How far is Federal Way, WA from Elma, WA?
The driving distance from Federal Way, WA to Elma, WA is about 67.9 miles (109.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 56 miles (90.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 56m 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 28m.
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.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Federal Way and Elma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Federal Way and Elma.
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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
29.5 mi · 37 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 101: Aberdeen, Port Angeles
2448 ft · 35 sec
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11
Continue straight
5.5 mi · 7 min
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12
Keep slight left
21 mi · 26 min
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13
Continue on Olympic Highway
1574 ft · 22 sec · Olympic Highway
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14
Take the exit slight right toward Satsop Development Park
1399 ft · 40 sec
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15
At the end of the road, turn right onto South 3rd Street
1031 ft · 26 sec · South 3rd Street
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16
Turn left onto West Main Street
1317 ft · 32 sec · West Main Street
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17
Turn left onto South 7th Street
56 m · 13 sec · South 7th Street
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18
Turn left
24 m · 6 sec
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Federal Way and Elma.
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 5 South
Keep slight right
29.5 mi · 00h 37m
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 Federal Way and Sunny near Elma.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Federal Way to Elma?
The road trip is about 67.9 miles (109.3 km) and usually takes 01h 28m 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 33.9 miles from Federal Way and 34.1 miles from Elma.
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 11.9 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 3:34 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.56 one way or $25.12 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 21.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Federal Way and Sunny near Elma.
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 Federal Way and Elma. Straight-line distance: 56.01 mi (90.14 km).
#1 Federal Way
A city in King County, Washington.
| Population | 96,307 |
| Coordinates | 47.3223200, -122.3126200 |
| Altitude | 141 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Elma
City in Grays Harbor County, Washington, United States
| Population | 3,378 |
| Coordinates | 47.0034300, -123.4087700 |
| Altitude | 15 |
| Country | United States |
End: Elma (-123.40877, 47.00343)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 109 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 50m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $12.56 | $25.12 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $13.36 | $26.72 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $13.85 | $27.70 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $13.12 | $26.24 |
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.