How far is Seattle, WA from Kelso, WA?
The driving distance from Seattle, WA to Kelso, WA is about 126 miles (202.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 104.5 miles (168.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 01m 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 30m.
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.
Light Rain Likely
Light Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Seattle and Kelso.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Seattle and Kelso.
-
1
Start on the route
9 m · 8 sec
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2
Turn left onto Madison Street
62 m · 11 sec · Madison Street
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3
Turn right onto 4th Avenue
94 m · 15 sec · 4th Avenue
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4
Turn right onto Spring Street
647 ft · 26 sec · Spring Street
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5
Take the ramp right toward I 5 South: Portland
1151 ft · 28 sec
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6
Continue straight
3180 ft · 1 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 East, I 5 South: Bellevue, Portland
45 m · 2 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 5 South: Tacoma, Portland
589 ft · 8 sec
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Airport Way
93 m · 4 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 5 South: Sea-Tac Airport
30.4 mi · 38 min
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11
Keep slight right
93.1 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward North Kelso Avenue
1596 ft · 39 sec
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13
Turn right onto North Kelso Avenue
3274 ft · 2 min · North Kelso Avenue
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14
Continue on North Pacific Avenue
900 ft · 32 sec · North Pacific Avenue
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15
Turn left onto Cowlitz Way
532 ft · 16 sec · Cowlitz Way
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16
Turn left onto North 4th Avenue
10 m · 1 sec · North 4th Avenue
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 4th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Seattle 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.
Light Rain Likely leaving Seattle and Light Rain Likely near Kelso.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Seattle to Kelso?
The road trip is about 126 miles (202.8 km) and usually takes 02h 30m 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 63 miles from Seattle and 63.1 miles from Kelso.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 104.5 miles (168.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.5 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 1:28 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.29 one way or $46.57 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 39.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Rain Likely around Seattle and Light Rain Likely 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 Seattle and Kelso. Straight-line distance: 104.45 mi (168.09 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 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: 203 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $23.29 | $46.57 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $24.77 | $49.55 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $25.68 | $51.36 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $24.33 | $48.66 |
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.