This 145.7-mile drive from Tukwila, WA to Yakima, WA is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes. With 97% of the journey on highways, expect a straightforward travel experience. The estimated fuel cost is around $30, making it an economical option for a quick getaway. This route primarily stays within the Pacific Coast region, offering a direct connection between these two Washington locations. It's a practical choice for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule without the need for an overnight stay.
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
72.8 miles from Tukwila, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 24m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 47m. Total distance: 145.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with an impressive 97% of the 145.7 miles utilizing major interstates like I-90 and I-405, along with US-97. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 100.5 miles on I-90, meaning extended periods of consistent speed and minimal turns. The character of the road is largely consistent due to its highway nature, offering a predictable driving experience for most of the 2-hour and 47-minute journey. Expect smooth sailing for the majority of your trip.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 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 US 97. 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 Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 145.7 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 10 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.
On the drive from Tukwila, WA to Yakima, WA, road signs begin pointing toward Spokane along the way.
Spokane
11.3 mi in|~15m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
100.5 mi
1h 51m
US 97
31.3 mi
34m
I 405
9.6 mi
11m
North 1st Street
1.6 mi
3m
Interurban Avenue South
1.1 mi
2m
58th Avenue South
0.2 mi
<1m
Selah Road
0.1 mi
<1m
West Valley Highway
<0.1 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 Yakima, 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, EverettUse 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 11Toward I 90: Seattle, SpokaneUse the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward I 90 East: SpokaneUse 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
31 mi·34 min·US 97
Toward I 82 East, US 97 South: YakimaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
314 ft·4 sec
Toward US 12 west, North 1st Street
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·26 sec
14
Continue on WA 823
0.1 mi·13 sec·Selah Road
15
Continue on North 1st Street
1.6 mi·3 min·North 1st Street
16
Arrive at destination
South 1st Street
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of under 3 hours, this trip is best enjoyed with a flexible departure time. You can easily complete this drive in one day, so consider leaving in the morning to maximize your time at your destination. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the 100.5-mile mark on I-90. The estimated fuel cost of $30 suggests you won't need to worry excessively about refueling, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. Keep an eye on traffic around the Seattle metropolitan area as you begin your journey.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 72.8 miles from Tukwila, WA, or about 1h 24m 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 32 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 72.8 miles or 1h 24m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Yakima, 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 145.7 miles and 2h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 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 72.8 mi from Tukwila, WA
· 1h 24m into the drive
The midpoint is around 72.8 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 Yakima, WA
The final approach into Yakima, 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 Yakima, 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Seattle flourished during and after the Klondike Gold Rush. Merchants supplied people from around the world passing through this port city on their way to a remarkable adventure in the Yukon Territory...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.49 one way
$60.99 round trip
$5.32/gal25.4 MPG avg51 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.58
$31.98
$63.96
premium
$5.77
$33.09
$66.17
diesel
$5.61
$32.17
$64.34
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
43.7
0
$15.30
$6.99
Efficient EV
36.4
0
$12.75
$5.83
EV Truck/SUV
58.3
0
$20.40
$9.32
Gas CO2
51 kg
EV CO2
17 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Tukwila, WA
Afternoon
in Tukwila on Thursday
Local time
12:57 PM
PDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Yakima, WA
Afternoon
in Yakima on Thursday
Local time
12:57 PM
PDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
51°F
North Bend, WA
73 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
20 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
2h 47m 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 Tukwila, WA to Yakima, WA covers 145.7 miles and takes about 2h 47m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 90, US 97, I 405. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 72.8 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 $30.49 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 145.7 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.
On the drive from Tukwila, WA to Yakima, WA, road signs begin pointing toward Spokane along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park.
