How far is Federal Way, WA from Bethel, WA?
The driving distance from Federal Way, WA to Bethel, WA is about 34.7 miles (55.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 19 miles (30.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 36m 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 00h 48m.
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 Pierce County, Washington, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Federal Way and Bethel.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Federal Way and Bethel.
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1
Start on the route
7 m · 7 sec
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2
Turn left onto South 312th Street
48 m · 6 sec · South 312th Street
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3
Turn left onto Pacific Highway South
1.8 mi · 3 min · Pacific Highway South
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4
Turn left onto 16th Avenue South
2572 ft · 1 min · 16th Avenue South
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5
Turn left onto State Route 18
152 m · 14 sec · State Route 18
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 5 North, I 5 South: Seattle, Tacoma
633 ft · 16 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 5 South: Tacoma
1763 ft · 45 sec
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8
Merge slight left
7.5 mi · 9 min
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9
Keep slight right
1.3 mi · 2 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
3005 ft · 1 min
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11
Keep slight left to continue on WA 16 West: Union Avenue
2518 ft · 46 sec
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12
Merge slight left
19.4 mi · 24 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward Mullenix Road
1728 ft · 50 sec
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14
Turn left onto Southeast Mullenix Road
2057 ft · 45 sec · Southeast Mullenix Road
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15
At the end of the road, turn right onto Bethel Burley Road Southeast
1.2 mi · 2 min · Bethel Burley Road Southeast
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16
Continue on Bethel Road Southeast
1 km · 1 min · Bethel Road Southeast
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17
Turn right onto Southeast Cedar Road
39 m · 4 sec · Southeast Cedar Road
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southeast Cedar Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Federal Way and Bethel.
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.
WA 16 West
Merge slight left
19.4 mi · 00h 24m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Federal Way and Showers And Thunderstorms near Bethel.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Federal Way to Bethel?
The road trip is about 34.7 miles (55.8 km) and usually takes 00h 48m 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?
University Place is a useful midpoint, sitting about 17.3 miles from Federal Way and 17.3 miles from Bethel.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 19 miles (30.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.7 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 4:54 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.38 one way or $12.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Federal Way and Showers And Thunderstorms near Bethel.
Stop Ideas Near University Place
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall Tacoma
City of Puyallup
Tacoma City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to University Place.
Tacoma Dome Station
Centennial Station
Tukwila station
King Street Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Federal Way and Bethel. Straight-line distance: 19.05 mi (30.65 km).
#1 Federal Way
A city in King County, Washington.
| Population | 96,307 |
| Coordinates | 47.3223200, -122.3126200 |
| Altitude | 141 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Bethel
Bethel is a place in Washington, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 47.4939800, -122.6312500 |
| Altitude | 96 |
| Country | United States |
End: Bethel (-122.63125, 47.49398)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 56 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $6.38 | $12.77 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $6.79 | $13.58 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $7.04 | $14.08 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $6.67 | $13.34 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.