How far is Elma, WA from Federal Way, WA?
The driving distance from Elma, WA to Federal Way, WA is about 68.7 miles (110.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 56 miles (90.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 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 01h 16m.
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 most populous city in Thurston County, Washington.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Elma and Federal Way.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elma and Federal Way.
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1
Start on the route
24 m · 8 sec
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2
Turn right onto South 7th Street
56 m · 10 sec · South 7th Street
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3
Turn right onto West Main Street
1317 ft · 28 sec · West Main Street
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4
Turn right onto South 3rd Street
1519 ft · 35 sec · South 3rd Street
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5
Take the ramp left toward US 12 East: Centralia, Olympia
1244 ft · 34 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Olympic Highway
1982 ft · 28 sec · Olympic Highway
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7
Continue straight
21.1 mi · 26 min
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8
Merge slight left
5.4 mi · 7 min
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9
Keep slight left
2818 ft · 53 sec
-
10
Merge slight left
28.8 mi · 36 min
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11
Keep slight right
10 mi · 13 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward Federal Way, South 320th Street
1774 ft · 51 sec
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13
Turn left onto South 320th Street
1.3 km · 2 min · South 320th Street
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14
Turn right onto Pacific Highway South
2617 ft · 55 sec · Pacific Highway South
-
15
Turn right onto South 312th Street
48 m · 6 sec · South 312th Street
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16
Turn right
7 m · 2 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Elma and Federal Way.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Olympic Highway
Merge slight left
28.8 mi · 00h 36m
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 Elma and Sunny near Federal Way.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Elma to Federal Way?
The road trip is about 68.7 miles (110.5 km) and usually takes 01h 16m 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?
Lacey is a useful midpoint, sitting about 34.3 miles from Elma and 34.4 miles from Federal Way.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 56 miles (90.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.7 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 3:56 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.72 one way or $25.43 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 21.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Elma and Sunny near Federal Way.
Stop Ideas Near Lacey
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 Lacey.
Centennial Station
Centralia station
Tacoma Dome Station
Tukwila station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elma and Federal Way. Straight-line distance: 56.01 mi (90.14 km).
#1 Elma
City in Grays Harbor County, Washington, United States
| Population | 3,378 |
| Coordinates | 47.0034300, -123.4087700 |
| Altitude | 15 |
| 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: 111 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 51m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $12.72 | $25.43 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $13.53 | $27.06 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $14.02 | $28.05 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $13.28 | $26.57 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.