How far is Ellensburg, WA from Spokane, WA?
The driving distance from Ellensburg, WA to Spokane, WA is about 172.9 miles (278.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 153 miles (246.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 33m 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 46m.
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.
City in United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Chance Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ellensburg and Spokane.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ellensburg and Spokane.
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1
Start on West 5th Avenue
66 m · 15 sec · West 5th Avenue
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2
Turn left onto North Main Street
1.4 km · 3 min · North Main Street
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3
Continue on Canyon Road
1.5 km · 2 min · Canyon Road
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward I 90 East: Spokane, Yakima
40 m · 11 sec
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5
Exit the roundabout onto I 90 East: Spokane, Yakima
2123 ft · 56 sec
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6
Merge slight left
167.7 mi · 3 hr
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7
Merge slight right
1.8 mi · 2 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Maple Street, Lincoln Street, Walnut Street
1203 ft · 31 sec
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9
Continue on West 5th Avenue
117 m · 13 sec · West 5th Avenue
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10
Turn straight onto West Freeway Avenue
1151 ft · 33 sec · West Freeway Avenue
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11
Continue on West 4th Avenue
1027 ft · 31 sec · West 4th Avenue
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12
Continue on West 4th Avenue
51 m · 5 sec · West 4th Avenue
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13
Continue on South Lincoln Street
2275 ft · 1 min · South Lincoln Street
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14
Turn left onto West Main Avenue
846 ft · 35 sec · West Main Avenue
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15
Turn right
8 m · 9 sec
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16
Turn left onto South Gorge Trail
48 m · 17 sec · South Gorge Trail
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gorge Trail
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ellensburg and Spokane.
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 90 East
Merge slight left
168 mi · 03h 00m
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.
Sunny leaving Ellensburg and Chance Light Rain near Spokane.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ellensburg to Spokane?
The road trip is about 172.9 miles (278.2 km) and usually takes 02h 46m 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?
Warden is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.4 miles from Ellensburg and 86.6 miles from Spokane.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 153 miles (246.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.9 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 12:56 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.92 one way or $63.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ellensburg and Chance Light Rain near Spokane.
Stop Ideas Near Warden
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 Warden.
Moses Lake, Washington
Ritzville, Washington
Ephrata
Ephrata, WA
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ellensburg and Spokane. Straight-line distance: 153.06 mi (246.33 km).
#1 Ellensburg
City in Kittitas County, Washington, United States
| Population | 21,576 |
| Coordinates | 46.9965100, -120.5478500 |
| Altitude | 470 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Spokane
The second most populous city in Washington.
| Population | 222,050 |
| Coordinates | 47.6596600, -117.4290800 |
| Altitude | 571 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Main Avenue (-117.429081, 47.659029)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 278 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $31.92 | $63.84 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $33.96 | $67.92 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $35.20 | $70.41 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $33.35 | $66.70 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.