How far is La Center, WA from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance from La Center, WA to Tacoma, WA is about 120.8 miles (194.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 96.7 miles (155.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 58m 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 59m.
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 and county seat of Lewis 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 La Center and Tacoma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Center and Tacoma.
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1
Start on the route
18 m · 10 sec
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2
Turn left onto East 4th Street
527 ft · 18 sec · East 4th Street
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Northwest Pacific Highway
36 m · 2 sec · Northwest Pacific Highway
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4
Exit the roundabout onto Northwest Pacific Highway
631 ft · 22 sec · Northwest Pacific Highway
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5
Continue on Northwest La Center Road
1.8 mi · 3 min · Northwest La Center Road
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward I 5 North: Seattle
8 m · 1 sec
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7
Exit the roundabout onto I 5 North: Seattle
1729 ft · 42 sec
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8
Merge slight left
114.2 mi · 2 hr 9 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street
1248 ft · 21 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street West, Tacoma Mall
1086 ft · 19 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
1655 ft · 28 sec
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12
Keep slight left to continue on WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
2562 ft · 44 sec
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13
Take the exit slight right toward Sprague Avenue
2552 ft · 1 min
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14
Continue on Sprague Ramp
1467 ft · 44 sec · Sprague Ramp
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15
Continue on South Sprague Avenue
2964 ft · 2 min · South Sprague Avenue
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16
Turn right onto South 11th Street
1.4 km · 2 min · South 11th Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 11th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between La Center and Tacoma.
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 North
Merge slight left
114 mi · 02h 09m
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 La Center and Mostly Sunny near Tacoma.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from La Center to Tacoma?
The road trip is about 120.8 miles (194.4 km) and usually takes 01h 59m 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?
Chehalis is a useful midpoint, sitting about 60 miles from La Center and 60.8 miles from Tacoma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 96.7 miles (155.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.1 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:32 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.29 one way or $44.59 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around La Center and Mostly Sunny near Tacoma.
Stop Ideas Near Chehalis
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Chehalis.
Centralia station
Centennial Station
Kelso Multimodal Transportation Center
Tacoma Dome Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between La Center and Tacoma. Straight-line distance: 96.67 mi (155.58 km).
#1 La Center
City in Ballard County, Kentucky, United States of America
| Population | 3,602 |
| Coordinates | 45.8623400, -122.6703800 |
| Altitude | 32 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Tacoma
The third most populous city in Washington.
| Population | 219,945 |
| Coordinates | 47.2528800, -122.4442900 |
| Altitude | 74 |
| Country | United States |
End: South 11th Street (-122.444267, 47.25278)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 194 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $22.29 | $44.59 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $23.72 | $47.43 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $24.58 | $49.17 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $23.29 | $46.58 |
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.