How far is Spokane, WA from Ellensburg, WA?
The driving distance from Spokane, WA to Ellensburg, WA is about 172.9 miles (278.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 153 miles (246.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 23m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 11m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Rain
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Spokane and Ellensburg.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Spokane and Ellensburg.
-
1
Start on South Gorge Trail
48 m · 21 sec · South Gorge Trail
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2
Turn right
8 m · 9 sec
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3
Turn left onto West Main Avenue
141 m · 20 sec · West Main Avenue
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4
Turn right onto North Monroe Street
2139 ft · 1 min · North Monroe Street
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5
Turn slight right onto West Freeway Avenue
643 ft · 18 sec · West Freeway Avenue
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6
Keep slight left to continue on West Freeway Avenue
57 m · 5 sec · West Freeway Avenue
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7
Take the ramp straight toward I 90 West: Seattle
1245 ft · 30 sec
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8
Merge slight left
2 mi · 3 min
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9
Keep slight left
56.6 mi · 1 hr 1 min
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10
Keep slight left
111.2 mi · 1 hr 59 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward Canyon Road, Ellensburg
2391 ft · 1 min
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12
Turn right onto Canyon Road
1.2 km · 2 min · Canyon Road
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13
Continue on South Main Street
1.4 km · 3 min · South Main Street
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14
Turn right onto West 5th Avenue
66 m · 7 sec · West 5th Avenue
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 5th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Spokane and Ellensburg.
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 90 West
Keep slight left
111 mi · 01h 59m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Light Rain leaving Spokane and Sunny near Ellensburg.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Spokane to Ellensburg?
The road trip is about 172.9 miles (278.2 km) and usually takes 03h 11m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Warden is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.2 miles from Spokane and 86.6 miles from Ellensburg.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 153 miles (246.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.9 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:36 AM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.92 one way or $63.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain around Spokane and Sunny near Ellensburg.
Stop Ideas Near Warden
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 Warden.
Moses Lake, Washington
Ritzville, Washington
Ephrata
Ephrata, WA
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Spokane and Ellensburg. Straight-line distance: 153.06 mi (246.33 km).
#1 Spokane
The second most populous city in Washington.
| Population | 222,050 |
| Coordinates | 47.6596600, -117.4290800 |
| Altitude | 571 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ellensburg
City in Kittitas County, Washington, United States
| Population | 21,576 |
| Coordinates | 46.9965100, -120.5478500 |
| Altitude | 470 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ellensburg (-120.54785, 46.99651)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 278 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $31.92 | $63.84 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $33.96 | $67.92 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $35.20 | $70.41 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $33.35 | $66.70 |
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 · 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.