How far is Lake Forest Park, WA from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance from Lake Forest Park, WA to Tacoma, WA is about 45.9 miles (73.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35.7 miles (57.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 49m 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 00h 54m.
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 Washington
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Rain
Light Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake Forest Park and Tacoma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Forest Park and Tacoma.
-
1
Start on Ballinger Way Northeast
1325 ft · 40 sec · Ballinger Way Northeast
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2
Turn right onto Bothell Way Northeast
1.7 mi · 4 min · Bothell Way Northeast
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3
Turn right onto Northeast 145th Street
1.4 mi · 4 min · Northeast 145th Street
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward 5th Avenue Northeast
41 m · 3 sec · 5th Avenue Northeast
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5
Exit the roundabout onto 5th Avenue Northeast
22 m · 2 sec · 5th Avenue Northeast
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6
Continue on Northeast 145th Street
119 m · 10 sec · Northeast 145th Street
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7
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward I 5 South
68 m · 5 sec
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8
Exit the roundabout onto I 5 South
1860 ft · 53 sec
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9
Merge slight left
40.1 mi · 50 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward WA 7 South, I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome
785 ft · 19 sec
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11
Keep slight right to continue on I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome Station
102 m · 8 sec
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12
Keep slight left to continue on I 705 North: City Center
2087 ft · 51 sec
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13
Merge slight right
1554 ft · 22 sec
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14
Take the exit slight left toward A Street, City Center
1550 ft · 38 sec
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15
Keep slight left to continue on South 15 Street, Pacific Avenue
1048 ft · 31 sec
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16
Continue on South 15th Street
1462 ft · 60 sec · South 15th Street
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17
Turn right onto Tacoma Avenue South
1516 ft · 49 sec · Tacoma Avenue South
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18
Turn right onto South 11th Street
13 m · 2 sec · South 11th Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 11th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lake Forest Park 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 South
Merge slight left
40.1 mi · 00h 50m
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.
Chance Light Rain leaving Lake Forest Park and Light Rain Likely near Tacoma.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lake Forest Park to Tacoma?
The road trip is about 45.9 miles (73.8 km) and usually takes 00h 54m 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?
Tukwila is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.9 miles from Lake Forest Park and 22.9 miles from Tacoma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35.7 miles (57.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.2 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 4:40 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.48 one way or $16.95 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain around Lake Forest Park and Light Rain Likely near Tacoma.
Stop Ideas Near Tukwila
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Tukwila Community Center
Auburn Building Permits
City of Auburn
Auburn Community & Event Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Tukwila.
Tukwila station
King Street Station
Seattle (Ferry - Pier 69), Washington
Tacoma Dome Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake Forest Park and Tacoma. Straight-line distance: 35.64 mi (57.36 km).
#1 Lake Forest Park
City in King County, Washington, United States
| Population | 13,432 |
| Coordinates | 47.7567600, -122.2809600 |
| Altitude | 23 |
| 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: 74 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $8.48 | $16.95 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $9.02 | $18.04 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $9.35 | $18.70 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $8.86 | $17.71 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.