Origin
Seattle, WA
Evening in Seattle on Sunday
Local time
6:36 PM
PDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Seattle, WA to Benton City, WA
Drive Time
3h 53m
Distance
207.8 mi
334 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 41m
★
6 AM
3h 54m
8 AM
4h 20m
10 AM
4h 3m
12 PM
4h 0m
3 PM
4h 4m
5 PM
4h 18m
8 PM
3h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Seattle, WA
Josh Hild
Benton City, WA
JOHN CALLERY
Trip Overview
If you are planning to travel from Seattle to Benton City, you are looking at a 207.8-mile journey that typically takes about 3 hours and 53 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $44 on fuel for this one-way trek. Navigating through the Pacific Coast region, you will utilize major thoroughfares including the Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel, I-82, and US-97. It is a straightforward trip that moves you efficiently across the state of Washington, making it an ideal choice for travelers who prioritize a direct and manageable transit time.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
103.9 miles from Seattle, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 58m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip offers a mixed drive profile, blending high-speed interstate travel with secondary highway segments. You will spend roughly 47% of your time on highways, providing a balanced experience behind the wheel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 107-mile run through the Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel, which requires steady focus. As you transition between the various roads, the driving environment shifts, keeping the journey from feeling like a singular, monotonous grind. Expect a transition in road personality as you move from the initial tunnel sections onto the broader interstate and highway connectors.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel is the longest continuous segment at about 107 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Spring Street.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 207.8 miles you will encounter 13 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 0.1 miles (Spring Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Spring Street
Turn right onto Spring Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
I 5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 toward I 90 East, I 5 South: Bellevue, Portland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 90 East, I 5 South: Bellevue, Portland
6
1.1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 90 East: Bellevue, Spokane
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 90 East: Bellevue, Spokane
6
2.5 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
I 90 / Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 / Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
7
109.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 4m 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
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel | 107 mi | 1h 59m |
| I 82 | 58.8 mi | 1h 3m |
| US 97 | 37.8 mi | 42m |
| I 90 | 1 mi | 1m |
| I 5 | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Babs Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| 1st Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| 9th Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
— 107 mi, about 1h 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Seattle, WA and Benton City, WA.
1
Start on this road
31 ft
·
7 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto Madison Street
204 ft
·
11 sec
·
Madison Street
3
Turn right onto 4th Avenue
308 ft
·
14 sec
·
4th Avenue
4
Turn right onto Spring Street
0.1 mi
·
26 sec
·
Spring Street
Use the right lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 5 South: Portland
6
Continue on I 5
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
I 5
Use the left / none lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
147 ft
·
2 sec
·
I 5
Toward I 90 East, I 5 South: Bellevue, Portland
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Toward I 90 East: Bellevue, Spokane
9
Merge onto I 90
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
I 90
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
107 mi
·
1 hr 59 min
·
Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
Use the none lane.
11
Take the exit onto US 97
38 mi
·
42 min
·
US 97
Toward I 82 East, US 97 South: Yakima
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 82; US 12
59 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
I 82; US 12
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
Toward SR 224 east, SR 225 north: West Richland, Benton City
14
Turn left onto WA 224
356 ft
·
8 sec
·
1st Street
15
Enter roundabout onto WA 225
140 ft
·
2 sec
·
1st Street
16
Continue on WA 225
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
·
1st Street
17
Continue on WA 225
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Babs Avenue
18
Turn slight right onto WA 225
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
·
9th Street
19
Arrive at destination
WA 225
Trip Plan
To make the most of this drive, try to time your departure to avoid peak traffic, as the 3-hour and 53-minute duration can vary significantly based on congestion. Since the route includes one recommended stop, plan to break up your 207.8-mile drive mid-way to keep your energy levels consistent. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before entering the longer 107-mile stretches to ensure you aren't caught off guard. Because this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace or departure time to suit your personal schedule. A helpful tip is to check traffic conditions specifically around the Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel before you leave, as this is a critical link in your journey.
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 103.9 miles from Seattle, WA, or about 1h 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 107 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 103.9 miles or 1h 58m 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 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Benton City, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Seattle, 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 Seattle, WA
This is one driving day of about 207.8 miles and 3h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Seattle, 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 Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel for about 107 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 103.9 mi from Seattle, WA · 1h 58m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
104 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 103.9 miles from Seattle, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 107 miles.
Arriving in Benton City, WA
The final approach into Benton City, 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 Benton City, 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
$43.61 one way
$87.23 round trip
$5.33/gal
25.4 MPG avg
73 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.57 | $45.54 | $91.09 |
| premium | $5.77 | $47.21 | $94.43 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $46.17 | $92.33 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 62.3 | 0 | $21.82 | $9.97 |
| Efficient EV | 52 | 0 | $18.18 | $8.31 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 83.1 | 1 | $29.09 | $13.30 |
Gas CO2
73 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Benton City, WA
Evening in Benton City on Sunday
Local time
6:36 PM
PDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
52°F
Monroe, WA
104 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
3 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
3h 53m 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 Seattle, WA to Benton City, WA covers 207.8 miles and takes about 3h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel, I 82, US 97. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 103.9 miles from Seattle, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $43.61 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 207.8 miles you will encounter 13 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 0.1 miles (Spring Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Seattle, WA to Benton City, WA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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