Origin
Omak, WA
Evening in Omak on Sunday
Local time
7:46 PM
PDT
Current temp
33°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Omak, WA to Tacoma, WA
Drive Time
5h 16m
Distance
250.6 mi
403 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$53
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 3m
★
6 AM
5h 17m
8 AM
5h 44m
10 AM
5h 26m
12 PM
5h 23m
3 PM
5h 28m
5 PM
5h 42m
8 PM
5h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Omak, WA
Joshua hansome Adroit
Trip Overview
Driving from Omak to Tacoma covers 250.6 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 16 minutes. Since this is a highway-focused route, you can realistically complete the journey in a single day, making it an efficient way to traverse this part of Washington. Budgeting approximately $53 for fuel should keep you covered for the trip. By utilizing US 97, I-90, and State Route 18, you maintain a steady pace across the state. While it is certainly possible to make the drive in one go, planning for at least one stop will help you stay refreshed for the duration of the trek.
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
125.3 miles from Omak, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 42m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a trip dominated by high-speed travel, as 97% of the journey is spent on highways. You will spend a significant portion of your time on US 97, which features the route's longest uninterrupted stretch of 113.4 miles. Transitioning onto I-90 and finally State Route 18 shifts the character of the drive, moving you from primary corridors toward the Tacoma area. Because the vast majority of the mileage is highway-based, the experience is consistent and straightforward. Be prepared for a functional, high-speed transit that prioritizes efficiency over local road exploration.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 38 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 97 is the longest continuous segment at about 113.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 97 and I 90. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 106.7 miles in near US 97 / US 2.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 28 significant decision points across 250.6 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 106.7 miles (US 97 / US 2): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 212.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 240.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 28 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
106.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 19m in
|
US 97 / US 2
Take the exit onto US 97 / US 2 toward US 97 South to I-90, Ellensburg, 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.
Toward US 97 South to I-90, Ellensburg, Seattle
9
212.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, Tacoma
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn,...
8
240.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 1m 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
249.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 13m 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
249.9 mi into trip
|
~5h 14m 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 Omak, WA and Tacoma, WA, road signs point toward Ellensburg, Seattle and Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn.
Ellensburg
106.7 mi in
|
~2h 19m
|
via US 97
Seattle
106.7 mi in
|
~2h 19m
|
via US 97
Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn
212.9 mi in
|
~4h 25m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 97 | 113.4 mi | 2h 23m |
| I 90 | 60 mi | 1h 6m |
| State Route 18 | 26.7 mi | 34m |
| US 2 | 23.4 mi | 30m |
| WA 970 | 9.9 mi | 12m |
| I 5 | 7.2 mi | 9m |
| Sunset Highway | 3.1 mi | 4m |
| Odabashian Bridge | 1.1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 97
— 113.4 mi, about 2h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Omak, WA and Tacoma, WA.
1
Start on this road
56 ft
·
9 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto WA 155 Spur
0.3 mi
·
56 sec
·
Omak Avenue East
3
Turn right onto WA 155
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
Dayton Street South
4
At end of road, turn right onto US 97; WA 20
78 mi
·
1 hr 39 min
·
US 97; WA 20
5
Continue on US 2; US 97
8.9 mi
·
11 min
·
US 2; US 97
6
Enter roundabout onto US 2; US 97
48 ft
·
1 sec
·
Sunset Highway
7
Continue on US 2; US 97
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Sunset Highway
8
Turn right onto US 2; US 97
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
US 2/97
9
Continue on US 2; US 97
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Odabashian Bridge
10
Enter roundabout onto US 2; US 97
137 ft
·
5 sec
·
US 2; US 97
11
Continue on US 2; US 97
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
US 2; US 97
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 2; US 97
140 ft
·
2 sec
·
US 2; US 97
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 2; US 97
14 mi
·
17 min
·
US 2; US 97
14
Take the exit onto US 97
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
US 2
Toward US 97 South to I-90, Ellensburg, Seattle
Use the slight right lane.
15
Turn left onto US 97
35 mi
·
44 min
·
US 97
16
Continue on WA 970
9.8 mi
·
12 min
·
WA 970
17
Turn left onto WA 970
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
WA 970
18
Turn left onto WA 970
0.2 mi
·
11 sec
·
Sunset Highway
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward I 90 West
20
Merge onto I 90
60 mi
·
1 hr 6 min
·
I 90
Use the none lane.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 25
Toward WA 18 West: Auburn
Use the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork
448 ft
·
13 sec
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, Tacoma
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
23
Merge onto WA 18
0.3 mi
·
25 sec
·
Snoqualmie Parkway
24
Continue on WA 18
27 mi
·
34 min
·
State Route 18
Use the none lane.
25
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 5: Seattle, Tacoma
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway South, Tacoma
Use the straight lane.
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 5 South: Tacoma
Use the none lane.
28
Merge onto I 5
7.2 mi
·
9 min
·
I 5
Use the none lane.
29
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
Exit 133
Toward WA 7 South, I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome
30
Keep slight right at fork
334 ft
·
8 sec
Toward I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome Station
31
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Toward I 705 North: City Center
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
32
Merge onto I 705
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
I 705
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward A Street, City Center
Use the slight left lane.
34
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward South 15 Street, Pacific Avenue
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
35
Continue on South 15th Street
0.3 mi
·
59 sec
·
South 15th Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
36
Turn right onto Tacoma Avenue South
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
Tacoma Avenue South
37
Turn right onto South 11th Street
43 ft
·
1 sec
·
South 11th Street
38
Arrive at destination
South 11th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 250.6-mile trek, try to leave Omak early in the morning to avoid congestion as you approach the Tacoma region. With a 5-hour and 16-minute drive time, planning for one intentional stop is essential to break up the monotony of the long highway stretches. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before starting the 113.4-mile segment on US 97, as this is your longest stretch without a major transition. Since the route is almost entirely highway-based, your pace will likely remain consistent, allowing for a predictable arrival time. Use the flexibility of a one-day trip to time your departure around peak traffic hours near your final destination.
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 125.3 miles from Omak, WA, or about 2h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 113.4 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 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.3 miles or 2h 42m 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 16m
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 Omak, 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 Omak, WA
This is one driving day of about 250.6 miles and 5h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Omak, 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 97 for about 113.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 125.3 mi from Omak, WA · 2h 42m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
125 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 125.3 miles from Omak, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 97 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 113.4 miles.
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.
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
$52.60 one way
$105.19 round trip
$5.33/gal
25.4 MPG avg
88 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.57 | $54.92 | $109.85 |
| premium | $5.77 | $56.94 | $113.88 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $55.67 | $111.35 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$53
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 75.2 | 0 | $26.31 | $12.03 |
| Efficient EV | 62.7 | 0 | $21.93 | $10.02 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 100.2 | 1 | $35.08 | $16.04 |
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 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
Tacoma, WA
Evening in Tacoma on Sunday
Local time
7:46 PM
PDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
33°F
Waterville, WA
125 mi in
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
5 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 16m 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 Omak, WA to Tacoma, WA covers 250.6 miles and takes about 5h 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 97, I 90, State Route 18. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 125.3 miles from Omak, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $52.60 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 28 significant decision points across 250.6 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 106.7 miles (US 97 / US 2): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 212.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 240.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Omak, WA and Tacoma, WA, road signs point toward Ellensburg, Seattle and Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn.
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