How far is University Place, WA from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance from University Place, WA to Tacoma, WA is about 8.4 miles (13.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 5.1 miles (8.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 31m 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 15m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Pierce County, Washington, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between University Place and Tacoma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between University Place and Tacoma.
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1
Start on Grandview Drive West
44 m · 12 sec · Grandview Drive West
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2
Turn left onto 27th Street West
1 km · 2 min · 27th Street West
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3
Turn left onto Bridgeport Way West
2678 ft · 1 min · Bridgeport Way West
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4
Turn right onto South 19th Street
2660 ft · 52 sec · South 19th Street
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5
Turn left onto South Mildred Street
2623 ft · 1 min · South Mildred Street
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6
Turn right onto South 12th Street
2.9 mi · 7 min · South 12th Street
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7
Turn left onto South Ferry Street
40 m · 6 sec · South Ferry Street
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8
Turn straight onto South 11th Street
1.5 km · 3 min · South 11th Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 11th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between University Place and Tacoma.
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.
South 12th Street
Turn right onto South 12th Street
2.92 mi · 00h 07m
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.
Sunny leaving University Place and Sunny near Tacoma.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from University Place to Tacoma?
The road trip is about 8.4 miles (13.5 km) and usually takes 00h 15m 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?
Fircrest is a useful midpoint, sitting about 3 miles from University Place and 5.3 miles from Tacoma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 5.1 miles (8.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.3 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 7:58 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.57 one way or $3.14 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 2.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around University Place and Sunny near Tacoma.
Stop Ideas Near Fircrest
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall Tacoma
Auburn Building Permits
Lakewood City Hall
Auburn Community & Event Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Fircrest.
Tacoma Dome Station
Tukwila station
Centennial Station
King Street Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between University Place and Tacoma. Straight-line distance: 5.12 mi (8.24 km).
#1 University Place
City in Pierce County, Washington, United States
| Population | 34,090 |
| Coordinates | 47.2356500, -122.5504000 |
| Altitude | 63 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Tacoma
The third most populous city in Washington.
| Population | 219,945 |
| Coordinates | 47.2528800, -122.4442900 |
| Altitude | 74 |
| Country | United States |
End: South 11th Street (-122.444267, 47.25278)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 13 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $1.57 | $3.14 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $1.67 | $3.34 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $1.73 | $3.46 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $1.64 | $3.28 |
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 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.