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Trip from Renton, WA to Mead, WA

Data updated 46 minutes ago

Drive Time

5h 29m

Distance

290.5 mi

468 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$61

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 17m ★
6 AM
5h 30m
8 AM
5h 57m
10 AM
5h 39m
12 PM
5h 37m
3 PM
5h 41m
5 PM
5h 55m
8 PM
5h 22m

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

Downtown Mead, WA, WA

Mead, WA

Dmytro Glazunov

Trip Overview

This 290.5-mile drive from Renton, WA to Mead, WA is designed for a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 29 minutes. Primarily utilizing I 90 and the North Spokane Corridor, this highway-focused route has a 96% highway share, making it a straightforward journey. With an estimated fuel cost of $61, you can anticipate a consistent driving experience. Since the longest stretch without a significant road change is 272.9 miles on I 90, this trip is well-suited for a one-day adventure, allowing you to reach your destination 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

145.3 miles from Renton, WA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 42m into the drive .

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Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway experience on this 290.5-mile trip, with 96% of the route being on major roadways like I 90 and the North Spokane Corridor. The drive features a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 272.9 miles along I 90, meaning long periods of consistent speed. While WA 900 offers a brief change of pace, the overall character is that of a swift, efficient transit. You'll find yourself covering ground quickly, with the road primarily facilitating travel rather than showcasing dramatic scenery.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 30 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 272.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and WA 900. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near North 3rd Street.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 290.5 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 0.7 miles (North 3rd Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.5 miles (WA 900 / Sunset Boulevard North): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 1.7 miles (WA 900): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 21 key points

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

6
0.7 mi into trip | ~1m in | North 3rd Street

Turn right onto North 3rd Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
5
1.5 mi into trip | ~3m in | WA 900 / Sunset Boulevard North

Keep slight right at fork onto WA 900 / Sunset Boulevard North

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

6
1.7 mi into trip | ~4m in | WA 900

Take the ramp onto WA 900 toward I 405 North, WA 900 East

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 405 North, WA 900 East
8
7.8 mi into trip | ~12m in

Take the exit toward I 90: Seattle, Spokane

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: Seattle, Spokane
7
8.1 mi into trip | ~12m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 90 East: Spokane

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 90 East: Spokane

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 90 272.9 mi 4h 57m
WA 900 6.2 mi 8m
North Spokane Corridor 3.3 mi 4m
North Freya Street 1.4 mi 3m
South Freya Street 1 mi 2m
North Market Street 0.6 mi 1m
North 3rd Street 0.6 mi 1m
North Greene Street 0.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 90 — 272.9 mi, about 4h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Renton, WA and Mead, WA.

1

Start on this road

63 ft · 5 sec · this road
2

Turn left

71 ft · 8 sec
3

Turn left

98 ft · 9 sec
4

Turn right onto Rainier Avenue South

520 ft · 12 sec · Rainier Avenue South
5

Turn right onto Airport Way

0.4 mi · 1 min · Airport Way
6

Continue on Logan Avenue South

0.1 mi · 21 sec · Logan Avenue South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Turn right onto North 3rd Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · North 3rd Street
Use the straight lane.
8

Turn left onto WA 900

0.2 mi · 36 sec · Sunset Boulevard North
Use the left lane.
9

Keep slight right at fork onto WA 900

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Sunset Boulevard North
10

Take the ramp onto WA 900

6.2 mi · 8 min · WA 900
Toward I 405 North, WA 900 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 11 Toward I 90: Seattle, Spokane Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 90 East: Spokane Use the slight right lane.
13

Merge onto I 90

268 mi · 4 hr 51 min · I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto I 90; US 2; US 395

5.3 mi · 6 min · I 90; US 2; US 395
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Toward Freya Street, Thor Street
16

Continue on East 3rd Avenue

0.3 mi · 48 sec · East 3rd Avenue
17

Turn left onto South Freya Street

1.0 mi · 2 min · South Freya Street
18

Continue on North Freya Way

0.3 mi · 47 sec · North Freya Way
19

Continue on North Greene Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Greene Street
20

Turn right onto East Carlisle Avenue

0.3 mi · 55 sec · East Carlisle Avenue
21

Turn left onto North Freya Street

1.4 mi · 3 min · North Freya Street
22

Enter roundabout onto East Wellesley Avenue

234 ft · 13 sec · East Wellesley Avenue
23

Continue on East Wellesley Avenue

408 ft · 17 sec · East Wellesley Avenue
24

Enter roundabout

17 ft · 0 sec
25

Continue

0.4 mi · 54 sec
26

Merge onto Future US 395

3.3 mi · 4 min · North Spokane Corridor
27

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward East Parksmith Drive
28

Turn right onto East Parksmith Drive

0.1 mi · 17 sec · East Parksmith Drive
29

Turn left onto North Market Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Market Street
30

Arrive at destination

North Market Street

Trip Plan

Starting your journey from Renton, WA, early in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially as you approach the Spokane area. With a total duration of 5 hours and 29 minutes and a longest stretch of 272.9 miles on I 90, plan for one main stop to refuel and stretch. The estimated fuel cost of $61 makes budgeting straightforward. A key consideration for this route is the consistent highway driving; ensure your vehicle is in good condition for sustained speeds. Be aware that the North Spokane Corridor is a newer route, so confirm any specific signage or lane configurations before your trip.

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 145.3 miles from Renton, WA, or about 2h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 272.9 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 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 145.3 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 23m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Renton, 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 Renton, WA

This is one driving day of about 290.5 miles and 5h 29m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Renton, 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 272.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 145.3 mi from Renton, WA · 2h 42m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Yakima, WA

145 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

Monroe, WA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Yakima, WA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 145.3 miles from Renton, 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 272.9 miles.

Arriving in Mead, WA

The final approach into Mead, 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 Mead, 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

$60.80 one way

$121.60 round trip

$5.32/gal 25.4 MPG avg 102 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.58 $63.76 $127.52
premium $5.77 $65.97 $131.94
diesel $5.61 $64.14 $128.28

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$61

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$86–$111

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 101.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 87.1 1 $30.50 $13.94
Efficient EV 72.6 0 $25.42 $11.62
EV Truck/SUV 116.2 1 $40.67 $18.59

Gas CO2

102 kg

EV CO2

34 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 5 days ago

Origin

Renton, WA

Night in Renton on Tuesday

Local time

11:52 PM

PDT

Current temp

40°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Mead, WA

Night in Mead on Tuesday

Local time

11:52 PM

PDT

Current temp

54°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

14 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 29m 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 Renton, WA to Mead, WA covers 290.5 miles and takes about 5h 29m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 90, WA 900, North Spokane Corridor. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 145.3 miles from Renton, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $60.80 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 21 significant decision points across 290.5 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 0.7 miles (North 3rd Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.5 miles (WA 900 / Sunset Boulevard North): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 1.7 miles (WA 900): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Renton, WA to Mead, WA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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