This 72.3-mile journey from Kent, WA to Indianola, WA is a straightforward drive, estimated to take about 1 hour and 42 minutes. Primarily utilizing WA 16, State Highway 3 Northwest, and I-5, this route is well-suited for a single-day trip. With a fuel cost estimated at $15, it's an economical option for exploring the Pacific Coast region of Washington. The highway-focused profile suggests a consistent pace, making it easy to plan your departure and arrival times. You'll spend most of your time on faster roadways, so pack your favorite road trip playlist.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
36.2 miles from Kent, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 50m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 42m. Total distance: 72.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 72.3-mile trip, with 82% of the route on major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 28.3 miles on WA 16, offering a good opportunity to settle in. While the route is predominantly highway, the transition between I-5, State Highway 3 Northwest, and WA 16 will provide some variation. This profile means you'll experience a consistent driving pace for most of the journey.
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.
WA 16 is the longest continuous segment at about 28.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on WA 16 and State Highway 3 Northwest. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.9 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 72.3 miles you will encounter 20 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 7.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
7.9 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the exit toward I 5: 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: Seattle, Tacoma
8
8.5 mi into trip|~13m 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
17.9 mi into trip|~25m in
Take the exit toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
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 132B
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
7
18.4 mi into trip|~27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward WA 16 West: Union Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward WA 16 West: Union Avenue
7
63 mi into trip|~1h 24m in
Take the exit toward WA 305 South: Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island
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 WA 305 South: Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Kent, WA and Indianola, WA, road signs point toward Tacoma, Bremerton and Bainbridge Island.
Tacoma
7.9 mi in|~12m
Bremerton
17.9 mi in|~25m
Bainbridge Island
63 mi in|~1h 24m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
WA 16
28.3 mi
36m
State Highway 3 Northwest
15.8 mi
19m
I 5
8.5 mi
10m
Valley Freeway
4.4 mi
5m
Indianola Road Northeast
3.3 mi
6m
Bond Road Northeast
2.4 mi
4m
Northeast Gunderson Road
2.3 mi
4m
State Route 18
1.5 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
WA 16
— 28.3 mi, about 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kent, WA and Indianola, WA.
1
Start on 2nd Avenue South
10 ft·4 sec·2nd Avenue South
2
Turn right onto West Gowe Street
0.1 mi·24 sec·West Gowe Street
3
Turn left onto 4th Avenue South
0.2 mi·23 sec·4th Avenue South
4
Turn slight right
182 ft·6 sec
5
Turn straight onto WA 516
0.4 mi·53 sec·West Willis Street
6
Turn left
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward WA 167 South: AuburnUse the left lane.
7
Merge onto WA 167
4.4 mi·5 min·Valley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
1.0 mi·2 min
Toward WA 18 West: Federal WayUse the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto WA 18
1.5 mi·1 min·State Route 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 5: Seattle, TacomaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway South, TacomaUse the straight lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward I 5 South: Tacoma
13
Merge onto I 5
7.2 mi·9 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
1.3 mi·1 min·I 5
15
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 132BToward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, BremertonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·45 sec
Toward WA 16 West: Union AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto WA 16
28 mi·36 min·WA 16
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on WA 3
16 mi·19 min·State Highway 3 Northwest
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward WA 305 South: Poulsbo, Bainbridge IslandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork
218 ft·5 sec
21
Turn straight onto WA 305
0.6 mi·1 min·State Highway 305 Northeast
22
Turn left onto WA 307
2.4 mi·4 min·Bond Road Northeast
Use the left lane.
23
Turn right onto Northeast Gunderson Road
2.3 mi·4 min·Northeast Gunderson Road
Use the right lane.
24
At end of road, turn left onto Miller Bay Road Northeast
0.3 mi·33 sec·Miller Bay Road Northeast
Use the left lane.
25
Turn right onto Indianola Road Northeast
3.3 mi·6 min·Indianola Road Northeast
Use the right lane.
26
Arrive at destination
Indianola Road Northeast
Trip Plan
Given the 1 hour and 42-minute duration, this trip is easily manageable in one day. Consider an early morning departure to take advantage of lighter traffic, especially if you're traveling on a weekday. While there are no mandatory stops suggested, you might want to plan for a brief break around the 28.3-mile mark on WA 16. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $15 for the entire trip, and refueling options will be more frequent on the main highway sections.
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 36.2 miles from Kent, WA, or about 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.3 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 16 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 36.2 miles or 50m 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 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Indianola, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kent, WA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Kent, WA
This is one driving day of about 72.3 miles and 1h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Kent, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on WA 16 for about 28.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 36.2 miles from Kent, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Indianola, WA
The final approach into Indianola, 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Seattle flourished during and after the Klondike Gold Rush. Merchants supplied people from around the world passing through this port city on their way to a remarkable adventure in the Yukon Territory...
14 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 72.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.13 one way
$30.26 round trip
$5.32/gal25.4 MPG avg25 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.58
$15.87
$31.74
premium
$5.77
$16.42
$32.84
diesel
$5.61
$15.96
$31.93
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
21.7
0
$7.59
$3.47
Efficient EV
18.1
0
$6.33
$2.89
EV Truck/SUV
28.9
0
$10.12
$4.63
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (68% 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
Kent, WA
Afternoon
in Kent on Friday
Local time
3:40 PM
PDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Indianola, WA
Afternoon
in Indianola on Friday
Local time
3:40 PM
PDT
Current temp
45°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
2 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 42m 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 Kent, WA to Indianola, WA covers 72.3 miles and takes about 1h 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are WA 16, State Highway 3 Northwest, I 5. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 36.2 miles from Kent, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.13 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 72.3 miles you will encounter 20 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 7.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Kent, WA and Indianola, WA, road signs point toward Tacoma, Bremerton and Bainbridge Island.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
