Trip from University Place, WA to Redmond, WA

Drive Time

1h 7m

Distance

47.7 mi

77 km

Drive Score

6/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$10

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 16 min

4 AM

1h 2m ★

6 AM

1h 7m

8 AM

1h 18m

10 AM

1h 11m

12 PM

1h 10m

3 PM

1h 11m

5 PM

1h 17m

8 PM

1h 4m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Redmond, WA

Harrison Reilly

Trip Overview

Connecting University Place to Redmond, this 47.7-mile journey is a straightforward trek across the Pacific Coast region. With a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 7 minutes, it functions perfectly as a quick day trip rather than an overnight excursion. You can expect to spend about $10 on fuel for the trek, making it a very budget-friendly commute. By utilizing I-5, I-405, and WA-520, you will navigate through the heart of the region's major transit corridors. Because this route is entirely within Washington, you won’t have to worry about changing state regulations or major shifts in scenery. It is a highly practical drive for those looking to get from point A to point B efficiently.

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

23.8 miles from University Place, WA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 34m into the drive .

Drive Character

This 47.7-mile trip is a highway-focused drive, with 87% of your time spent on major arterial roads. You will settle into a rhythmic, interstate-heavy experience, highlighted by a 20.9-mile stretch on I-5 which serves as your longest uninterrupted segment. Expect a consistent pace as you transition between I-5, I-405, and WA-520, keeping your focus on heavy traffic flow rather than technical curves. While it lacks the winding character of rural backroads, the route offers a reliable, high-speed connection between these two Washington hubs. You will find that the road surface and driving conditions remain largely uniform throughout the duration 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 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 20.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and I 405. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 27 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 47.7 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 27 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 22 key points

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

27 mi into trip | ~38m in

Take the exit toward WA 518 West, I 405 North: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Bellevue

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 154A-B Toward WA 518 West, I 405 North: Seattle-Tacoma...

27.1 mi into trip | ~38m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 405 North: Renton, Bellevue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 154B Toward I 405 North: Renton, Bellevue

41.3 mi into trip | ~56m in

Take the exit toward WA 520: Seattle, Redmond

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 14 Toward WA 520: Seattle, Redmond

41.8 mi into trip | ~57m in

Keep slight right at fork toward WA 520 East: 124th Avenue Northeast, Redmond

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward WA 520 East: 124th Avenue Northeast, Red...

41.9 mi into trip | ~57m in

Keep slight left at fork toward 124th Avenue Northeast

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward 124th Avenue Northeast

Towns Along This Route

Between University Place, WA and Redmond, WA, road signs point toward Portland, Bellevue and 124Th Avenue Northeast.

Portland

2.8 mi in | ~6m

Bellevue

27 mi in | ~38m

124Th Avenue Northeast

41.9 mi in | ~57m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 5	20.9 mi	26m
I 405	13.8 mi	17m
WA 520	4.4 mi	5m
WA 16	1.9 mi	2m
South 19th Street	1.2 mi	2m
27th Street West	0.6 mi	1m
Bridgeport Way West	0.5 mi	1m
Leary Way	0.5 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 5 — 20.9 mi, about 26m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between University Place, WA and Redmond, WA.

Start on Grandview Drive West

146 ft · 12 sec · Grandview Drive West

Turn left onto 27th Street West

0.6 mi · 1 min · 27th Street West

Turn left onto Bridgeport Way West

0.5 mi · 1 min · Bridgeport Way West

Turn right onto South 19th Street

1.0 mi · 2 min · South 19th Street

Use the none lane.

Continue on Columbia Avenue

0.3 mi · 50 sec · Columbia Avenue

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on South 19th Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · South 19th Street

Use the right lane.

Turn right onto South Orchard Street

0.2 mi · 27 sec · South Orchard Street

Use the right lane.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 44 sec

Toward WA 16 East: Seattle, Portland Use the left lane.

Merge onto WA 16

1.9 mi · 2 min · WA 16

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 2 min

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 16 sec

Toward I 5 North: Seattle Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 5

0.3 mi · 19 sec · I 5

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5

21 mi · 25 min · I 5

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

448 ft · 10 sec

Exit 154A-B Toward WA 518 West, I 405 North: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Bellevue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 50 sec

Exit 154B Toward I 405 North: Renton, Bellevue Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 405

14 mi · 17 min · I 405

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 59 sec

Exit 14 Toward WA 520: Seattle, Redmond Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

453 ft · 11 sec

Toward WA 520 East: 124th Avenue Northeast, Redmond Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 34 sec

Toward 124th Avenue Northeast Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto WA 520

4.4 mi · 5 min · WA 520

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 47 sec

Toward West Lake Sammamish Parkway Northeast Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto West Lake Sammamish Parkway Northeast

0.3 mi · 40 sec · West Lake Sammamish Parkway Northeast

Use the left / right lanes.

Turn right onto Leary Way

0.5 mi · 1 min · Leary Way

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto Redmond Way

315 ft · 18 sec · Redmond Way

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto WA 202

30 ft · 0 sec · 164th Avenue Northeast

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

WA 202

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility in your scheduling, though it is wise to account for the heavy traffic typical of these major highways. You will not need to plan for any scheduled stops over the 1 hour and 7-minute drive, allowing you to reach your destination in one go. Keep your $10 fuel budget in mind, but ensure your tank is topped off before merging onto I-5 to avoid unnecessary detours. Given the high highway percentage, aim to travel during off-peak hours to avoid the congestion frequently found on I-405 and WA-520. Staying alert during the 20.9-mile stretch on I-5 is your best strategy for a smooth and stress-free arrival in Redmond.

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 23.8 miles from University Place, WA, or about 34m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 20.9 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 47.7 miles or 1h 7m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 23.8 miles or 34m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 55m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving University Place, 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 University Place, WA

This is one driving day of about 47.7 miles and 1h 7m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from University Place, 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 20.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 23.8 mi from University Place, WA · 34m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Renton, WA

24 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

Bellevue, WA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 47.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Kent, WA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 23.8 miles from University Place, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Redmond, WA

The final approach into Redmond, 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 Redmond, 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

$10.01 one way

$20.02 round trip

$5.33/gal 25.4 MPG avg 17 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$5.57	$10.45	$20.91
premium	$5.77	$10.84	$21.68
diesel	$5.64	$10.60	$21.19

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$10

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$35–$60

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 16.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	14.3	$5.01	$2.29
Efficient EV	11.9	$4.17	$1.91
EV Truck/SUV	19.1	$6.68	$3.05

Gas CO2

17 kg

EV CO2

6 kg (65% 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

University Place, WA

Evening in University Place on Sunday

Local time

8:55 PM

PDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Redmond, WA

Evening in Redmond on Sunday

Local time

8:55 PM

PDT

Current temp

52°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

1h 7m 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 University Place, WA to Redmond, WA covers 47.7 miles and takes about 1h 7m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 5, I 405, WA 520. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 23.8 miles from University Place, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $10.01 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.

Between University Place, WA and Redmond, WA, road signs point toward Portland, Bellevue and 124Th Avenue Northeast.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Redmond, WA

Camas, WA 185.9 mi · 3h 42m Kelso, WA 135.6 mi · 2h 43m Lacey, WA 67.5 mi · 1h 28m Elk Plain, WA 54.2 mi · 1h 18m

More trips to Redmond, WA

Camas, WA 185.1 mi Kelso, WA 135 mi Lacey, WA 66.8 mi Mount Vernon, WA 60.2 mi Elk Plain, WA 53.6 mi White Center, WA 23.7 mi

Explore more options from University Place, WA or browse trips ending in Redmond, WA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse WA road trips.

Explore maps for University Place, WA or Redmond, WA on MapSof.net.