Origin
Federal Way, WA
Night in Federal Way on Sunday
Local time
9:11 PM
PDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Federal Way, WA to Tacoma, WA
Drive Time
20m
Distance
12.3 mi
20 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 18m
★
6 AM
0h 20m
8 AM
0h 24m
10 AM
0h 21m
12 PM
0h 21m
3 PM
0h 21m
5 PM
0h 23m
8 PM
0h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Trip Overview
If you are looking for a quick and straightforward commute between Federal Way and Tacoma, this 12.3-mile trip is an ideal candidate for a single-day excursion. Expect to spend about 20 minutes behind the wheel as you navigate within the Pacific Coast region. You will primarily rely on a combination of I-5, Pacific Highway South, and 16th Avenue South to complete the journey. With a fuel cost estimate of just $3, this is an incredibly budget-friendly drive that requires no overnight stops. Because the duration is so brief, you have total flexibility to head out whenever your schedule allows. Whether you are running errands or heading to the city for a meeting, this route offers a practical and efficient connection between these two Washington hubs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
6.1 miles from Federal Way, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 10m into the drive .
Drive Character
This 12.3-mile journey is heavily highway-focused, with 64% of the trip spent on major thoroughfares. You will experience a primary interstate feel, highlighted by a longest uninterrupted stretch of 7.4 miles on I-5. The road personality transitions from local access roads like 16th Avenue South and Pacific Highway South into the more consistent, high-speed environment of the interstate. While it serves as a functional link rather than a scenic tour, the drive remains predictable and steady. Expect a standard interstate experience that prioritizes efficiency over technical turns or winding backroads, keeping you moving steadily toward your destination in Tacoma.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 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 7.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and Pacific Highway South. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.4 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 12.3 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 2.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
8
2.4 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the exit toward I 5 North, I 5 South: Seattle, Tacoma
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 I 5 North, I 5 South: Seattle, Tacoma
7
2.5 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 5 South: Tacoma
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Toward I 5 South: Tacoma
7
10.5 mi into trip
|
~15m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome Station
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome St...
8
11.2 mi into trip
|
~17m 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
11.5 mi into trip
|
~17m 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
Between Federal Way, WA and Tacoma, WA, road signs point toward Tacoma Dome, Tacoma Dome Station and City Center.
Tacoma Dome
10.3 mi in
|
~15m
Tacoma Dome Station
10.5 mi in
|
~15m
City Center
11.2 mi in
|
~17m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 5 | 7.4 mi | 9m |
| Pacific Highway South | 1.8 mi | 3m |
| 16th Avenue South | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| I 705 | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Tacoma Avenue South | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| South 15th Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| State Route 18 | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| South 312th Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 5
— 7.4 mi, about 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Federal Way, WA and Tacoma, WA.
1
Start on this road
24 ft
·
7 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto South 312th Street
158 ft
·
5 sec
·
South 312th Street
3
Turn left onto WA 99
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Pacific Highway South
Use the none lane.
4
Turn left onto 16th Avenue South
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
16th Avenue South
Use the none lane.
5
Turn left onto WA 18
497 ft
·
13 sec
·
State Route 18
Use the left / none lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Toward I 5 North, I 5 South: Seattle, Tacoma
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward I 5 South: Tacoma
Use the none lane.
8
Merge onto I 5
7.4 mi
·
9 min
·
I 5
Use the slight left / none lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
Exit 133
Toward WA 7 South, I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome
10
Keep slight right at fork
334 ft
·
8 sec
Toward I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome Station
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Toward I 705 North: City Center
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 705
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
I 705
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward A Street, City Center
Use the slight left lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward South 15 Street, Pacific Avenue
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
15
Continue on South 15th Street
0.3 mi
·
59 sec
·
South 15th Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
16
Turn right onto Tacoma Avenue South
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
Tacoma Avenue South
17
Turn right onto South 11th Street
43 ft
·
1 sec
·
South 11th Street
18
Arrive at destination
South 11th Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a short, 20-minute drive with zero planned stops, you have the advantage of complete flexibility when choosing your departure time. However, because you are utilizing I-5 for the majority of the route, keep in mind that traffic volume can fluctuate significantly during typical morning and evening commuting hours. You can easily manage the $3 fuel requirement with a quick top-off before you leave Federal Way, as no mid-trip refueling is necessary. My best advice for this specific stretch is to pay close attention to the merge points when transitioning from Pacific Highway South onto the I-5 corridor. Staying alert during those short-distance transitions will ensure your quick trip remains stress-free and smooth from start to finish.
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 6.1 miles from Federal Way, WA, or about 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 7.4 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 12.3 miles or 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 6.1 miles or 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 15m
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 Federal Way, 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 Federal Way, WA
This is one driving day of about 12.3 miles and 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Federal Way, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 5 for about 7.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 6.1 mi from Federal Way, WA · 10m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
6 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 12.3 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 6.1 miles from Federal Way, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$2.58 one way
$5.16 round trip
$5.33/gal
25.4 MPG avg
4 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.57 | $2.70 | $5.39 |
| premium | $5.77 | $2.79 | $5.59 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $2.73 | $5.47 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$28–$53
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 4.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $1 in charging · 0 stops · 75% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 3.7 | 0 | $1.29 | $0.59 |
| Efficient EV | 3.1 | 0 | $1.08 | $0.49 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 4.9 | 0 | $1.72 | $0.79 |
Gas CO2
4 kg
EV CO2
1 kg (75% 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
Tacoma, WA
Night in Tacoma on Sunday
Local time
9:11 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
20m 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 Tacoma, WA covers 12.3 miles and takes about 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 5, Pacific Highway South, 16th Avenue South. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 6.1 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 $2.58 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 demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 12.3 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 2.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Federal Way, WA and Tacoma, WA, road signs point toward Tacoma Dome, Tacoma Dome Station and City Center.
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