How far is Tacoma, WA from La Center, WA?
The driving distance from Tacoma, WA to La Center, WA is about 120.9 miles (194.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 96.7 miles (155.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 42m 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 21m.
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 and county seat of Lewis County, Washington, United States
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 La Center.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tacoma and La Center.
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1
Start on South 11th Street
686 ft · 29 sec · South 11th Street
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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
-
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 left to continue on I 5 South: Portland
1.3 km · 2 min
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8
Merge slight left
116.2 mi · 2 hr 11 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward La Center, Cowlitz Reservation
1508 ft · 37 sec
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Northwest 319th Street
88 m · 6 sec · Northwest 319th Street
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11
Exit the roundabout onto Northwest 319th Street
144 m · 12 sec · Northwest 319th Street
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12
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Northwest La Center Road
47 m · 3 sec · Northwest La Center Road
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13
Exit the roundabout onto Northwest La Center Road
1.8 mi · 3 min · Northwest La Center Road
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14
Continue on Northwest Pacific Highway
619 ft · 21 sec · Northwest Pacific Highway
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward West 4th Street
7 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
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16
Exit the roundabout onto West 4th Street
159 m · 20 sec · West 4th Street
-
17
Turn right
18 m · 4 sec
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tacoma and La Center.
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
116 mi · 02h 11m
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 La Center.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tacoma to La Center?
The road trip is about 120.9 miles (194.6 km) and usually takes 02h 21m 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?
Chehalis is a useful midpoint, sitting about 60.5 miles from Tacoma and 60.5 miles from La Center.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 96.7 miles (155.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.2 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 1:48 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 Mostly Sunny around Tacoma and Mostly Sunny near La Center.
Stop Ideas Near Chehalis
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 Chehalis.
Centralia station
Centennial Station
Kelso Multimodal Transportation Center
Tacoma Dome Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tacoma and La Center. Straight-line distance: 96.67 mi (155.58 km).
#1 Tacoma
The third most populous city in Washington.
| Population | 219,945 |
| Coordinates | 47.2528800, -122.4442900 |
| Altitude | 74 |
| Country | United States |
#2 La Center
City in Ballard County, Kentucky, United States of America
| Population | 3,602 |
| Coordinates | 45.8623400, -122.6703800 |
| Altitude | 32 |
| Country | United States |
End: La Center (-122.67038, 45.86234)
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 · 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.