How far is Tacoma, WA from Kirkland, WA?
The driving distance from Tacoma, WA to Kirkland, WA is about 42 miles (67.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 31.6 miles (50.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 35m 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 00h 47m.
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.
Airport in SeaTac, 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 Kirkland.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tacoma and Kirkland.
-
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 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
20.1 mi · 25 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward WA 518 West, I 405 North: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Bellevue
136 m · 11 sec
-
11
Keep slight right to continue on I 405 North: Renton, Bellevue
2062 ft · 50 sec
-
12
Merge slight left
17.4 mi · 22 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward Northeast 85th Street, Kirkland
2063 ft · 50 sec
-
14
Keep slight left
55 m · 7 sec
-
15
Turn straight onto Northeast 85th Street
1.1 km · 2 min · Northeast 85th Street
-
16
Turn right onto 6th Street
137 m · 18 sec · 6th Street
-
17
Turn left onto 7th Avenue
542 ft · 16 sec · 7th Avenue
-
18
Exit the roundabout onto 7th Avenue
1699 ft · 51 sec · 7th Avenue
-
19
Exit the roundabout onto 7th Avenue
588 ft · 19 sec · 7th Avenue
-
20
Turn right onto 1st Street
122 m · 11 sec · 1st Street
-
21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 1st Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tacoma and Kirkland.
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 North
Merge slight left
20.1 mi · 00h 25m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Tacoma and Mostly Sunny near Kirkland.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tacoma to Kirkland?
The road trip is about 42 miles (67.6 km) and usually takes 00h 47m 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?
SeaTac is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.9 miles from Tacoma and 21.1 miles from Kirkland.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 31.6 miles (50.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.4 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:54 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.74 one way or $15.49 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Tacoma and Mostly Sunny near Kirkland.
Stop Ideas Near SeaTac
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Tukwila Community Center
Auburn Building Permits
City of Auburn
Auburn Community & Event Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to SeaTac.
Tukwila station
King Street Station
Seattle (Ferry - Pier 69), Washington
Tacoma Dome Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tacoma and Kirkland. Straight-line distance: 31.59 mi (50.84 km).
#1 Tacoma
The third most populous city in Washington.
| Population | 219,945 |
| Coordinates | 47.2528800, -122.4442900 |
| Altitude | 74 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Kirkland
A city in King County, Washington.
| Population | 95,431 |
| Coordinates | 47.6814900, -122.2087400 |
| Altitude | 47 |
| Country | United States |
End: 1st Street (-122.208447, 47.681494)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 68 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $7.74 | $15.49 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $8.24 | $16.48 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $8.54 | $17.08 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $8.09 | $16.18 |
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.