How far is Federal Way, WA from University Place, WA?
The driving distance from Federal Way, WA to University Place, WA is about 16.8 miles (27 km), with a travel time of about 00h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 12.7 miles (20.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 56m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 28m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Federal Way and University Place.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Federal Way and University Place.
-
1
Start on the route
7 m · 7 sec
-
2
Turn left onto South 312th Street
48 m · 6 sec · South 312th Street
-
3
Turn left onto Pacific Highway South
1.8 mi · 3 min · Pacific Highway South
-
4
Turn left onto 16th Avenue South
2572 ft · 1 min · 16th Avenue South
-
5
Turn left onto State Route 18
152 m · 14 sec · State Route 18
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 5 North, I 5 South: Seattle, Tacoma
633 ft · 16 sec
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on I 5 South: Tacoma
1763 ft · 45 sec
-
8
Merge slight left
7.5 mi · 9 min
-
9
Keep slight right
1.3 mi · 2 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
3005 ft · 1 min
-
11
Keep slight left to continue on WA 16 West: Union Avenue
2518 ft · 46 sec
-
12
Merge slight left
1 mi · 1 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward Fircrest, Center Street
1958 ft · 41 sec
-
14
Keep slight left
156 m · 26 sec
-
15
Turn right onto Center Street
897 ft · 24 sec · Center Street
-
16
Continue on Regents Boulevard
1.3 mi · 4 min · Regents Boulevard
-
17
Continue on 27th Street West
1 mi · 2 min · 27th Street West
-
18
Turn right onto Grandview Drive West
44 m · 5 sec · Grandview Drive West
-
19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Grandview Drive West
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Federal Way and University Place.
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.
I 5 South
Merge slight left
7.47 mi · 00h 09m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Federal Way and Mostly Sunny near University Place.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Federal Way to University Place?
The road trip is about 16.8 miles (27 km) and usually takes 00h 28m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Fife is a useful midpoint, sitting about 8.4 miles from Federal Way and 8.4 miles from University Place.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 12.7 miles (20.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.1 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:34 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.09 one way or $6.17 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Federal Way and Mostly Sunny near University Place.
Stop Ideas Near Fife
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall Tacoma
City Hall Park
Auburn Building Permits
City of Normandy Park City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Fife.
Tacoma Dome Station
Tukwila station
King Street Station
Seattle (Ferry - Pier 69), Washington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Federal Way and University Place. Straight-line distance: 12.65 mi (20.36 km).
#1 Federal Way
A city in King County, Washington.
| Population | 96,307 |
| Coordinates | 47.3223200, -122.3126200 |
| Altitude | 141 |
| Country | United States |
#2 University Place
City in Pierce County, Washington, United States
| Population | 34,090 |
| Coordinates | 47.2356500, -122.5504000 |
| Altitude | 63 |
| Country | United States |
End: University Place (-122.5504, 47.23565)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 27 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $3.09 | $6.17 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $3.28 | $6.57 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $3.40 | $6.81 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $3.23 | $6.45 |
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 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.