How far is McCleary, WA from Tacoma, WA?
Fastest route
The journey from McCleary, Washington (98557) to Tacoma, Washington covers a distance of approximately 50.9 miles and takes about 52 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The fastest route currently is via WA-8 E and I-5 N.
Directions
- Start by heading south on S Main St toward W Pine St.
- Turn right onto Mox Chehalis Rd.
- Merge left onto WA-8 E toward Olympia.
- Continue on WA-8 E.
- Take the exit on the left onto I-5 N toward Olympia/Seattle.
- Take exit 133 toward City Ctr.
- Use the left two lanes to take the exit toward City Ctr.
- Drive to S 11th St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Plan your departure time considering potential traffic congestion.
- ⛽ Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel for the journey.
- 🗺️ Use a reliable navigation app or GPS to guide you along the route.
- 🚧 Stay updated on current road conditions and any potential road closures or detours.
- 🕐 Allow some extra time for unexpected delays.
- ☕ Take a short break if you need to during the journey to stretch and refresh yourself.
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 55m.
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.
The most populous city in Thurston County, Washington.
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 McCleary and Tacoma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between McCleary and Tacoma.
-
1
Start on South Main Street
1624 ft · 56 sec · South Main Street
-
2
At the end of the road, turn right onto South 3rd Street
123 m · 14 sec · South 3rd Street
-
3
Continue on Mox Chehalis Road
1939 ft · 56 sec · Mox Chehalis Road
-
4
Take the ramp left
2323 ft · 1 min
-
5
Merge slight left
13 mi · 16 min
-
6
Merge slight left
5.4 mi · 7 min
-
7
Keep slight left
2818 ft · 53 sec
-
8
Merge slight left
26.7 mi · 33 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street
1248 ft · 21 sec
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street West, Tacoma Mall
1086 ft · 19 sec
-
11
Keep slight left to continue on WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
1655 ft · 28 sec
-
12
Keep slight left to continue on WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
2562 ft · 44 sec
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward Sprague Avenue
2552 ft · 1 min
-
14
Continue on Sprague Ramp
1467 ft · 44 sec · Sprague Ramp
-
15
Continue on South Sprague Avenue
2964 ft · 2 min · South Sprague Avenue
-
16
Turn right onto South 11th Street
1.4 km · 2 min · South 11th Street
-
17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 11th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between McCleary and Tacoma.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Mox Chehalis Road
Merge slight left
26.7 mi · 00h 33m
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 McCleary 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 McCleary to Tacoma?
The road trip is about 51 miles (82 km) and usually takes 00h 55m 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?
Lacey is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.1 miles from McCleary and 25.8 miles from Tacoma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 40.9 miles (65.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.1 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 4:40 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.42 one way or $18.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around McCleary and Mostly Sunny near Tacoma.
Stop Ideas Near Lacey
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 Lacey.
Centennial Station
Centralia station
Tacoma Dome Station
Tukwila station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between McCleary and Tacoma. Straight-line distance: 40.97 mi (65.94 km).
#1 McCleary
City in Grays Harbor County, Washington, United States
| Population | 1,830 |
| Coordinates | 47.0531500, -123.2654300 |
| Altitude | 84 |
| 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: 82 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $9.42 | $18.84 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $10.02 | $20.04 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $10.39 | $20.78 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $9.84 | $19.68 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.