How far is Mercer Island, WA from Federal Way, WA?
The driving distance from Mercer Island, WA to Federal Way, WA is about 26 miles (41.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 17.6 miles (28.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 10m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 35m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mercer Island and Federal Way.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mercer Island and Federal Way.
-
1
Start on Southeast 42nd Street
539 ft · 28 sec · Southeast 42nd Street
-
2
At the end of the road, turn right onto 86th Avenue Southeast
1325 ft · 49 sec · 86th Avenue Southeast
-
3
Turn right onto Southeast 40th Street
1344 ft · 44 sec · Southeast 40th Street
-
4
Turn left onto Gallagher Hill Road
1478 ft · 41 sec · Gallagher Hill Road
-
5
Continue on Southeast 36th Street
2209 ft · 1 min · Southeast 36th Street
-
6
Take the ramp straight toward I 90 East
1819 ft · 46 sec
-
7
Merge slight left onto East Channel Bridge
2894 ft · 41 sec · East Channel Bridge
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward I 405: Everett, Renton
2502 ft · 1 min
-
9
Keep slight right to continue on I 405 South: Renton
2711 ft · 1 min
-
10
Merge slight left
10.7 mi · 13 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward I 5 South: Portland
1446 ft · 49 sec
-
12
Merge slight left
7.3 mi · 9 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward South 272nd Street
2018 ft · 55 sec
-
14
Turn right onto South 272nd Street
2875 ft · 1 min · South 272nd Street
-
15
Turn left onto Pacific Highway South
2.5 mi · 5 min · Pacific Highway South
-
16
Turn left onto South 312th Street
64 m · 9 sec · South 312th Street
-
17
Turn right
7 m · 2 sec
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mercer Island and Federal Way.
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.
I 405 South
Merge slight left
10.7 mi · 00h 13m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Cloudy leaving Mercer Island and Mostly Cloudy near Federal Way.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mercer Island to Federal Way?
The road trip is about 26 miles (41.9 km) and usually takes 00h 35m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Tukwila is a useful midpoint, sitting about 12.4 miles from Mercer Island and 13.6 miles from Federal Way.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 17.6 miles (28.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.4 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:20 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.81 one way or $9.63 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Mercer Island and Mostly Cloudy near Federal Way.
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 Mercer Island and Federal Way. Straight-line distance: 17.67 mi (28.44 km).
#1 Mercer Island
Island in the United States of America
| Population | 25,912 |
| Coordinates | 47.5706500, -122.2220700 |
| Altitude | 102 |
| 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: 42 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $4.81 | $9.63 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $5.12 | $10.24 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $5.31 | $10.62 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $5.03 | $10.06 |
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 · Jun 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.