How far is Kelso, WA from Federal Way, WA?
The driving distance from Kelso, WA to Federal Way, WA is about 105.4 miles (169.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 86 miles (138.4 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 Federal Way.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kelso and Federal Way.
-
1
Start on North 4th Avenue
10 m · 6 sec · North 4th Avenue
-
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
-
6
Merge slight left
92.4 mi · 1 hr 46 min
-
7
Keep slight right
10 mi · 13 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward Federal Way, South 320th Street
1774 ft · 51 sec
-
9
Turn left onto South 320th Street
1.3 km · 2 min · South 320th Street
-
10
Turn right onto Pacific Highway South
2617 ft · 55 sec · Pacific Highway South
-
11
Turn right onto South 312th Street
48 m · 6 sec · South 312th Street
-
12
Turn right
7 m · 2 sec
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kelso and Federal Way.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
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 Federal Way.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kelso to Federal Way?
The road trip is about 105.4 miles (169.6 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?
Grand Mound is a useful midpoint, sitting about 52.6 miles from Kelso and 52.7 miles from Federal Way.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 86 miles (138.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.4 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 $19.47 one way or $38.93 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Kelso and Mostly Sunny near Federal Way.
Stop Ideas Near Grand Mound
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Lacey - City Hall Parking
Olympia City Hall
City Of Lacey Maintenance Service Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Grand Mound.
Centralia station
Centennial Station
Tacoma Dome Station
Kelso Multimodal Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kelso and Federal Way. Straight-line distance: 85.99 mi (138.38 km).
#1 Kelso
Town and parish in Scottish Borders, Scotland
| Population | 12,438 |
| Coordinates | 46.1467800, -122.9084400 |
| Altitude | 23 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Federal Way
A city in King County, Washington.
| Population | 96,307 |
| Coordinates | 47.3223200, -122.3126200 |
| Altitude | 141 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-122.312612, 47.32232)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 170 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $19.47 | $38.93 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $20.71 | $41.42 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $21.47 | $42.94 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $20.34 | $40.67 |
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.