How far is Mercer Island, WA from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance from Mercer Island, WA to Tacoma, WA is about 36.5 miles (58.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 24.3 miles (39.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 31m 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 45m.
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.
Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mercer Island and Tacoma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mercer Island and Tacoma.
-
1
Start on Southeast 42nd Street
539 ft · 28 sec · Southeast 42nd Street
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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
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4
Turn left onto Gallagher Hill Road
1478 ft · 41 sec · Gallagher Hill Road
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5
Continue on Southeast 36th Street
2209 ft · 1 min · Southeast 36th Street
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6
Take the ramp straight toward I 90 East
1819 ft · 46 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto East Channel Bridge
2894 ft · 41 sec · East Channel Bridge
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 405: Everett, Renton
2502 ft · 1 min
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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
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12
Merge slight left
20.3 mi · 25 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward WA 7 South, I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome
785 ft · 19 sec
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14
Keep slight right to continue on I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome Station
102 m · 8 sec
-
15
Keep slight left to continue on I 705 North: City Center
2087 ft · 51 sec
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16
Merge slight right
1554 ft · 22 sec
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17
Take the exit slight left toward A Street, City Center
1550 ft · 38 sec
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18
Keep slight left to continue on South 15 Street, Pacific Avenue
1048 ft · 31 sec
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19
Continue on South 15th Street
1462 ft · 60 sec · South 15th Street
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20
Turn right onto Tacoma Avenue South
1516 ft · 49 sec · Tacoma Avenue South
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21
Turn right onto South 11th Street
13 m · 2 sec · South 11th Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 11th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mercer Island 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
20.3 mi · 00h 25m
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 Cloudy leaving Mercer Island and Mostly Cloudy near Tacoma.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mercer Island to Tacoma?
The road trip is about 36.5 miles (58.7 km) and usually takes 00h 45m 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?
Des Moines is a useful midpoint, sitting about 18.2 miles from Mercer Island and 18.3 miles from Tacoma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 24.3 miles (39.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.2 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 4:58 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.75 one way or $13.50 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Mercer Island and Mostly Cloudy near Tacoma.
Stop Ideas Near Des Moines
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall Tacoma
Tukwila Community Center
Auburn Building Permits
City of Covington
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Des Moines.
Tukwila station
Tacoma Dome Station
King Street Station
Seattle (Ferry - Pier 69), Washington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mercer Island and Tacoma. Straight-line distance: 24.29 mi (39.09 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 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: 59 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $6.75 | $13.50 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $7.18 | $14.36 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $7.44 | $14.89 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $7.05 | $14.10 |
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.