How far is Tumwater, WA from Federal Way, WA?
The driving distance from Tumwater, WA to Federal Way, WA is about 42.1 miles (67.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35.5 miles (57.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 40m 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 50m.
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 most populous city in Pierce County, Washington.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tumwater and Federal Way.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tumwater and Federal Way.
-
1
Start on the route
24 m · 5 sec
-
2
Continue on 2nd Avenue Southwest
1.1 km · 2 min · 2nd Avenue Southwest
-
3
Turn right onto Custer Way Southwest
623 ft · 16 sec · Custer Way Southwest
-
4
Turn right onto Boston Street Southeast
679 ft · 18 sec · Boston Street Southeast
-
5
At the end of the road, turn right onto Deschutes Way
1957 ft · 40 sec · Deschutes Way
-
6
Take the ramp right
1710 ft · 42 sec
-
7
Merge slight left
28.8 mi · 36 min
-
8
Keep slight right
10 mi · 13 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward Federal Way, South 320th Street
1774 ft · 51 sec
-
10
Turn left onto South 320th Street
1.3 km · 2 min · South 320th Street
-
11
Turn right onto Pacific Highway South
2617 ft · 55 sec · Pacific Highway South
-
12
Turn right onto South 312th Street
48 m · 6 sec · South 312th Street
-
13
Turn right
7 m · 2 sec
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tumwater 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.
Deschutes Way
Merge slight left
28.8 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.
Partly Sunny leaving Tumwater and Partly Sunny near Federal Way.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tumwater to Federal Way?
The road trip is about 42.1 miles (67.8 km) and usually takes 00h 50m 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?
Lakewood is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.1 miles from Tumwater and 21.1 miles from Federal Way.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35.5 miles (57.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.6 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 4:50 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.80 one way or $15.59 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Tumwater and Partly Sunny near Federal Way.
Stop Ideas Near Lakewood
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall Tacoma
Lakewood City Hall
Lacey Community Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Lakewood.
Tacoma Dome Station
Centennial Station
Tukwila station
King Street Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tumwater and Federal Way. Straight-line distance: 35.49 mi (57.11 km).
#1 Tumwater
City in Thurston County, Washington, United States
| Population | 24,272 |
| Coordinates | 47.0073200, -122.9093100 |
| Altitude | 53 |
| 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: 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 | $7.80 | $15.59 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $8.29 | $16.59 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $8.60 | $17.20 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $8.15 | $16.29 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.