How far is Kelso, WA from Auburn, WA?
The driving distance from Kelso, WA to Auburn, WA is about 106.4 miles (171.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 86.4 miles (139.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 33m 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 46m.
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 Thurston County, Washington, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kelso and Auburn.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kelso and Auburn.
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1
Start on North 4th Avenue
10 m · 6 sec · North 4th Avenue
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2
Turn right onto Cowlitz Way
532 ft · 13 sec · Cowlitz Way
-
3
Turn right onto North Pacific Avenue
900 ft · 25 sec · North Pacific Avenue
-
4
Continue on North Kelso Avenue
1.1 km · 2 min · North Kelso Avenue
-
5
Take the ramp left
1486 ft · 36 sec
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6
Merge slight left
92.4 mi · 1 hr 46 min
-
7
Keep slight right
8.2 mi · 10 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward WA 18 East: Auburn, Muckleshoot Reservation
2644 ft · 1 min
-
9
Merge slight left onto State Route 18
3.2 mi · 4 min · State Route 18
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10
Take the exit slight right toward C Street Southwest
1705 ft · 44 sec
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11
At the end of the road, turn left onto C Street Southwest
1648 ft · 49 sec · C Street Southwest
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12
Turn right onto West Main Street
1135 ft · 33 sec · West Main Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kelso and Auburn.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
North Kelso Avenue
Merge slight left
92.4 mi · 01h 46m
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 Kelso and Mostly Sunny near Auburn.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kelso to Auburn?
The road trip is about 106.4 miles (171.3 km) and usually takes 01h 46m 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?
Tenino is a useful midpoint, sitting about 53.2 miles from Kelso and 53.3 miles from Auburn.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 86.4 miles (139.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 20 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 2:56 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.68 one way or $39.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Kelso and Mostly Sunny near Auburn.
Stop Ideas Near Tenino
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Lacey - City Hall Parking
Olympia City Hall
Lacey Community Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Tenino.
Centennial Station
Centralia station
Tacoma Dome Station
Kelso Multimodal Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kelso and Auburn. Straight-line distance: 86.41 mi (139.06 km).
#1 Kelso
Town and parish in Scottish Borders, Scotland
| Population | 12,438 |
| Coordinates | 46.1467800, -122.9084400 |
| Altitude | 23 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Auburn
The second most populous city in Pierce County, Washington.
| Population | 81,024 |
| Coordinates | 47.3073200, -122.2284500 |
| Altitude | 25 |
| Country | United States |
End: A Street Southeast (-122.228563, 47.307325)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 171 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $19.68 | $39.35 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $20.93 | $41.86 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $21.70 | $43.40 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $20.56 | $41.11 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.