39–$64

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 24.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 20.7 0 $7.24 $3.31
Efficient EV 17.3 0 $6.04 $2.76
EV Truck/SUV 27.6 0 $9.66 $4.42

Gas CO2

24 kg

EV CO2

8 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Federal Way, WA

Evening in Federal Way on Thursday

Local time

8:21 PM

PDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Arlington, WA

Evening in Arlington on Thursday

Local time

8:21 PM

PDT

Current temp

58°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

11 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

1h 30m 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 Federal Way, WA to Arlington, WA covers 69 miles and takes about 1h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 5, Pacific Highway South, State Highway 530 Northeast. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 34.5 miles from Federal Way, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.44 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 straightforward 1h 30m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (South 312th Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.5 miles (South 272nd Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Federal Way, WA to Arlington, WA, road signs begin pointing toward Darrington along the way.

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