How far is Federal Way, WA from La Center, WA?
The driving distance from Federal Way, WA to La Center, WA is about 129.9 miles (209.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 102.3 miles (164.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 05m 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 32m.
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 and county seat of Lewis 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 Federal Way and La Center.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Federal Way and La Center.
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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
117.1 mi · 2 hr 13 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward La Center, Cowlitz Reservation
1508 ft · 37 sec
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11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Northwest 319th Street
88 m · 6 sec · Northwest 319th Street
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12
Exit the roundabout onto Northwest 319th Street
144 m · 12 sec · Northwest 319th Street
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13
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Northwest La Center Road
47 m · 3 sec · Northwest La Center Road
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14
Exit the roundabout onto Northwest La Center Road
1.8 mi · 3 min · Northwest La Center Road
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15
Continue on Northwest Pacific Highway
619 ft · 21 sec · Northwest Pacific Highway
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16
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward West 4th Street
7 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
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17
Exit the roundabout onto West 4th Street
159 m · 20 sec · West 4th Street
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18
Turn right
18 m · 4 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 La Center.
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
117 mi · 02h 13m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Federal Way and Mostly Sunny near La Center.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Federal Way to La Center?
The road trip is about 129.9 miles (209.1 km) and usually takes 02h 32m 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?
Chehalis is a useful midpoint, sitting about 64.9 miles from Federal Way and 65 miles from La Center.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 102.3 miles (164.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.6 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:24 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.02 one way or $48.04 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Federal Way and Mostly Sunny near La Center.
Stop Ideas Near Chehalis
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 Chehalis.
Centralia station
Centennial Station
Kelso Multimodal Transportation Center
Tacoma Dome Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Federal Way and La Center. Straight-line distance: 102.3 mi (164.63 km).
#1 Federal Way
A city in King County, Washington.
| Population | 96,307 |
| Coordinates | 47.3223200, -122.3126200 |
| Altitude | 141 |
| Country | United States |
#2 La Center
City in Ballard County, Kentucky, United States of America
| Population | 3,602 |
| Coordinates | 45.8623400, -122.6703800 |
| Altitude | 32 |
| Country | United States |
End: La Center (-122.67038, 45.86234)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 209 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $24.02 | $48.04 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $25.55 | $51.11 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $26.49 | $52.98 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $25.09 | $50.19 |
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 · May 01, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.