How far is Tacoma, WA from Ellensburg, WA?
The driving distance from Tacoma, WA to Ellensburg, WA is about 120.9 miles (194.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 90.9 miles (146.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 53m 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 26m.
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.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tacoma and Ellensburg.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tacoma and Ellensburg.
-
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
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3
Turn left onto South 13th Street
920 ft · 36 sec · South 13th Street
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4
Turn right onto I 705 SB Ramp
65 m · 11 sec · I 705 SB Ramp
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5
Take the ramp straight toward Port of Tacoma
869 ft · 21 sec
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6
Merge slight right
1.3 km · 1 min
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on I 5 North: Seattle
1819 ft · 44 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 5 North: Seattle
1395 ft · 34 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
7.7 mi · 10 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward WA 18 East: Auburn, Muckleshoot Reservation
2644 ft · 1 min
-
11
Merge slight left onto State Route 18
27.3 mi · 35 min · State Route 18
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12
Continue on Snoqualmie Parkway
656 ft · 8 sec · Snoqualmie Parkway
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I 90 East: Spokane
3019 ft · 1 min
-
14
Merge slight left
79.8 mi · 1 hr 28 min
-
15
Take the exit slight right toward US 97 North: Ellensburg, Wenatchee
1399 ft · 34 sec
-
16
Continue straight
2660 ft · 56 sec
-
17
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward North Dolarway Road
4 m · 1 sec · North Dolarway Road
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18
Exit the roundabout onto North Dolarway Road
1.3 mi · 4 min · North Dolarway Road
-
19
Continue on North Railroad Avenue
1623 ft · 47 sec · North Railroad Avenue
-
20
Turn left onto West 5th Avenue
2635 ft · 2 min · West 5th Avenue
-
21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 5th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tacoma 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 East
Merge slight left
79.8 mi · 01h 28m
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.
Sunny leaving Tacoma and Sunny near Ellensburg.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tacoma to Ellensburg?
The road trip is about 120.9 miles (194.6 km) and usually takes 02h 26m 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 60.3 miles from Tacoma and 60.5 miles from Ellensburg.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 90.9 miles (146.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 30 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 1:36 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.34 one way or $44.69 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Tacoma and Sunny near Ellensburg.
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 Tacoma and Ellensburg. Straight-line distance: 90.89 mi (146.28 km).
#1 Tacoma
The third most populous city in Washington.
| Population | 219,945 |
| Coordinates | 47.2528800, -122.4442900 |
| Altitude | 74 |
| 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: 195 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $22.34 | $44.69 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $23.77 | $47.54 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $24.64 | $49.28 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $23.34 | $46.69 |
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 · Jun 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.