How far is Olympia, WA from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance from Olympia, WA to Tacoma, WA is about 30.6 miles (49.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 26.1 miles (42 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 the state of Washington
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 Tacoma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Olympia and Tacoma.
-
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
25.2 mi · 31 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street
1248 ft · 21 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street West, Tacoma Mall
1086 ft · 19 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
1655 ft · 28 sec
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9
Keep slight left to continue on WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
2562 ft · 44 sec
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Sprague Avenue
2552 ft · 1 min
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11
Continue on Sprague Ramp
1467 ft · 44 sec · Sprague Ramp
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12
Continue on South Sprague Avenue
2964 ft · 2 min · South Sprague Avenue
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13
Turn right onto South 11th Street
1.4 km · 2 min · South 11th Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 11th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Olympia and Tacoma.
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.
Plum Street Southeast
Merge slight left
25.2 mi · 00h 31m
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 Sunny leaving Olympia and Mostly Sunny near Tacoma.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Olympia to Tacoma?
The road trip is about 30.6 miles (49.3 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?
DuPont is a useful midpoint, sitting about 15 miles from Olympia and 15.7 miles from Tacoma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 26.1 miles (42 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.5 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 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 $5.65 one way or $11.30 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 9.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Olympia and Mostly Sunny near Tacoma.
Stop Ideas Near DuPont
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall Tacoma
Lakewood City Hall
Lacey Community Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to DuPont.
Centennial Station
Tacoma Dome Station
Centralia station
Tukwila station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Olympia and Tacoma. Straight-line distance: 26.09 mi (41.99 km).
#1 Olympia
The capital of Washington state.
| Population | 53,620 |
| Coordinates | 47.0378700, -122.9007000 |
| Altitude | 29 |
| 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: 49 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $5.65 | $11.30 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $6.01 | $12.02 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $6.23 | $12.47 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $5.90 | $11.81 |
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.