How far is Renton, WA from Kelso, WA?
The driving distance from Renton, WA to Kelso, WA is about 118.4 miles (190.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 97.9 miles (157.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 44m 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 02h 22m.
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 Thurston 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 Renton and Kelso.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Renton and Kelso.
-
1
Start on the route
19 m · 5 sec
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2
Turn left
22 m · 8 sec
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3
Turn left
30 m · 13 sec
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4
Turn left onto Rainier Avenue South
1.5 km · 2 min · Rainier Avenue South
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5
Continue on Valley Freeway
99 m · 7 sec · Valley Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 405 South: Burien, Seattle, Tacoma
2264 ft · 48 sec
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7
Merge slight left
2 mi · 3 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 5 South: Portland
1446 ft · 49 sec
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9
Merge slight left
20.3 mi · 25 min
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10
Keep slight right
93.1 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward North Kelso Avenue
1596 ft · 39 sec
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12
Turn right onto North Kelso Avenue
3274 ft · 2 min · North Kelso Avenue
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13
Continue on North Pacific Avenue
900 ft · 32 sec · North Pacific Avenue
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14
Turn left onto Cowlitz Way
532 ft · 16 sec · Cowlitz Way
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15
Turn left onto North 4th Avenue
10 m · 1 sec · North 4th Avenue
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 4th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Renton and Kelso.
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
Keep slight right
93.1 mi · 01h 47m
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 Renton and Mostly Sunny near Kelso.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Renton to Kelso?
The road trip is about 118.4 miles (190.5 km) and usually takes 02h 22m 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?
Tumwater is a useful midpoint, sitting about 59.2 miles from Renton and 59.2 miles from Kelso.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 97.9 miles (157.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.5 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 1:46 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.87 one way or $43.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Renton and Mostly Sunny near Kelso.
Stop Ideas Near Tumwater
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Lacey - City Hall Parking
Olympia Urban Forestry
Olympia City Hall
Lacey Community Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Tumwater.
Centennial Station
Centralia station
Tacoma Dome Station
Tukwila station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Renton and Kelso. Straight-line distance: 97.93 mi (157.61 km).
#1 Renton
The second most populous city in King County, Washington.
| Population | 101,494 |
| Coordinates | 47.4828800, -122.2170700 |
| Altitude | 12 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Kelso
Town and parish in Scottish Borders, Scotland
| Population | 12,438 |
| Coordinates | 46.1467800, -122.9084400 |
| Altitude | 23 |
| Country | United States |
End: Kelso (-122.90844, 46.14678)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 191 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $21.87 | $43.75 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $23.27 | $46.54 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $24.12 | $48.25 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $22.85 | $45.70 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.