How far is Cottage Lake, WA from Tacoma, WA?
Fastest route
The fastest route from Cottage Lake, Washington to Tacoma, Washington is approximately 49.2 miles (79.2 kilometers) long and takes around 51 minutes via I-405 S and I-5 S. Here are some tips and suggestions for the journey:
Directions
- Head south on 195th Pl NE toward NE 159th St, which is a restricted usage road.
- Turn right onto NE 159th St.
- Turn left onto Avondale Rd NE and continue until you pass Jacksons Food Stores on the left in about 2.9 miles.
- Follow WA-520 W (signs for NE 76 Street).
- Take the exit onto I-405 S toward Renton.
- Keep left to stay on I-405 S and then keep right to continue on WA-518 W.
- Use the right lane to merge onto I-5 S via the ramp to Portland.
- Take exit 133 for I-705 N and use the left 2 lanes to take the exit toward City Ctr.
- Drive to S 11th St in Tacoma.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Be sure to check the traffic conditions before starting your journey for the fastest route.
- ⛽ Consider refueling your vehicle before the trip, especially if your gas tank is not full.
- 🍽️ Pack some snacks and drinks to keep you refreshed during the drive.
- 📱 Keep your GPS or navigation app handy to stay on track and avoid getting lost.
- 🚧 Stay updated on any road closures or construction along the way to avoid delays.
- 🕑 Allow some extra time for unexpected stops or traffic slowdowns.
- 😊 Enjoy the scenic drive, and don't forget to take breaks if needed to stretch and relax.
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 01h 01m.
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.
The second most populous city in King County, Washington.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Rain
Light Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cottage Lake and Tacoma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cottage Lake and Tacoma.
-
1
Start on 195th Place Northeast
127 m · 24 sec · 195th Place Northeast
-
2
Turn sharp right onto Northeast 159th Street
1078 ft · 1 min · Northeast 159th Street
-
3
Turn left onto Avondale Road Northeast
4.9 mi · 9 min · Avondale Road Northeast
-
4
Keep slight left to continue on Avondale Road
2853 ft · 52 sec · Avondale Road
-
5
Continue straight
2 mi · 3 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward Northeast 40th Street
2259 ft · 32 sec
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on WA 520 West: Seattle
1 km · 49 sec
-
8
Merge slight left
2.8 mi · 3 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward I 405 South: Renton
1445 ft · 35 sec
-
10
Merge slight left
14.8 mi · 18 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward I 5 South: Portland
1446 ft · 49 sec
-
12
Merge slight left
20.3 mi · 25 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward WA 7 South, I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome
785 ft · 19 sec
-
14
Keep slight right to continue on I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome Station
102 m · 8 sec
-
15
Keep slight left to continue on I 705 North: City Center
2087 ft · 51 sec
-
16
Merge slight right
1554 ft · 22 sec
-
17
Take the exit slight left toward A Street, City Center
1550 ft · 38 sec
-
18
Keep slight left to continue on South 15 Street, Pacific Avenue
1048 ft · 31 sec
-
19
Continue on South 15th Street
1462 ft · 60 sec · South 15th Street
-
20
Turn right onto Tacoma Avenue South
1516 ft · 49 sec · Tacoma Avenue South
-
21
Turn right onto South 11th Street
13 m · 2 sec · South 11th Street
-
22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 11th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cottage Lake 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.
I 5 South
Merge slight left
20.3 mi · 00h 25m
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.
Chance Light Rain leaving Cottage Lake and Light Rain Likely near Tacoma.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cottage Lake to Tacoma?
The road trip is about 49.3 miles (79.3 km) and usually takes 01h 01m 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?
Renton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.6 miles from Cottage Lake and 24.7 miles from Tacoma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38 miles (61.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.3 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 4:26 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.11 one way or $18.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain around Cottage Lake and Light Rain Likely near Tacoma.
Stop Ideas Near Renton
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Tukwila Community Center
Auburn Building Permits
City of Auburn
Auburn Community & Event Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Renton.
Tukwila station
King Street Station
Seattle (Ferry - Pier 69), Washington
Tacoma Dome Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cottage Lake and Tacoma. Straight-line distance: 38.03 mi (61.2 km).
#1 Cottage Lake
Census designated place
| Population | 22,494 |
| Coordinates | 47.7442700, -122.0773500 |
| Altitude | 72 |
| 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: 79 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $9.11 | $18.21 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $9.69 | $19.37 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $10.04 | $20.08 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $9.51 | $19.03 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.