How far is Tacoma, WA from Kelso, WA?
The driving distance from Tacoma, WA to Kelso, WA is about 95.7 miles (154 km), with a travel time of about 01h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 79.5 miles (128 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 47m 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 53m.
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.
City in Thurston County, Washington, United States
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 Kelso.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tacoma and Kelso.
-
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
92.2 mi · 1 hr 46 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward North Kelso Avenue
1596 ft · 39 sec
-
10
Turn right onto North Kelso Avenue
3274 ft · 2 min · North Kelso Avenue
-
11
Continue on North Pacific Avenue
900 ft · 32 sec · North Pacific Avenue
-
12
Turn left onto Cowlitz Way
532 ft · 16 sec · Cowlitz Way
-
13
Turn left onto North 4th Avenue
10 m · 1 sec · North 4th Avenue
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 4th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tacoma and Kelso.
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
92.2 mi · 01h 46m
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 Kelso.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tacoma to Kelso?
The road trip is about 95.7 miles (154 km) and usually takes 01h 53m 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?
Grand Mound is a useful midpoint, sitting about 47.8 miles from Tacoma and 47.9 miles from Kelso.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 79.5 miles (128 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.2 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 2:42 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.69 one way or $35.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Rain Likely around Tacoma and Light Rain Likely near Kelso.
Stop Ideas Near Grand Mound
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 Grand Mound.
Centralia station
Centennial Station
Tacoma Dome Station
Kelso Multimodal Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tacoma and Kelso. Straight-line distance: 79.52 mi (127.98 km).
#1 Tacoma
The third most populous city in Washington.
| Population | 219,945 |
| Coordinates | 47.2528800, -122.4442900 |
| Altitude | 74 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Kelso
Town and parish in Scottish Borders, Scotland
| Population | 12,438 |
| Coordinates | 46.1467800, -122.9084400 |
| Altitude | 23 |
| Country | United States |
End: Kelso (-122.90844, 46.14678)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 154 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $17.69 | $35.38 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $18.82 | $37.63 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $19.51 | $39.01 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $18.48 | $36.96 |
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.