How far is Kelso, WA from Seattle, WA?
The driving distance from Kelso, WA to Seattle, WA is about 126 miles (202.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 104.5 miles (168.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 08m 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 04m.
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.
Light Rain Likely
Light Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kelso and Seattle.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kelso and Seattle.
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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
-
6
Merge slight left
92.4 mi · 1 hr 46 min
-
7
Keep slight right
31.9 mi · 40 min
-
8
Take the exit slight left toward Seneca Street
1359 ft · 36 sec
-
9
Turn left onto Seneca Street
98 m · 18 sec · Seneca Street
-
10
Turn left onto 5th Avenue
615 ft · 27 sec · 5th Avenue
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11
Turn right onto Madison Street
34 m · 9 sec · Madison Street
-
12
Turn left
9 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 Seattle.
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.
Light Rain Likely leaving Kelso and Light Rain Likely near Seattle.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kelso to Seattle?
The road trip is about 126 miles (202.7 km) and usually takes 02h 04m 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?
Tumwater is a useful midpoint, sitting about 63 miles from Kelso and 62.9 miles from Seattle.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 104.5 miles (168.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.5 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 2:22 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.23 one way or $46.47 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 39.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Rain Likely around Kelso and Light Rain Likely near Seattle.
Stop Ideas Near Tumwater
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Lacey - City Hall Parking
Olympia Urban Forestry
Olympia City Hall
Lacey Community Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Tumwater.
Centennial Station
Centralia station
Tacoma Dome Station
Tukwila station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kelso and Seattle. Straight-line distance: 104.45 mi (168.09 km).
#1 Kelso
Town and parish in Scottish Borders, Scotland
| Population | 12,438 |
| Coordinates | 46.1467800, -122.9084400 |
| Altitude | 23 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Seattle
The eighteenth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Seattle metropolitan area.
| Population | 769,714 |
| Coordinates | 47.6062100, -122.3320700 |
| Altitude | 56 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-122.332143, 47.606309)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 203 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $23.23 | $46.47 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $24.72 | $49.43 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $25.62 | $51.25 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $24.27 | $48.55 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.