How far is Yakima, WA from Ellensburg, WA?
The driving distance from Yakima, WA to Ellensburg, WA is about 36 miles (57.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 27.3 miles (44 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 32m 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 46m.
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 Kittitas County, Washington, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Yakima and Ellensburg.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Yakima and Ellensburg.
-
1
Start on South 1st Street
1.6 mi · 4 min · South 1st Street
-
2
Continue on Selah Road
711 ft · 12 sec · Selah Road
-
3
Take the ramp slight right
34 m · 3 sec
-
4
Keep slight left
1297 ft · 32 sec
-
5
Merge slight right
30.3 mi · 33 min
-
6
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 West
1.6 mi · 3 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward Canyon Road, Ellensburg
2391 ft · 1 min
-
8
Turn right onto Canyon Road
1.2 km · 2 min · Canyon Road
-
9
Continue on South Main Street
1.4 km · 3 min · South Main Street
-
10
Turn right onto West 5th Avenue
66 m · 7 sec · West 5th Avenue
-
11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 5th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Yakima and Ellensburg.
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.
Selah Road
Merge slight right
30.3 mi · 00h 33m
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 Yakima and Mostly Cloudy near Ellensburg.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Yakima to Ellensburg?
The road trip is about 36 miles (57.9 km) and usually takes 00h 46m 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?
Kittitas is a useful midpoint, sitting about 18 miles from Yakima and 18 miles from Ellensburg.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 27.3 miles (44 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.7 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 4:58 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.65 one way or $13.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Yakima and Mostly Cloudy near Ellensburg.
Stop Ideas Near Kittitas
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 Kittitas.
Columbia Station
Quincy, Washington
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Yakima and Ellensburg. Straight-line distance: 27.33 mi (43.98 km).
#1 Yakima
The second most populous city in Yakima County, Washington.
| Population | 94,322 |
| Coordinates | 46.6020700, -120.5059000 |
| Altitude | 326 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ellensburg
City in Kittitas County, Washington, United States
| Population | 21,576 |
| Coordinates | 46.9965100, -120.5478500 |
| Altitude | 470 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ellensburg (-120.54785, 46.99651)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 58 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $6.65 | $13.29 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $7.07 | $14.14 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $7.33 | $14.66 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $6.94 | $13.89 |
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 · Jun 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.