Origin
Yakima, WA
Evening in Yakima on Friday
Local time
6:49 PM
PDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Yakima, WA to White Center, WA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 54m
Distance
148.1 mi
238 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 43m
★
6 AM
2h 54m
8 AM
3h 16m
10 AM
3h 2m
12 PM
3h 0m
3 PM
3h 3m
5 PM
3h 15m
8 PM
2h 47m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
White Center, WA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 148.1-mile drive from Yakima to White Center, Washington, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes. Primarily following US 97 and I-82, this route is heavily highway-focused, with 93% of the journey on faster roads. With an estimated fuel cost of $31, it's an accessible trip for most budgets. As you'll be traveling within the same state and region (Pacific Coast), expect a consistent feel throughout. It's a straightforward transit that makes for a convenient day trip.
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
74 miles from Yakima, 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 54m. Total distance: 148.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 93% of the 148.1 miles spent on faster roads like US 97 and I-82. You'll encounter one substantial stretch of 107.5 miles on US 97, offering a prolonged period of steady driving. The road character is largely defined by these main arteries, suggesting a consistent driving experience without significant shifts in terrain or road type. This route prioritizes efficient travel over winding scenic byways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 97 is the longest continuous segment at about 107.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 97 and I 82. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.7 miles in.
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 12 significant decision points across 148.1 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 1.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 32.3 miles (US 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 141.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
1.7 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
7
32.3 mi into trip
|
~37m in
|
US 97
Keep slight left at fork onto US 97 toward I 90 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 90 West
8
141.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 40m in
Take the exit toward I 5 South: Portland, Tacoma
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 2B
Toward I 5 South: Portland, Tacoma
8
143.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 44m in
Take the exit toward Corson Avenue, Michigan Street
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 162
Toward Corson Avenue, Michigan Street
7
146.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 49m in
Take the exit toward Myers Way, White Center
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Myers Way, White Center
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 97 | 107.5 mi | 2h 1m |
| I 82 | 30.3 mi | 32m |
| South 1st Street | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel | 1.6 mi | 1m |
| Southwest Roxbury Street | 0.7 mi | 2m |
| South Michigan Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| WA 509 | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Olson Place Southwest | 0.4 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 97
— 107.5 mi, about 2h 1m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Yakima, WA and White Center, WA.
1
Start on South 1st Street
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
South 1st Street
2
Continue on Selah Road
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
Selah Road
3
Take the ramp
111 ft
·
2 sec
4
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
5
Merge onto I 82; US 97
30 mi
·
32 min
·
I 82; US 97
6
Keep slight left at fork onto US 97
107 mi
·
2 hr 1 min
·
US 97
Toward I 90 West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 90
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
2.6 mi
·
3 min
Exit 2B
Toward I 5 South: Portland, Tacoma
Use the slight left lane.
9
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 162
Toward Corson Avenue, Michigan Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Turn straight onto Corson Avenue South
504 ft
·
17 sec
·
Corson Avenue South
Use the straight lane.
11
Turn straight
237 ft
·
8 sec
12
Turn slight right onto South Michigan Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Michigan Street
Use the right lane.
13
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward WA 99 South, WA 509 South: 1st Avenue South Bridge
14
Merge onto WA 99
0.4 mi
·
38 sec
·
1st Avenue South Bridge
15
Continue on WA 509
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
WA 509
Toward Burien
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward Myers Way, White Center
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn straight onto 1st Avenue South
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
1st Avenue South
18
Turn right onto Olson Place Southwest
497 ft
·
18 sec
·
Olson Place Southwest
Use the right lane.
19
Continue on Olson Place Southwest
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Olson Place Southwest
20
Continue on Southwest Roxbury Street
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Southwest Roxbury Street
21
Arrive at destination
Southwest Roxbury Street
Trip Plan
With a total duration of under three hours, this 148.1-mile trip from Yakima to White Center offers flexibility. You can easily complete it in a single day, so consider a morning departure to maximize your time upon arrival. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 107.5 miles on US 97, so plan for a brief stop before or after this segment for fuel or a stretch. Given the $31 fuel cost, it's a budget-friendly transit. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the longer stretches of US 97.
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 74 miles from Yakima, WA, or about 1h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 107.5 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 33 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 74 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 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near White Center, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Yakima, 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 Yakima, WA
This is one driving day of about 148.1 miles and 2h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Yakima, 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 US 97 for about 107.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 74 mi from Yakima, WA · 1h 24m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
74 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 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 74 miles from Yakima, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 97 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 107.5 miles.
Arriving in White Center, WA
The final approach into White Center, 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 White Center, 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
$31.00 one way
$61.99 round trip
$5.32/gal
25.4 MPG avg
52 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.58 | $32.51 | $65.01 |
| premium | $5.77 | $33.63 | $67.26 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $32.70 | $65.40 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 44.4 | 0 | $15.55 | $7.11 |
| Efficient EV | 37 | 0 | $12.96 | $5.92 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 59.2 | 0 | $20.73 | $9.48 |
Gas CO2
52 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.
Destination
White Center, WA
Evening in White Center on Friday
Local time
6:49 PM
PDT
Current temp
56°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
10 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 54m 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 Yakima, WA to White Center, WA covers 148.1 miles and takes about 2h 54m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 97, I 82, South 1st Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 74 miles from Yakima, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $31.00 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 12 significant decision points across 148.1 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 1.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 32.3 miles (US 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 141.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Yakima, WA to White Center, WA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From White Center, WA
More trips to White Center, WA
Explore more options from Yakima, WA or browse trips ending in White Center, WA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse WA road trips.