Origin
Yelm, WA
Late night in Yelm on Friday
Local time
4:50 AM
PDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Yelm, WA to Pasco, WA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 52m
Distance
239.1 mi
385 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$50
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 39m
★
6 AM
4h 53m
8 AM
5h 20m
10 AM
5h 2m
12 PM
4h 59m
3 PM
5h 3m
5 PM
5h 18m
8 PM
4h 45m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Yelm, WA
Wikimedia Commons
Pasco, WA
nicholas hatherly
Trip Overview
This 239.1-mile journey from Yelm, WA to Pasco, WA is an achievable one-day trip, typically taking around 4 hours and 52 minutes. You'll primarily navigate US 12 and I-82, with a brief section on Mountain Highway East, making it a predominantly highway-focused drive. With a fuel cost estimated around $50, this route offers a straightforward path across Washington's Pacific Coast region. It’s a practical option for a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The drive is generally efficient, designed for covering distance.
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
119.6 miles from Yelm, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 35m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 52m. Total distance: 239.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Straightforward navigation.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for 90% of this route. The drive features substantial stretches of efficient travel, including a notable 125.6-mile segment on US 12. While the majority of the drive is on well-maintained highways, you'll also encounter sections of Mountain Highway East. This route generally offers a consistent driving pace, allowing you to make good time. The character is less about winding scenic byways and more about direct, purposeful travel.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 12 is the longest continuous segment at about 125.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 12 and I 82. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 31.5 miles in near WA 7 / State Route 7.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 4h 52m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 31.5 miles (WA 7 / State Route 7): Lane positioning matters here; at 48.3 miles (US 12): Navigation decision point; at 223.5 miles (US 12): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
31.5 mi into trip
|
~48m in
|
WA 7 / State Route 7
Turn right onto WA 7 / State Route 7
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
48.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 12m in
|
US 12
At end of road, turn left onto US 12
Navigation decision point
8
223.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 33m in
|
US 12
Take the exit onto US 12 toward I‑182 east, US 12 east: Richland, Pasco
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 102
Toward I‑182 east, US 12 east: Richland, Pasco
7
237.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 49m in
Take the exit toward North 4th Avenue: Pasco City Center
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 13
Toward North 4th Avenue: Pasco City Center
5
239 mi into trip
|
~4h 52m in
|
North 8th Avenue
Turn left onto North 8th Avenue
Navigation decision point
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 Yelm, WA to Pasco, WA, road signs begin pointing toward I‑182 East along the way.
I‑182 East
223.5 mi in
|
~4h 33m
|
via US 12
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 12 | 125.6 mi | 2h 28m |
| I 82 | 64.1 mi | 1h 8m |
| Mountain Highway East | 19.2 mi | 29m |
| State Route 7 | 13.7 mi | 18m |
| State Route 702 South | 9.3 mi | 13m |
| Morton Road | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| State Route 507 | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| East Yelm Avenue | 1 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
US 12
— 125.6 mi, about 2h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Yelm, WA and Pasco, WA.
1
Start on this road
54 ft
·
7 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto North 1st Street
164 ft
·
13 sec
·
North 1st Street
3
Turn left onto WA 507
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
East Yelm Avenue
4
Continue on WA 507
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
State Route 507
5
Continue on WA 507
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Spanaway McKenna Highway
6
Turn right onto WA 702
9.3 mi
·
13 min
·
State Route 702 South
7
Turn right onto WA 7
19 mi
·
29 min
·
Mountain Highway East
8
Turn right onto WA 7
14 mi
·
18 min
·
State Route 7
Use the right lane.
9
Continue on WA 7
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Morton Road
10
Continue on WA 7
0.6 mi
·
57 sec
·
2nd Street
11
At end of road, turn left onto US 12
88 mi
·
1 hr 42 min
·
US 12
12
Continue on US 12
23 mi
·
30 min
·
US 12
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 82; US 12
64 mi
·
1 hr 8 min
·
I 82; US 12
14
Take the exit onto US 12
14 mi
·
15 min
·
US 12
Exit 102
Toward I‑182 east, US 12 east: Richland, Pasco
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 13
Toward North 4th Avenue: Pasco City Center
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn straight onto North 4th Avenue
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North 4th Avenue
17
Turn right onto Court Street
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
Court Street
18
Turn left onto North 8th Avenue
0.1 mi
·
28 sec
·
North 8th Avenue
19
Arrive at destination
North 8th Avenue
Trip Plan
For this approximately 5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Yelm to maximize your daylight and arrive in Pasco with ample time. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing your journey. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the longest stretch without a significant break is over 125 miles on US 12. The straightforward nature of this highway-centric route means you can focus on reaching your destination efficiently. Ensure you have a full tank before leaving Yelm, as this minimizes any potential delays.
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 119.6 miles from Yelm, WA, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 125.6 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 53 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.6 miles or 2h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pasco, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Yelm, 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 Yelm, WA
This is one driving day of about 239.1 miles and 4h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Yelm, 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 12 for about 125.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 119.6 mi from Yelm, WA · 2h 35m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
120 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 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 119.6 miles from Yelm, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 12 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 125.6 miles.
Arriving in Pasco, WA
The final approach into Pasco, 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 Pasco, 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
$50.04 one way
$100.08 round trip
$5.32/gal
25.4 MPG avg
84 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.58 | $52.48 | $104.96 |
| premium | $5.77 | $54.30 | $108.59 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $52.79 | $105.58 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$50
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 71.7 | 0 | $25.11 | $11.48 |
| Efficient EV | 59.8 | 0 | $20.92 | $9.56 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 95.6 | 1 | $33.47 | $15.30 |
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Pasco, WA
Late night in Pasco on Friday
Local time
4:50 AM
PDT
Current temp
67°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
8 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
4h 52m 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 Yelm, WA to Pasco, WA covers 239.1 miles and takes about 4h 52m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 12, I 82, Mountain Highway East. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 119.6 miles from Yelm, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $50.04 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 straightforward 4h 52m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 31.5 miles (WA 7 / State Route 7): Lane positioning matters here; at 48.3 miles (US 12): Navigation decision point; at 223.5 miles (US 12): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Yelm, WA to Pasco, WA, road signs begin pointing toward I‑182 East along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
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