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Trip from Tukwila, WA to Kennewick, WA

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

4h 19m

Distance

229.1 mi

369 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$48

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
4h 7m ★
6 AM
4h 20m
8 AM
4h 46m
10 AM
4h 29m
12 PM
4h 26m
3 PM
4h 30m
5 PM
4h 45m
8 PM
4h 12m

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

city in King County, Washington, United States

Tukwila, WA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Benton County, Washington, USA

Kennewick, WA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 229.1-mile drive from Tukwila, WA to Kennewick, WA takes approximately 4 hours and 19 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip. You'll primarily navigate I-90 and I-82, with a brief segment on US-97. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $48. This highway-focused route offers a straightforward transit across Washington State, connecting the Pacific Coast region on both ends. With its efficient path, it's designed for reaching your destination without unnecessary detours, perfect for those who prioritize direct travel.

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

114.5 miles from Tukwila, WA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 11m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 19m. Total distance: 229.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience, with 98% of the journey utilizing major interstates. You'll encounter a longest continuous stretch of 100.5 miles on I-90, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your drive. This route is characterized by its efficiency, designed for steady progress rather than winding scenic byways. While largely interstate, the transition between I-90 and I-82 will subtly shift the landscape as you move eastward across the state.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 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 0.2 miles in near Interurban Avenue South.

Driving Effort 8/10

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 229.1 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 0.2 miles (Interurban Avenue South): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | Interurban Avenue South

Turn right onto Interurban Avenue South

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
8
1.4 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the ramp toward I 405 North: Renton, Everett

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

Use the right lane. Toward I 405 North: Renton, Everett
8
11.3 mi into trip | ~15m 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
11.5 mi into trip | ~16m 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
7
112.4 mi into trip | ~2h 8m 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

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Tukwila, WA and Kennewick, WA, road signs point toward I‑182 East and Pasco.

I‑182 East

214.4 mi in | ~4h | via US 12

Pasco

214.4 mi in | ~4h | 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 9.6 mi 11m
WA 240 7.3 mi 9m
US 12 5.5 mi 5m
Interurban Avenue South 1.1 mi 2m
West Columbia Drive 0.7 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 90 — 100.5 mi, about 1h 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Tukwila, WA and Kennewick, WA.

1

Start on South 144th Street

47 ft · 6 sec · South 144th Street
2

Turn left onto 58th Avenue South

0.2 mi · 22 sec · 58th Avenue South
3

Continue on South 141st Place

445 ft · 16 sec · South 141st Place
4

Turn right onto Interurban Avenue South

1.1 mi · 2 min · Interurban Avenue South
Use the straight / right lanes.
5

Continue on WA 181

527 ft · 14 sec · West Valley Highway
6

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 33 sec
Toward I 405 North: Renton, Everett Use the right lane.
7

Merge onto I 405

9.6 mi · 11 min · I 405
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 11 Toward I 90: Seattle, Spokane Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 90 East: Spokane Use the slight right lane.
10

Merge onto I 90

101 mi · 1 hr 51 min · I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
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

64 mi · 1 hr 8 min · I 82; US 12
13

Take the exit onto US 12

5.5 mi · 5 min · US 12
Exit 102 Toward I‑182 east, US 12 east: Richland, Pasco
14

Take the exit onto WA 240

7.3 mi · 9 min · WA 240
Toward SR 240 east: Kennewick Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Enter roundabout onto West Columbia Drive

0.1 mi · 9 sec · West Columbia Drive
16

Continue on West Columbia Drive

0.5 mi · 1 min · West Columbia Drive
17

Turn right onto North Fruitland Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Fruitland Street
18

Turn right onto West Kennewick Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · West Kennewick Avenue
19

Turn right onto North Newport Street

0.1 mi · 31 sec · North Newport Street
20

Arrive at destination

North Newport Street

Trip Plan

For this 4-hour and 19-minute drive, departing in the morning allows ample time to reach Kennewick without feeling rushed. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility with stops; consider planning your one scheduled stop around the halfway point for fuel and a break. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you approach your destination, as the estimated cost is $48. A practical tip for this route is to familiarize yourself with the transition from I-90 to I-82, as it’s a key point where the road character changes.

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 114.5 miles from Tukwila, WA, or about 2h 11m 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 50 miles or 59m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 114.5 miles or 2h 11m 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 31m

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 Tukwila, 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 Tukwila, WA

This is one driving day of about 229.1 miles and 4h 19m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Tukwila, 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 114.5 mi from Tukwila, WA · 2h 11m into the drive

city in Chelan County, Washington, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cashmere, WA

115 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 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ellensburg, WA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 114.5 miles from Tukwila, 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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$47.95 one way

$95.90 round trip

$5.32/gal 25.4 MPG avg 80 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.58 $50.28 $100.57
premium $5.77 $52.03 $104.05
diesel $5.61 $50.58 $101.16

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$48

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$73–$98

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 80.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 68.7 0 $24.06 $11.00
Efficient EV 57.3 0 $20.05 $9.16
EV Truck/SUV 91.6 1 $32.07 $14.66

Gas CO2

80 kg

EV CO2

27 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

Tukwila, WA

Afternoon in Tukwila on Thursday

Local time

2:58 PM

PDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Kennewick, WA

Afternoon in Kennewick on Thursday

Local time

2:58 PM

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

15 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

4h 19m 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 Tukwila, WA to Kennewick, WA covers 229.1 miles and takes about 4h 19m 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 114.5 miles from Tukwila, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $47.95 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 229.1 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 0.2 miles (Interurban Avenue South): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Tukwila, WA and Kennewick, WA, road signs point toward I‑182 East and Pasco.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Kennewick, WA to Tukwila, WA

Plan the drive back the other way.

228.8 mi 4h 20m

Explore more options from Tukwila, WA or browse trips ending in Kennewick, WA.

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