How far is Tacoma, WA from Birch Bay, WA?
The driving distance from Tacoma, WA to Birch Bay, WA is about 143.4 miles (230.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 115.9 miles (186.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 54m 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 57m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tacoma and Birch Bay.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tacoma and Birch Bay.
-
1
Start on South 11th Street
686 ft · 29 sec · South 11th Street
-
2
Turn right onto Market Street
759 ft · 31 sec · Market Street
-
3
Turn left onto South 13th Street
920 ft · 36 sec · South 13th Street
-
4
Turn right onto I 705 SB Ramp
65 m · 11 sec · I 705 SB Ramp
-
5
Take the ramp straight toward Port of Tacoma
869 ft · 21 sec
-
6
Merge slight right
1.3 km · 1 min
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on I 5 North: Seattle
1819 ft · 44 sec
-
8
Keep slight left to continue on I 5 North: Seattle
1395 ft · 34 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
135.9 mi · 2 hr 43 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward Birch Bay, Lynden
1514 ft · 43 sec
-
11
Turn left onto Birch Bay Lynden Road
3 mi · 5 min · Birch Bay Lynden Road
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12
Turn left onto Blaine Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · Blaine Road
-
13
Turn right onto Alderson Road
1.3 km · 2 min · Alderson Road
-
14
Turn right
14 m · 3 sec
-
15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tacoma and Birch Bay.
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
136 mi · 02h 43m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Tacoma and Partly Sunny near Birch Bay.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tacoma to Birch Bay?
The road trip is about 143.4 miles (230.8 km) and usually takes 02h 57m 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?
North Marysville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71.6 miles from Tacoma and 71.8 miles from Birch Bay.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 115.9 miles (186.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.5 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 12:36 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.48 one way or $52.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Tacoma and Partly Sunny near Birch Bay.
Stop Ideas Near North Marysville
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 North Marysville.
Everett Station
Stanwood station
Monroe, Washington
Monroe (Eastbound), WA
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tacoma and Birch Bay. Straight-line distance: 115.87 mi (186.48 km).
#1 Tacoma
The third most populous city in Washington.
| Population | 219,945 |
| Coordinates | 47.2528800, -122.4442900 |
| Altitude | 74 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Birch Bay
Census designated place
| Population | 8,413 |
| Coordinates | 48.9178900, -122.7446200 |
| Altitude | 4 |
| Country | United States |
End: Birch Bay (-122.74462, 48.91789)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 231 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $26.48 | $52.96 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $28.17 | $56.34 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $29.20 | $58.40 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $27.66 | $55.33 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.