How far is Olympia, WA from Bellingham, WA?
Fastest route
The journey from Olympia, Washington, USA to Bellingham, Washington, USA takes approximately 2 hours and 58 minutes, covering a distance of 150 miles via I-5 N.
Directions
- Start your journey by getting on I-5 N from 11th Ave SE and 14th Ave SE.
- Head north on Capitol Way S toward 11th Ave SW.
- Turn right at the 1st cross street onto 11th Ave SE.
- Take a right onto Jefferson St SE.
- At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto 14th Ave SE.
- Merge right to enter I-5 N toward Seattle.
- Follow I-5 N until you reach King St in Bellingham. Take exit 253 from I-5 N.
- Take exit 253 for Lakeway Dr.
- Proceed on Lakeway Dr and E Holly St to W Champion St.
- Make a slight right toward Lakeway Dr.
- Turn right onto Lakeway Dr.
- Pass by KeyBank (on the left in 0.4 mi) and then turn right onto Commercial St.
- Finally, turn left onto W Champion St, and you will reach Bellingham, Washington, USA.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Make sure to plan your journey in advance to avoid traffic delays.
- ⛽ It's a good idea to fuel up your vehicle before embarking on the trip.
- 📱 Use a navigation app or GPS device to stay on track and find the most efficient route.
- 🚧 Stay updated on current traffic conditions to choose the fastest route available.
- 🛣️ Follow the signs for I-5 N to ensure you're on the correct highway.
- 📍 Keep an eye out for landmarks or notable locations mentioned in the directions to stay on course.
- 🚦 Observe traffic rules and regulations for a safe and enjoyable journey.
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 02h 37m.
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 Snohomish County, Washington, United States
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 Olympia and Bellingham.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Olympia and Bellingham.
-
1
Start on Capitol Way South
121 m · 12 sec · Capitol Way South
-
2
Turn right onto Union Avenue Southeast
2292 ft · 1 min · Union Avenue Southeast
-
3
Turn right onto Plum Street Southeast
835 ft · 19 sec · Plum Street Southeast
-
4
Take the ramp straight
1.1 km · 1 min
-
5
Merge slight left
27.3 mi · 34 min
-
6
Keep slight right
119.5 mi · 2 hr 24 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward Lakeway Drive
725 ft · 25 sec
-
8
Turn right onto King Street
144 m · 9 sec · King Street
-
9
Turn right onto Lakeway Drive
2003 ft · 1 min · Lakeway Drive
-
10
Continue on East Holly Street
3179 ft · 2 min · East Holly Street
-
11
Turn right onto Bay Street
24 m · 5 sec · Bay Street
-
12
Turn left onto Prospect Street
1333 ft · 41 sec · Prospect Street
-
13
Continue on Dupont Street
2429 ft · 1 min · Dupont Street
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Dupont Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Olympia and Bellingham.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Plum Street Southeast
Keep slight right
120 mi · 02h 24m
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 Olympia and Mostly Sunny near Bellingham.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Olympia to Bellingham?
The road trip is about 150.2 miles (241.8 km) and usually takes 02h 37m 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?
Lynnwood is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75 miles from Olympia and 75.2 miles from Bellingham.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 120.5 miles (193.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.7 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 1:16 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.73 one way or $55.47 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Olympia and Mostly Sunny near Bellingham.
Stop Ideas Near Lynnwood
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Lynnwood.
Edmonds station
Everett Station
Seattle (Ferry - Pier 69), Washington
King Street Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Olympia and Bellingham. Straight-line distance: 120.48 mi (193.9 km).
#1 Olympia
The capital of Washington state.
| Population | 53,620 |
| Coordinates | 47.0378700, -122.9007000 |
| Altitude | 29 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Bellingham
The most populous city in Whatcom County, Washington.
| Population | 93,955 |
| Coordinates | 48.7595500, -122.4882200 |
| Altitude | 21 |
| Country | United States |
End: Dupont Street (-122.488104, 48.759626)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 242 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 52m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $27.73 | $55.47 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $29.51 | $59.01 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $30.59 | $61.17 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $28.98 | $57.95 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.