How far is Birch Bay, WA from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance from Birch Bay, WA to Tacoma, WA is about 143.1 miles (230.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 115.9 miles (186.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 56m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 28m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Birch Bay and Tacoma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Birch Bay and Tacoma.
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1
Start on the route
14 m · 9 sec
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2
Turn left onto Alderson Road
1.3 km · 2 min · Alderson Road
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto Blaine Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · Blaine Road
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4
Turn right onto Birch Bay Lynden Road
2.9 mi · 4 min · Birch Bay Lynden Road
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5
Take the ramp right toward I 5 South
1516 ft · 37 sec · US I-5 South Onramp
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6
Merge slight left
135.8 mi · 2 hr 43 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward WA 7 South, I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome
785 ft · 19 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome Station
102 m · 8 sec
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 705 North: City Center
2087 ft · 51 sec
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10
Merge slight right
1554 ft · 22 sec
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11
Take the exit slight left toward A Street, City Center
1550 ft · 38 sec
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12
Keep slight left to continue on South 15 Street, Pacific Avenue
1048 ft · 31 sec
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13
Continue on South 15th Street
1462 ft · 60 sec · South 15th Street
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14
Turn right onto Tacoma Avenue South
1516 ft · 49 sec · Tacoma Avenue South
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15
Turn right onto South 11th Street
13 m · 2 sec · South 11th Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 11th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Birch Bay and Tacoma.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US I-5 South Onramp
Merge slight left
136 mi · 02h 43m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Partly Sunny leaving Birch Bay and Partly Sunny near Tacoma.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Birch Bay to Tacoma?
The road trip is about 143.1 miles (230.3 km) and usually takes 02h 28m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
North Marysville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71.5 miles from Birch Bay and 71.6 miles from Tacoma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 115.9 miles (186.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.2 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:34 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.43 one way or $52.85 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Birch Bay and Partly Sunny near Tacoma.
Stop Ideas Near North Marysville
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to North Marysville.
Everett Station
Stanwood station
Monroe, Washington
Monroe (Eastbound), WA
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Birch Bay and Tacoma. Straight-line distance: 115.87 mi (186.48 km).
#1 Birch Bay
Census designated place
| Population | 8,413 |
| Coordinates | 48.9178900, -122.7446200 |
| Altitude | 4 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Tacoma
The third most populous city in Washington.
| Population | 219,945 |
| Coordinates | 47.2528800, -122.4442900 |
| Altitude | 74 |
| Country | United States |
End: South 11th Street (-122.444267, 47.25278)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 230 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $26.43 | $52.85 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $28.11 | $56.23 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $29.14 | $58.29 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $27.61 | $55.22 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Washington · Apr 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.