How far is Seattle, WA from Cle Elum, WA?
The driving distance from Seattle, WA to Cle Elum, WA is about 83.3 miles (134 km), with a travel time of about 01h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 71 miles (114.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 16m 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 01h 38m.
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.
Census-designated place in King County, Washington (state), USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Seattle and Cle Elum.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Seattle and Cle Elum.
-
1
Start on the route
9 m · 8 sec
-
2
Turn left onto Madison Street
62 m · 11 sec · Madison Street
-
3
Turn right onto 4th Avenue
94 m · 15 sec · 4th Avenue
-
4
Turn right onto Spring Street
647 ft · 26 sec · Spring Street
-
5
Take the ramp right toward I 5 South: Portland
1151 ft · 28 sec
-
6
Continue straight
3180 ft · 1 min
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 East, I 5 South: Bellevue, Portland
45 m · 2 sec
-
8
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 East: Bellevue, Spokane
2257 ft · 55 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
1.6 km · 1 min
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
79.4 mi · 1 hr 30 min · Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward Exit 84: Cle Elum, South Cle Elum
2706 ft · 1 min
-
12
Continue on West 1st Street
993 ft · 38 sec · West 1st Street
-
13
Turn left onto North Pine Street
149 m · 23 sec · North Pine Street
-
14
Turn right onto West 2nd Street
3243 ft · 1 min · West 2nd Street
-
15
Turn right
63 m · 15 sec
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Seattle and Cle Elum.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
Keep slight left to continue on Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
79.4 mi · 01h 30m
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 Seattle and Mostly Sunny near Cle Elum.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Seattle to Cle Elum?
The road trip is about 83.3 miles (134 km) and usually takes 01h 38m 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?
Riverbend is a useful midpoint, sitting about 41.6 miles from Seattle and 41.8 miles from Cle Elum.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 71 miles (114.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.3 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 3:14 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.39 one way or $30.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Seattle and Mostly Sunny near Cle Elum.
Stop Ideas Near Riverbend
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 Riverbend.
Tukwila station
Skykomish (Eastbound), WA
Skykomish, Washington
Monroe (Eastbound), WA
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Seattle and Cle Elum. Straight-line distance: 71.05 mi (114.35 km).
#1 Seattle
The eighteenth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Seattle metropolitan area.
| Population | 769,714 |
| Coordinates | 47.6062100, -122.3320700 |
| Altitude | 56 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cle Elum
City in Kittitas County, Washington, United States
| Population | 2,098 |
| Coordinates | 47.1954000, -120.9392500 |
| Altitude | 583 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cle Elum (-120.93925, 47.1954)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 134 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $15.39 | $30.77 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $16.37 | $32.73 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $16.97 | $33.93 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $16.07 | $32.15 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.