Origin
Seattle, WA
Late night in Seattle on Monday
Local time
1:30 AM
PDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Seattle, WA to Lea Hill, WA
Drive Time
40m
Distance
25.5 mi
41 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$5
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 37m
★
6 AM
0h 40m
8 AM
0h 47m
10 AM
0h 43m
12 PM
0h 42m
3 PM
0h 43m
5 PM
0h 47m
8 PM
0h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Seattle, WA
Josh Hild
Trip Overview
Traveling from Seattle to Lea Hill is a straightforward 25.5-mile journey that typically takes about 40 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, as it covers a relatively short distance within the Pacific Coast region of Washington. With a modest fuel budget of just $5, it serves as an efficient connection rather than an endurance haul. You will primarily utilize I-5, the Valley Freeway, and 124th Avenue Southeast to reach your destination. Because the trip is so brief, there is no need for an overnight stay or complex planning, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking for a quick and predictable commute.
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
12.8 miles from Seattle, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 17m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 65% of this route consists of high-speed transit. You will spend your longest uninterrupted stretch covering 10.8 miles on I-5, which sets the pace for the majority of the drive. The character of the road shifts from the heavy traffic typical of the Seattle corridor to more localized arterial roads as you navigate toward Lea Hill. While it lacks the winding charm of backroads, the combination of the Valley Freeway and 124th Avenue Southeast provides a functional transition from the city center to your destination. It is a utilitarian drive that prioritizes speed and directness over scenic detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 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 10.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and Valley Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Spring Street.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 25.5 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 0.1 miles (Spring Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.1 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.2 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 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.
7
1.1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
I 5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 toward I 5 South: Tacoma, Portland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 5 South: Tacoma, Portland
8
1.2 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
I 5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 toward Airport Way
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Toward Airport Way
8
13.1 mi into trip
|
~17m in
Take the exit toward WA 167 South: Renton, Auburn
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 2
Toward WA 167 South: Renton, Auburn
8
13.5 mi into trip
|
~18m in
Keep slight right at fork toward WA 167 South: Kent, Auburn
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward WA 167 South: Kent, Auburn
Towns Along This Route
Between Seattle, WA and Lea Hill, WA, road signs point toward Auburn and 84Th Avenue South.
Auburn
13.1 mi in
|
~17m
84Th Avenue South
18.2 mi in
|
~24m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 5 | 10.8 mi | 13m |
| Valley Freeway | 4.4 mi | 5m |
| 124th Avenue Southeast | 2.5 mi | 5m |
| I 405 | 1.5 mi | 1m |
| Southeast Kent Kangley Road | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| Central Avenue North | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Canyon Drive | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Southeast 256th Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 5
— 10.8 mi, about 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Seattle, WA and Lea Hill, WA.
1
Start on the route
30 ft
·
8 sec
·
the route
2
Turn left onto Madison Street
203 ft
·
11 sec
·
Madison Street
3
Turn right onto 4th Avenue
308 ft
·
15 sec
·
4th Avenue
4
Turn right onto Spring Street
0.1 mi
·
26 sec
·
Spring Street
5
Take the ramp right toward I 5 South: Portland
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
I 5 South: Portland
6
Continue straight
0.6 mi
·
1 min
7
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 East, I 5 South: Bellevue, Portland
148 ft
·
2 sec
·
I 90 East, I 5 South: Bellevue, Portland
8
Keep slight right to continue on I 5 South: Tacoma, Portland
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
I 5 South: Tacoma, Portland
9
Keep slight left to continue on Airport Way
305 ft
·
4 sec
·
Airport Way
10
Keep slight left to continue on I 5 South: Sea-Tac Airport
10 mi
·
12 min
·
I 5 South: Sea-Tac Airport
11
Take the exit slight left toward I 405 North: Renton
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
I 405 North: Renton
12
Continue straight
1.5 mi
·
1 min
13
Take the exit slight right toward WA 167 South: Renton, Auburn
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
·
WA 167 South: Renton, Auburn
14
Keep slight right to continue on WA 167 South: Kent, Auburn
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
·
WA 167 South: Kent, Auburn
15
Merge slight left onto Valley Freeway
4.4 mi
·
5 min
·
Valley Freeway
16
Take the exit slight right toward 84th Avenue South, North Central Avenue
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
84th Avenue South, North Central Avenue
17
Turn left onto Central Avenue North
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Central Avenue North
18
Turn left onto East Smith Street
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
East Smith Street
19
Continue on Canyon Drive
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Canyon Drive
20
Continue on Southeast 256th Street
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
Southeast 256th Street
21
Keep slight right to continue on Southeast Kent Kangley Road
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Southeast Kent Kangley Road
22
Turn right onto 124th Avenue Southeast
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
124th Avenue Southeast
23
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward 124th Avenue Southeast
102 ft
·
3 sec
·
124th Avenue Southeast
24
Exit the roundabout onto 124th Avenue Southeast
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
124th Avenue Southeast
25
Turn right onto Southeast 307th Place
0.2 mi
·
48 sec
·
Southeast 307th Place
26
Arrive at your destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a short 40-minute drive with zero planned stops, you have maximum flexibility when scheduling your departure. Keep in mind that the majority of your time will be spent on major highways, so checking traffic reports before you leave Seattle is the best way to ensure you hit that 40-minute mark. Because the fuel cost is only $5, you likely won't need to worry about refueling mid-trip unless your tank is already very low. Use the simplicity of this route to your advantage by planning your arrival in Lea Hill around the specific local traffic patterns of the 124th Avenue Southeast corridor. Being prepared for the shift from interstate speeds to local surface streets will help you navigate the final leg of the trip with ease.
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 12.8 miles from Seattle, WA, or about 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 10.8 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 25.5 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 12.8 miles or 17m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lea Hill, 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 25.5 miles and 40m.
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.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 5 for about 10.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 12.8 mi from Seattle, WA · 17m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
13 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 25.5 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 12.8 miles from Seattle, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Lea Hill, WA
The final approach into Lea Hill, 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 Lea Hill, 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
$5.35 one way
$10.70 round trip
$5.33/gal
25.4 MPG avg
9 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.57 | $5.59 | $11.18 |
| premium | $5.77 | $5.79 | $11.59 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $5.67 | $11.33 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$30–$55
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 8.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 7.6 | 0 | $2.68 | $1.22 |
| Efficient EV | 6.4 | 0 | $2.23 | $1.02 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 10.2 | 0 | $3.57 | $1.63 |
Gas CO2
9 kg
EV CO2
3 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
Lea Hill, WA
Late night in Lea Hill on Monday
Local time
1:30 AM
PDT
Current temp
38°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
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
40m 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 Lea Hill, WA covers 25.5 miles and takes about 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 5, Valley Freeway, 124th Avenue Southeast. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 12.8 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 $5.35 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 19 significant decision points across 25.5 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 0.1 miles (Spring Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.1 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.2 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Seattle, WA and Lea Hill, WA, road signs point toward Auburn and 84Th Avenue South.
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