How far is Des Moines, WA from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, WA to Tacoma, WA is about 19.3 miles (31.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 11.7 miles (18.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 52m 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 26m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
City in Pierce County, Washington, United States
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 Tacoma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Tacoma.
-
1
Start on the route
13 m · 5 sec
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2
Turn right onto South 223rd Street
1 mi · 3 min · South 223rd Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto 24th Avenue South
2425 ft · 1 min · 24th Avenue South
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4
Turn left onto South Kent Des Moines Road
2509 ft · 1 min · South Kent Des Moines Road
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5
Take the ramp right toward I 5 South: Portland
2062 ft · 52 sec
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6
Merge slight left
14.6 mi · 18 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 Des Moines and Tacoma.
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.
I 5 South
Merge slight left
14.6 mi · 00h 18m
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 Tacoma.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Tacoma?
The road trip is about 19.3 miles (31.1 km) and usually takes 00h 26m 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?
Edgewood is a useful midpoint, sitting about 9.4 miles from Des Moines and 9.9 miles from Tacoma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 11.7 miles (18.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.6 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 7:38 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.56 one way or $7.12 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Des Moines and Mostly Sunny near Tacoma.
Stop Ideas Near Edgewood
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 Normandy Park City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Edgewood.
Tacoma Dome Station
Tukwila station
King Street Station
Seattle (Ferry - Pier 69), Washington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Tacoma. Straight-line distance: 11.73 mi (18.87 km).
#1 Des Moines
City in Washington
| Population | 32,389 |
| Coordinates | 47.4017700, -122.3242900 |
| Altitude | 28 |
| 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: 31 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $3.56 | $7.12 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $3.79 | $7.57 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $3.92 | $7.85 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $3.72 | $7.44 |
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 24, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.