How far is Tacoma, WA from Centralia, WA?
The driving distance from Tacoma, WA to Centralia, WA is about 54.2 miles (87.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 44.2 miles (71.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 18m 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 09m.
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.
Light Rain Likely
Light Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tacoma and Centralia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tacoma and Centralia.
-
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 left to continue on I 5 South: Portland
1.3 km · 2 min
-
8
Merge slight left
50 mi · 59 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward Harrison Avenue, Factory Outlet Way
2068 ft · 56 sec
-
10
Turn left onto Harrison Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · Harrison Avenue
-
11
Continue on West Main Street
1 km · 2 min · West Main Street
-
12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tacoma and Centralia.
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
Merge slight left
50 mi · 00h 59m
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 Tacoma and Light Rain Likely near Centralia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tacoma to Centralia?
The road trip is about 54.2 miles (87.2 km) and usually takes 01h 09m 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 27 miles from Tacoma and 27.1 miles from Centralia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 44.2 miles (71.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 10 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 4:12 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.00 one way or $19.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Rain Likely around Tacoma and Light Rain Likely near Centralia.
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 Tacoma and Centralia. Straight-line distance: 44.19 mi (71.12 km).
#1 Tacoma
The third most populous city in Washington.
| Population | 219,945 |
| Coordinates | 47.2528800, -122.4442900 |
| Altitude | 74 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Centralia
City in Washington State
| Population | 17,995 |
| Coordinates | 46.7162100, -122.9543000 |
| Altitude | 57 |
| Country | United States |
End: Centralia (-122.9543, 46.71621)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 87 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $10.00 | $19.99 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $10.63 | $21.27 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $11.02 | $22.05 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $10.44 | $20.88 |
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.