How far is Tacoma, WA from Federal Way, WA?
The driving distance from Tacoma, WA to Federal Way, WA is about 13.2 miles (21.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 7.8 miles (12.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 40m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 20m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Washington, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tacoma and Federal Way.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tacoma and Federal Way.
-
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
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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
-
8
Keep slight left to continue on I 5 North: Seattle
1395 ft · 34 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
9.5 mi · 12 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward Federal Way, South 320th Street
1774 ft · 51 sec
-
11
Turn left onto South 320th Street
1.3 km · 2 min · South 320th Street
-
12
Turn right onto Pacific Highway South
2617 ft · 55 sec · Pacific Highway South
-
13
Turn right onto South 312th Street
48 m · 6 sec · South 312th Street
-
14
Turn right
7 m · 2 sec
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tacoma and Federal Way.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I 5 North
Merge slight left
9.5 mi · 00h 12m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Tacoma and Mostly Sunny near Federal Way.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tacoma to Federal Way?
The road trip is about 13.2 miles (21.3 km) and usually takes 00h 20m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Milton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 6.6 miles from Tacoma and 6.6 miles from Federal Way.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 7.8 miles (12.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.4 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:50 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.46 one way or $4.92 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 4.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Tacoma and Mostly Sunny near Federal Way.
Stop Ideas Near Milton
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall Tacoma
City Hall Park
Auburn Building Permits
City of Normandy Park City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Milton.
Tacoma Dome Station
Tukwila station
King Street Station
Seattle (Ferry - Pier 69), Washington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tacoma and Federal Way. Straight-line distance: 7.82 mi (12.58 km).
#1 Tacoma
The third most populous city in Washington.
| Population | 219,945 |
| Coordinates | 47.2528800, -122.4442900 |
| Altitude | 74 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Federal Way
A city in King County, Washington.
| Population | 96,307 |
| Coordinates | 47.3223200, -122.3126200 |
| Altitude | 141 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-122.312612, 47.32232)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 21 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $2.46 | $4.92 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $2.62 | $5.23 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $2.71 | $5.42 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $2.57 | $5.14 |
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 · May 01, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.