How far is Rochester, WA from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance from Rochester, WA to Tacoma, WA is about 51.8 miles (83.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 42.8 miles (68.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 58m 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 59m.
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 Thurston County, Washington.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rochester and Tacoma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rochester and Tacoma.
-
1
Start on US Highway 12
4.2 mi · 6 min · US Highway 12
-
2
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
37 m · 2 sec
-
3
Exit the roundabout
3076 ft · 1 min
-
4
Take the ramp left toward I 5 North
1010 ft · 25 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
42.7 mi · 51 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street
1248 ft · 21 sec
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street West, Tacoma Mall
1086 ft · 19 sec
-
8
Keep slight left to continue on WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
1655 ft · 28 sec
-
9
Keep slight left to continue on WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
2562 ft · 44 sec
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward Sprague Avenue
2552 ft · 1 min
-
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
-
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 Rochester and Tacoma.
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 North
Merge slight left
42.7 mi · 00h 51m
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.
Sunny leaving Rochester 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 Rochester to Tacoma?
The road trip is about 51.8 miles (83.4 km) and usually takes 00h 59m 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?
Lacey is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.5 miles from Rochester and 26.3 miles from Tacoma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 42.8 miles (68.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 9 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 4:32 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.95 one way or $19.89 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Rochester and Mostly Sunny near Tacoma.
Stop Ideas Near Lacey
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Lacey - City Hall Parking
Olympia City Hall
Lacey Community Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Lacey.
Centennial Station
Centralia station
Tacoma Dome Station
Tukwila station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rochester and Tacoma. Straight-line distance: 42.78 mi (68.84 km).
#1 Rochester
Situated within the Chehalis River basin in Thurston County at an elevation of 144 feet, this unincorporated community lies southwest of Olympia.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 46.8217700, -123.0962500 |
| Altitude | 44 |
| 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: 83 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.44 | $9.95 | $19.89 |
| Mid-grade | $5.72 | $10.47 | $20.93 |
| Premium | $5.98 | $10.94 | $21.88 |
| Diesel | $7.29 | $13.34 | $26.69 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026