This 245.4-mile drive from Mukilteo, WA to Kennewick, WA takes approximately 4 hours and 42 minutes, making it a feasible one-day trip. You'll spend about 95% of your time on major highways, primarily I-90, I-82, and US-97. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $51. The route offers a highway-focused experience, connecting two points within the Pacific Coast region. It's a straightforward transit that's well-suited for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
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
122.7 miles from Mukilteo, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 24m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 42m. Total distance: 245.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused journey, with 95% of the route utilizing major interstates and highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 100.5 miles on I-90, offering a significant period of consistent travel. This drive is characterized by its efficiency rather than winding scenic byways. You'll be covering ground primarily on I-90, then transitioning to I-82 and US-97, providing a clear path with minimal deviations.
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.
I 90 is the longest continuous segment at about 100.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 82. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.1 miles in near I 405.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 245.4 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 10.1 miles (I 405): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 27.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
10.1 mi into trip|~16m in|I 405
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
27.1 mi into trip|~37m in
Take the exit toward I 90: Spokane, Seattle
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 11
Toward I 90: Spokane, Seattle
7
27.6 mi into trip|~38m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 90 East: Spokane
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 90 East: Spokane
7
128.6 mi into trip|~2h 31m in|US 97
Take the exit onto US 97 toward I 82 East, US 97 South: Yakima
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 82 East, US 97 South: Yakima
6
230.6 mi into trip|~4h 23m in|US 12
Take the exit onto US 12 toward I‑182 east, US 12 east: Richland, Pasco
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 102
Toward I‑182 east, US 12 east: Richland, Pasco
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Mukilteo, WA and Kennewick, WA, road signs point toward Seattle, I‑182 East and Pasco.
Seattle
27.1 mi in|~37m
I‑182 East
230.6 mi in|~4h 23m|via US 12
Pasco
230.6 mi in|~4h 23m|via US 12
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
100.5 mi
1h 51m
I 82
64.1 mi
1h 8m
US 97
37.8 mi
42m
I 405
18.4 mi
22m
Mukilteo Speedway
7.5 mi
13m
WA 240
7.3 mi
9m
US 12
5.5 mi
5m
Paine Field Boulevard
0.8 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 100.5 mi, about 1h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mukilteo, WA and Kennewick, WA.
1
Start on WA 525
1.7 mi·3 min·Mukilteo Speedway
2
Turn left onto WA 526
0.4 mi·44 sec·84th Street Southwest
3
Turn right onto WA 525 Spur
0.8 mi·58 sec·Paine Field Boulevard
4
Turn slight left onto WA 525
5.8 mi·9 min·Mukilteo Speedway
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
Continue on I 405
1.4 mi·1 min·I 405
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
17 mi·21 min·I 405
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 11Toward I 90: Spokane, SeattleUse the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 90 East: SpokaneUse the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto I 90
101 mi·1 hr 51 min·I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit onto US 97
38 mi·42 min·US 97
Toward I 82 East, US 97 South: YakimaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 82; US 12
64 mi·1 hr 8 min·I 82; US 12
12
Take the exit onto US 12
5.5 mi·5 min·US 12
Exit 102Toward I‑182 east, US 12 east: Richland, Pasco
13
Take the exit onto WA 240
7.3 mi·9 min·WA 240
Toward SR 240 east: KennewickUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Enter roundabout onto West Columbia Drive
0.1 mi·9 sec·West Columbia Drive
15
Continue on West Columbia Drive
0.5 mi·1 min·West Columbia Drive
16
Turn right onto North Fruitland Street
0.6 mi·1 min·North Fruitland Street
17
Turn right onto West Kennewick Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·West Kennewick Avenue
18
Turn right onto North Newport Street
0.1 mi·31 sec·North Newport Street
19
Arrive at destination
North Newport Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 42-minute duration, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow ample time for any unexpected delays. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your breaks strategically, perhaps after the longest stretch on I-90. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you approach the 100.5-mile mark on I-90, as service areas can be spaced out on this section.
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 122.7 miles from Mukilteo, WA, or about 2h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 100.5 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 54 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.7 miles or 2h 24m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kennewick, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Mukilteo, 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 Mukilteo, WA
This is one driving day of about 245.4 miles and 4h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Mukilteo, 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 I 90 for about 100.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 122.7 mi from Mukilteo, WA
· 2h 24m into the drive
The midpoint is around 122.7 miles from Mukilteo, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 100.5 miles.
Arriving in Kennewick, WA
The final approach into Kennewick, 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 Kennewick, 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.
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 25.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.36 one way
$102.72 round trip
$5.32/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.58
$53.86
$107.72
premium
$5.77
$55.73
$111.45
diesel
$5.61
$54.18
$108.36
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$51
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$76–$101
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.6
0
$25.77
$11.78
Efficient EV
61.4
0
$21.47
$9.82
EV Truck/SUV
98.2
1
$34.36
$15.71
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Mukilteo, WA
Morning
in Mukilteo on Friday
Local time
11:39 AM
PDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Kennewick, WA
Morning
in Kennewick on Friday
Local time
11:39 AM
PDT
Current temp
51°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
1 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
4h 42m 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 Mukilteo, WA to Kennewick, WA covers 245.4 miles and takes about 4h 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 90, I 82, US 97. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 122.7 miles from Mukilteo, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $51.36 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 is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 245.4 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 10.1 miles (I 405): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 27.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Mukilteo, WA and Kennewick, WA, road signs point toward Seattle, I‑182 East and Pasco.
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.
