How far is Federal Way, WA from Tumwater, WA?
The driving distance from Federal Way, WA to Tumwater, WA is about 41.5 miles (66.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35.5 miles (57.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 51m 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 55m.
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 Pierce County, Washington.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Federal Way and Tumwater.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Federal Way and Tumwater.
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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
29.8 mi · 37 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Deschutes Way, 2nd Avenue
1462 ft · 38 sec
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11
Continue on North 2nd Avenue Southwest
152 m · 17 sec · North 2nd Avenue Southwest
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12
Turn left onto Custer Way Southwest
623 ft · 16 sec · Custer Way Southwest
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13
Turn right onto Boston Street Southeast
679 ft · 21 sec · Boston Street Southeast
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14
At the end of the road, turn left onto Deschutes Way Southwest
1371 ft · 28 sec · Deschutes Way Southwest
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15
Turn left onto E Street Southwest
52 m · 3 sec · E Street Southwest
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16
Turn slight right
60 m · 9 sec
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17
Turn straight onto Capitol Boulevard Southeast
1779 ft · 47 sec · Capitol Boulevard Southeast
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18
Turn right onto Linwood Avenue Southwest
124 m · 11 sec · Linwood Avenue Southwest
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19
Turn slight right
16 m · 3 sec
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Federal Way and Tumwater.
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
29.8 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.
Partly Sunny leaving Federal Way and Partly Sunny near Tumwater.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Federal Way to Tumwater?
The road trip is about 41.5 miles (66.8 km) and usually takes 00h 55m 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?
Lakewood is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.8 miles from Federal Way and 20.8 miles from Tumwater.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35.5 miles (57.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 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 4:38 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.69 one way or $15.39 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Federal Way and Partly Sunny near Tumwater.
Stop Ideas Near Lakewood
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall Tacoma
Lakewood City Hall
Lacey Community Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Lakewood.
Tacoma Dome Station
Centennial Station
Tukwila station
King Street Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Federal Way and Tumwater. Straight-line distance: 35.49 mi (57.11 km).
#1 Federal Way
A city in King County, Washington.
| Population | 96,307 |
| Coordinates | 47.3223200, -122.3126200 |
| Altitude | 141 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Tumwater
City in Thurston County, Washington, United States
| Population | 24,272 |
| Coordinates | 47.0073200, -122.9093100 |
| Altitude | 53 |
| Country | United States |
End: Tumwater (-122.90931, 47.00732)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 67 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $7.69 | $15.39 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $8.18 | $16.37 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $8.48 | $16.97 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $8.04 | $16.07 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.