Origin
Kennewick, WA
Evening in Kennewick on Sunday
Local time
7:13 PM
PDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Kennewick, WA to Olympia, WA
Drive Time
5h 5m
Distance
258.2 mi
416 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$54
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 52m
★
6 AM
5h 6m
8 AM
5h 33m
10 AM
5h 15m
12 PM
5h 12m
3 PM
5h 16m
5 PM
5h 31m
8 PM
4h 58m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Kennewick, WA
Frank Cone
Olympia, WA
Harrison Reilly
Trip Overview
Connecting Kennewick to Olympia covers 258.2 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 5 minutes of driving time. Since the route is entirely within Washington, you will stay within the Pacific Coast region for the duration of your journey. Budgeting around $54 for fuel will cover your transit across the state. While this trip is manageable as a single-day push, it requires a steady focus to complete the distance efficiently. Expect a highway-focused experience that serves as a direct link between these two cities via US 12 and WA 240. Whether you are traveling for business or a change of scenery, this route provides a straightforward path across the state.
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
129.1 miles from Kennewick, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 31m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a trip dominated by high-speed travel, as 98% of your journey consists of highway driving. The vast majority of your time behind the wheel—specifically 242.4 miles—is spent on the continuous stretch of US 12. This creates a rhythmic, consistent pace that helps you cover ground quickly. You will transition from the local WA 240 departure into the long-haul highway environment before eventually navigating into Olympia via Capitol Boulevard Southeast. Prepare for a focused, efficient drive that prioritizes speed and directness over frequent turns or technical maneuvers.
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.
US 12 is the longest continuous segment at about 242.4 miles.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,893 ft
97 ft
Total Climb
1,528 ft
Total Descent
1,839 ft
Highest Point
1,893 ft
~107.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,797 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 12 and WA 240. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 8.3 miles in near WA 240.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 258.2 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 8.3 miles (WA 240): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.5 miles (US 12): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.5 miles (US 12): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
8.3 mi into trip
|
~12m in
|
WA 240
Keep slight right at fork onto WA 240
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
6
13.5 mi into trip
|
~18m in
|
US 12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 12 toward I 82 West, US 12 West: Prosser, Yakima
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 82 West, US 12 West: Prosser, Yakima
5
84.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 35m in
|
US 12
Take the exit onto US 12 toward US 12 west, North 1st Street: White Pass, Chinook Pass, Naches
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 12 west, North 1st Street: White Pass...
6
84.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 35m in
|
US 12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 12 toward US 12 West: Naches, White Pass
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 12 West: Naches, White Pass
5
220.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 21m in
|
US 12
Take the exit onto US 12 toward I 5 North: Seattle
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward I 5 North: Seattle
Towns Along This Route
Between Kennewick, WA and Olympia, WA, road signs point toward Yakima, 1St Street: White Pass, Chinook Pass, Naches and White Pass.
Yakima
13.5 mi in
|
~18m
|
via US 12
1St Street: White Pass
84.5 mi in
|
~1h 35m
|
via US 12
Chinook Pass
84.5 mi in
|
~1h 35m
|
via US 12
Naches
84.5 mi in
|
~1h 35m
|
via US 12
White Pass
84.6 mi in
|
~1h 35m
|
via US 12
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 12 | 242.4 mi | 4h 42m |
| WA 240 | 11.6 mi | 13m |
| Capitol Boulevard Southeast | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Capitol Way Southeast | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| North Fruitland Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| West Kennewick Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| West Columbia Drive | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| North Newport Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 12
— 242.4 mi, about 4h 42m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kennewick, WA and Olympia, WA.
1
Start on North Newport Street
0.1 mi
·
37 sec
·
North Newport Street
2
Turn left onto West Kennewick Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West Kennewick Avenue
3
Turn left onto North Fruitland Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North Fruitland Street
4
Turn left onto West Columbia Drive
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West Columbia Drive
5
Enter roundabout onto WA 240
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
WA 240
6
Continue on WA 240
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
WA 240
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto WA 240
5.1 mi
·
5 min
·
WA 240
Use the slight right lane.
8
Continue on I 182; US 12
0.1 mi
·
7 sec
·
I 182; US 12
9
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
10
Take the exit onto US 12
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
US 12
Toward US 12 west, North 1st Street: White Pass, Chinook Pass, Naches
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 12
18 mi
·
23 min
·
US 12
Toward US 12 West: Naches, White Pass
12
Turn left onto US 12
119 mi
·
2 hr 22 min
·
US 12
13
Take the exit onto US 12
35 mi
·
39 min
·
US 12
Toward I 5 North: Seattle
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward Deschutes Way, 2nd Avenue
15
Keep slight right at fork
166 ft
·
4 sec
16
Turn straight onto E Street Southwest
187 ft
·
8 sec
·
E Street Southwest
17
Turn left onto Capitol Boulevard Southeast
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Capitol Boulevard Southeast
18
Continue on Capitol Way Southeast
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Capitol Way Southeast
19
Arrive at destination
Capitol Way South
Trip Plan
Planning for a one-day trip is perfectly feasible given the 5-hour duration, but you should aim to leave early to avoid mid-day traffic near your destination. Since the route features one primary stop, map out your break point ahead of time to keep your momentum steady during the long 242.4-mile stretch. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $54 estimate is based on typical consumption for this distance; topping off before you hit the main highway segments is a smart move. Because the route relies so heavily on US 12, check local traffic reports for that specific corridor before you head out to ensure there are no unexpected delays on your primary path.
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 129.1 miles from Kennewick, WA, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 242.4 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 80 miles or 1h 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129.1 miles or 2h 31m 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 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Olympia, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kennewick, 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 Kennewick, WA
This is one driving day of about 258.2 miles and 5h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Kennewick, 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 242.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 129.1 mi from Kennewick, WA · 2h 31m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
129 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 129.1 miles from Kennewick, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 12 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 242.4 miles.
Arriving in Olympia, WA
The final approach into Olympia, 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 Olympia, 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
$54.19 one way
$108.38 round trip
$5.33/gal
25.4 MPG avg
90 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.57 | $56.59 | $113.18 |
| premium | $5.77 | $58.66 | $117.33 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $57.36 | $114.73 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$54
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 90.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 77.5 | 0 | $27.11 | $12.39 |
| Efficient EV | 64.6 | 0 | $22.59 | $10.33 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 103.3 | 1 | $36.15 | $16.52 |
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 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
Olympia, WA
Evening in Olympia on Sunday
Local time
7:13 PM
PDT
Current temp
44°F
Mostly Cloudy
N 2 mph
10% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 11 at 8:35PM PDT until April 13 at 5:39AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
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 5m 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 Kennewick, WA to Olympia, WA covers 258.2 miles and takes about 5h 5m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 12, WA 240, Capitol Boulevard Southeast. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 129.1 miles from Kennewick, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $54.19 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 258.2 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 8.3 miles (WA 240): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.5 miles (US 12): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.5 miles (US 12): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Kennewick, WA and Olympia, WA, road signs point toward Yakima, 1St Street: White Pass, Chinook Pass, Naches and White Pass.
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