How far is Olympia, WA from Kirkland, WA?
Fastest route
The distance between Olympia, Washington and Kirkland, Washington is approximately 69.1 miles (111.2 kilometers). The fastest route, considering current traffic conditions, is via I-5 N and I-405 N. The estimated travel time is 1 hour and 19 minutes.
Directions
- 🚗 Get 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.
- ➡️ Turn right onto Jefferson St SE.
- ⭕ At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto 14th Ave SE.
- ➡️ Turn right to merge onto I-5 N toward Seattle.
- 🛣️ Follow I-5 N and I-405 N to NE 85th St in Kirkland. Take exit 18 from I-405 N.
- ➡️ Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 154 to merge onto I-405 N toward Renton.
- 🚙 Keep right to stay on I-405 N.
- ➡️ Take exit 18 to merge onto NE 85th St toward Kirkland.
- 🛣️ Follow NE 85th St and Central Way to your destination.
- ➡️ Keep right to stay on NE 85th St.
- ➡️ Continue onto Central Way.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 It's recommended to take I-5 N and I-405 N for the fastest route.
- ⛽ Plan for any necessary fuel stops along the way.
- 🚧 Be aware of construction zones or traffic delays that may affect travel time.
- 📱 Consider using a navigation app or GPS device for real-time updates during the journey.
- 🍽️ If you need a break, there are several rest areas and dining options along the route.
- 📞 Save emergency contact numbers in your phone in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
- 📅 Check for any road closures or alternative routes before your departure to avoid disruptions.
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 01h 16m.
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, USA
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 Kirkland.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Olympia and Kirkland.
-
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
20.7 mi · 26 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward WA 518 West, I 405 North: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Bellevue
136 m · 11 sec
-
8
Keep slight right to continue on I 405 North: Renton, Bellevue
2062 ft · 50 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
17.4 mi · 22 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward Northeast 85th Street, Kirkland
2063 ft · 50 sec
-
11
Keep slight left
55 m · 7 sec
-
12
Turn straight onto Northeast 85th Street
1.1 km · 2 min · Northeast 85th Street
-
13
Turn right onto 6th Street
137 m · 18 sec · 6th Street
-
14
Turn left onto 7th Avenue
542 ft · 16 sec · 7th Avenue
-
15
Exit the roundabout onto 7th Avenue
1699 ft · 51 sec · 7th Avenue
-
16
Exit the roundabout onto 7th Avenue
588 ft · 19 sec · 7th Avenue
-
17
Turn right onto 1st Street
122 m · 11 sec · 1st Street
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 1st Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Olympia and Kirkland.
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 Kirkland.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Olympia to Kirkland?
The road trip is about 69 miles (111.1 km) and usually takes 01h 16m 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?
Milton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 34.4 miles from Olympia and 34.6 miles from Kirkland.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 55 miles (88.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 14 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 3:58 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.77 one way or $25.54 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 21.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Rain Likely around Olympia and Light Rain Likely near Kirkland.
Stop Ideas Near Milton
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall Tacoma
City Hall Park
Auburn Building Permits
City of Normandy Park City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Milton.
Tacoma Dome Station
Tukwila station
King Street Station
Seattle (Ferry - Pier 69), Washington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Olympia and Kirkland. Straight-line distance: 55.01 mi (88.53 km).
#1 Olympia
The capital of Washington state.
| Population | 53,620 |
| Coordinates | 47.0378700, -122.9007000 |
| Altitude | 29 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Kirkland
A city in King County, Washington.
| Population | 95,431 |
| Coordinates | 47.6814900, -122.2087400 |
| Altitude | 47 |
| Country | United States |
End: 1st Street (-122.208447, 47.681494)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 111 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 51m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $12.77 | $25.54 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $13.58 | $27.17 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $14.08 | $28.16 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $13.34 | $26.68 |
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.