How far is Tacoma, WA from Elma, WA?
The driving distance from Tacoma, WA to Elma, WA is about 59 miles (94.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 48.5 miles (78.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 33m 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 16m.
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 capital of Washington state.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tacoma and Elma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tacoma and Elma.
-
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
28.6 mi · 36 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward US 101: Aberdeen, Port Angeles
2448 ft · 35 sec
-
10
Continue straight
5.5 mi · 7 min
-
11
Keep slight left
21 mi · 26 min
-
12
Continue on Olympic Highway
1574 ft · 22 sec · Olympic Highway
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward Satsop Development Park
1399 ft · 40 sec
-
14
At the end of the road, turn right onto South 3rd Street
1031 ft · 26 sec · South 3rd Street
-
15
Turn left onto West Main Street
1317 ft · 32 sec · West Main Street
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16
Turn left onto South 7th Street
56 m · 13 sec · South 7th Street
-
17
Turn left
24 m · 6 sec
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tacoma and Elma.
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
28.6 mi · 00h 36m
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 Elma.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tacoma to Elma?
The road trip is about 59 miles (94.9 km) and usually takes 01h 16m 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?
Olympia is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29.4 miles from Tacoma and 29.5 miles from Elma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 48.5 miles (78.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.5 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 3:56 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.88 one way or $21.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Tacoma and Sunny near Elma.
Stop Ideas Near Olympia
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 Olympia.
Centennial Station
Centralia station
Tacoma Dome Station
Tukwila station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tacoma and Elma. Straight-line distance: 48.5 mi (78.06 km).
#1 Tacoma
The third most populous city in Washington.
| Population | 219,945 |
| Coordinates | 47.2528800, -122.4442900 |
| Altitude | 74 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Elma
City in Grays Harbor County, Washington, United States
| Population | 3,378 |
| Coordinates | 47.0034300, -123.4087700 |
| Altitude | 15 |
| Country | United States |
End: Elma (-123.40877, 47.00343)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 95 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $10.88 | $21.77 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $11.58 | $23.16 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $12.00 | $24.01 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $11.37 | $22.74 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.