How far is Olympia, WA from Auburn, WA?
The driving distance from Olympia, WA to Auburn, WA is about 44.2 miles (71.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 36.7 miles (59 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 38m 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 49m.
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 Pierce County, Washington.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Light Rain Likely
Light Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Olympia and Auburn.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Olympia and Auburn.
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1
Start on Capitol Way South
121 m · 12 sec · Capitol Way South
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2
Turn right onto Union Avenue Southeast
2292 ft · 1 min · Union Avenue Southeast
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3
Turn right onto Plum Street Southeast
835 ft · 19 sec · Plum Street Southeast
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4
Take the ramp straight
1.1 km · 1 min
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5
Merge slight left
27.3 mi · 34 min
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6
Keep slight right
8.2 mi · 10 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward WA 18 East: Auburn, Muckleshoot Reservation
2644 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left onto State Route 18
3.2 mi · 4 min · State Route 18
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9
Take the exit slight right toward C Street Southwest
1705 ft · 44 sec
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10
At the end of the road, turn left onto C Street Southwest
1648 ft · 49 sec · C Street Southwest
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11
Turn right onto West Main Street
1135 ft · 33 sec · West Main Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Olympia and Auburn.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Plum Street Southeast
Merge slight left
27.3 mi · 00h 34m
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.
Light Rain Likely leaving Olympia and Light Rain Likely near Auburn.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Olympia to Auburn?
The road trip is about 44.2 miles (71.2 km) and usually takes 00h 49m 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?
Lakewood is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.7 miles from Olympia and 23.5 miles from Auburn.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 36.7 miles (59 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.5 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 4:52 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.16 one way or $16.33 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Rain Likely around Olympia and Light Rain Likely near Auburn.
Stop Ideas Near Lakewood
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall Tacoma
City of Puyallup
Tacoma City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Lakewood.
Tacoma Dome Station
Centennial Station
Tukwila station
King Street Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Olympia and Auburn. Straight-line distance: 36.65 mi (58.99 km).
#1 Olympia
The capital of Washington state.
| Population | 53,620 |
| Coordinates | 47.0378700, -122.9007000 |
| Altitude | 29 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Auburn
The second most populous city in Pierce County, Washington.
| Population | 81,024 |
| Coordinates | 47.3073200, -122.2284500 |
| Altitude | 25 |
| Country | United States |
End: A Street Southeast (-122.228563, 47.307325)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 71 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $8.16 | $16.33 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $8.68 | $17.37 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $9.00 | $18.01 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $8.53 | $17.06 |
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 · 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.