How far is Des Moines, WA from Federal Way, WA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, WA to Federal Way, WA is about 6 miles (9.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 5.5 miles (8.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 25m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 12m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
The fourth most populous city in King County, Washington.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Federal Way.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Federal Way.
-
1
Start on the route
55 m · 19 sec
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2
Turn left onto Marine View Drive South
1736 ft · 53 sec · Marine View Drive South
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3
Continue on South Kent Des Moines Road
1.1 km · 2 min · South Kent Des Moines Road
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4
Turn slight right
71 m · 6 sec
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5
Turn straight onto 16th Avenue South
2.7 mi · 6 min · 16th Avenue South
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6
Turn right onto Pacific Highway South
2.1 mi · 4 min · Pacific Highway South
-
7
Turn left onto South 312th Street
64 m · 9 sec · South 312th Street
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8
Turn right
7 m · 2 sec
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Federal Way.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
16th Avenue South
Turn straight onto 16th Avenue South
2.74 mi · 00h 06m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Des Moines and Mostly Sunny near Federal Way.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Federal Way?
The road trip is about 6 miles (9.6 km) and usually takes 00h 12m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Kent is a useful midpoint, sitting about 3 miles from Des Moines and 3 miles from Federal Way.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 5.5 miles (8.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 0.5 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:04 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.10 one way or $2.20 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 1.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Des Moines and Mostly Sunny near Federal Way.
Stop Ideas Near Kent
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall Tacoma
Tukwila Community Center
Auburn Building Permits
City of Covington
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Kent.
Tukwila station
Tacoma Dome Station
King Street Station
Seattle (Ferry - Pier 69), Washington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Federal Way. Straight-line distance: 5.52 mi (8.88 km).
#1 Des Moines
City in Washington
| Population | 32,389 |
| Coordinates | 47.4017700, -122.3242900 |
| Altitude | 28 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Federal Way
A city in King County, Washington.
| Population | 96,307 |
| Coordinates | 47.3223200, -122.3126200 |
| Altitude | 141 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-122.312612, 47.32232)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 10 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $1.10 | $2.20 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $1.17 | $2.34 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $1.21 | $2.42 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $1.15 | $2.30 |
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 · May 07, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.