Trip from Lacey, WA to Redmond, WA

Drive Time

1h 27m

Distance

66.8 mi

108 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 20 min
4 AM
1h 21m ★
6 AM
1h 28m
8 AM
1h 41m
10 AM
1h 33m
12 PM
1h 31m
3 PM
1h 33m
5 PM
1h 41m
8 PM
1h 24m

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

Downtown Lacey, WA, WA

Lacey, WA

Guilherme Simão

Downtown Redmond, WA, WA

Redmond, WA

Harrison Reilly

Trip Overview

Connecting Lacey to Redmond, this 66.8-mile drive is a straightforward journey typically taking about 1 hour and 27 minutes. Because the route is entirely contained within the Pacific Coast region of Washington, it serves as an efficient connection rather than a cross-country expedition. You can easily complete this trip as a single-day excursion, making it ideal for those who prefer to avoid overnight stays. Expect to spend approximately $14 on fuel, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. By utilizing I-5, I-405, and WA-520, you move through the heart of the region's major transit corridors. It is a practical, no-nonsense route that is well-suited for travelers looking to get from point A to point B without unnecessary complexity.

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

33.4 miles from Lacey, WA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 43m into the drive .

Drive Character

This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 95% of your travel occurring on high-speed thoroughfares. You will spend the bulk of your time on major interstates, including a significant 44.7-mile stretch on I-5 that defines the primary leg of your journey. Transitioning onto I-405 and WA-520, the character of the road remains consistent, offering a steady flow of traffic typical of a metropolitan transit route. While you won't encounter technical mountain passes or winding backroads, you should be prepared for the constant pace of interstate travel. Staying focused behind the wheel is essential as you navigate these high-volume corridors, which prioritize speed and directness over rural scenery.

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 44.7 miles.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

453 ft 17 ft

Total Climb

1,036 ft

Total Descent

1,195 ft

Highest Point

453 ft

~36.2 mi in

Elevation Range

436 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and I 405. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 46.2 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 66.8 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 46.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 60.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

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

8
46.2 mi into trip | ~59m in

Take the exit toward WA 518 West, I 405 North: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Bellevue

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 154A-B Toward WA 518 West, I 405 North: Seattle-Tacoma...
9
46.3 mi into trip | ~59m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 405 North: Renton, Bellevue

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 154B Toward I 405 North: Renton, Bellevue
8
60.5 mi into trip | ~1h 17m in

Take the exit toward WA 520: Seattle, Redmond

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 14 Toward WA 520: Seattle, Redmond
8
60.9 mi into trip | ~1h 18m in

Keep slight right at fork toward WA 520 East: 124th Avenue Northeast, Redmond

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward WA 520 East: 124th Avenue Northeast, Red...
8
61 mi into trip | ~1h 18m in

Keep slight left at fork toward 124th Avenue Northeast

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward 124th Avenue Northeast

Towns Along This Route

Between Lacey, WA and Redmond, WA, road signs point toward Bellevue and 124Th Avenue Northeast.

Bellevue

46.2 mi in | ~59m

124Th Avenue Northeast

61 mi in | ~1h 18m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 5 44.7 mi 55m
I 405 13.8 mi 17m
WA 520 4.4 mi 5m
College Street Southeast 1 mi 2m
Leary Way 0.5 mi 1m
West Lake Sammamish Parkway Northeast 0.3 mi <1m
Martin Way East 0.3 mi <1m
Redmond Way <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 5 — 44.7 mi, about 55m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lacey, WA and Redmond, WA.

1

Start on College Street Southeast

1.0 mi · 2 min · College Street Southeast
2

Turn right onto Martin Way East

0.3 mi · 33 sec · Martin Way East
3

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Toward I 5 North: Seattle, Tacoma
4

Merge onto I 5

24 mi · 30 min · I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5

21 mi · 25 min · I 5
Use the slight right lane.
6

Take the exit

448 ft · 10 sec
Exit 154A-B Toward WA 518 West, I 405 North: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Bellevue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Exit 154B Toward I 405 North: Renton, Bellevue Use the slight right lane.
8

Merge onto I 405

14 mi · 17 min · I 405
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 59 sec
Exit 14 Toward WA 520: Seattle, Redmond Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork

453 ft · 11 sec
Toward WA 520 East: 124th Avenue Northeast, Redmond Use the slight right lane.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Toward 124th Avenue Northeast Use the slight left lane.
12

Merge onto WA 520

4.4 mi · 5 min · WA 520
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 47 sec
Toward West Lake Sammamish Parkway Northeast Use the straight / right lanes.
14

Turn left onto West Lake Sammamish Parkway Northeast

0.3 mi · 40 sec · West Lake Sammamish Parkway Northeast
Use the left / right lanes.
15

Turn right onto Leary Way

0.5 mi · 1 min · Leary Way
Use the straight lane.
16

Turn right onto Redmond Way

315 ft · 18 sec · Redmond Way
17

Turn left onto WA 202

30 ft · 0 sec · 164th Avenue Northeast
Use the left lane.
18

Arrive at destination

WA 202

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to plan your departure around your own schedule. However, given the heavy reliance on I-5 and I-405, try to avoid peak commuting hours to ensure you stay closer to the 1-hour and 27-minute estimate. You likely won't need to plan for formal stops, as the duration is manageable for most drivers without a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before you head out, as the $14 cost estimate assumes a direct drive without idling in heavy congestion. Use the WA-520 segment as your final approach to Redmond, and keep your navigation updated, as these major junctions can change quickly depending on traffic flow.

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 33.4 miles from Lacey, WA, or about 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 44.7 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 66.8 miles or 1h 27m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 33.4 miles or 43m 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 12m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lacey, 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 Lacey, WA

This is one driving day of about 66.8 miles and 1h 27m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Lacey, 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 44.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 33.4 mi from Lacey, WA · 43m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Renton, WA

33 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

Bellevue, WA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 66.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Federal Way, WA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 33.4 miles from Lacey, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Redmond, WA

The final approach into Redmond, 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 Redmond, 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

$14.02 one way

$28.04 round trip

$5.33/gal 25.4 MPG avg 23 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.57 $14.64 $29.28
premium $5.77 $15.18 $30.35
diesel $5.64 $14.84 $29.68

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: 23.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 20 0 $7.01 $3.21
Efficient EV 16.7 0 $5.85 $2.67
EV Truck/SUV 26.7 0 $9.35 $4.28

Gas CO2

23 kg

EV CO2

8 kg (65% 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Lacey, WA

Evening in Lacey on Sunday

Local time

8:53 PM

PDT

Current temp

36°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Redmond, WA

Evening in Redmond on Sunday

Local time

8:53 PM

PDT

Current temp

52°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

16 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 27m 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 Lacey, WA to Redmond, WA covers 66.8 miles and takes about 1h 27m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 5, I 405, WA 520. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 33.4 miles from Lacey, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.02 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 66.8 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 46.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 60.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Lacey, WA and Redmond, WA, road signs point toward Bellevue and 124Th Avenue Northeast.
Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from 17 ft to 453 ft elevation with about 1,036 ft of total climbing.

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Return Trip

Redmond, WA to Lacey, WA

Plan the drive back the other way.

67.5 mi 1h 28m

Explore more options from Lacey, WA or browse trips ending in Redmond, WA.

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