Traveling from Anacortes to Bellevue covers 77.8 miles and typically takes about 1 hour and 42 minutes to complete. Because the duration is relatively short, this trip is easily manageable as a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about overnight logistics. You should budget approximately $16 for fuel to navigate the route between these two Pacific Coast locations. Utilizing a combination of I-5, I-405, and State Route 20, you will find the journey straightforward and efficient. This route is ideal if you are looking for a practical connection between the coast and the metropolitan area without the need for multiple stops. It is a functional drive that gets you from point A to point B reliably.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
38.9 miles from Anacortes, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 54m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 5
42.9 mi
50m
I 405
16 mi
20m
State Route 20
7 mi
9m
WA 536
5.4 mi
10m
State Route 20 Spur
2.5 mi
3m
R Avenue
0.8 mi
1m
Commercial Avenue
0.6 mi
1m
Northeast 4th Street
0.3 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 5
— 42.9 mi, about 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Anacortes, WA and Bellevue, WA.
1
Start on WA 20 SPUR
11 ft·4 sec·12th Street
2
Turn right onto WA 20 SPUR
0.6 mi·1 min·Commercial Avenue
3
Turn left onto 22nd Street
0.1 mi·27 sec·22nd Street
4
Enter roundabout onto R Avenue
13 ft·0 sec·R Avenue
5
Continue on R Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·R Avenue
6
Turn left onto R Avenue
12 ft·0 sec·R Avenue
7
Keep slight right at fork onto R Avenue
0.3 mi·45 sec·R Avenue
8
Take the ramp
215 ft·5 sec
9
Merge onto WA 20 SPUR
2.5 mi·3 min·State Route 20 Spur
Use the left lane.
10
Enter roundabout onto WA 20
167 ft·2 sec·State Route 20
11
Continue on WA 20
7.0 mi·9 min·State Route 20
12
Take the exit onto WA 536
5.4 mi·10 min·WA 536
Toward Mount VernonUse the straight / right lanes.
13
Turn left onto WA 536
0.1 mi·12 sec·West Kincaid Street
14
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward I 5 North: Vancouver British Columbia
15
Merge onto I 5
43 mi·50 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 182Toward I 405 South: Bellevue, RentonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 405
0.9 mi·1 min·I 405
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
15 mi·18 min·I 405
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 13AToward Northeast 4th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn right onto Northeast 4th Street
0.3 mi·1 min·Northeast 4th Street
Use the right lane.
21
Turn left onto 108th Avenue Northeast
0.3 mi·33 sec·108th Avenue Northeast
Use the left lane.
22
Turn right onto Main Street
0.2 mi·35 sec·Main Street
Use the right lane.
23
Turn right
45 ft·3 sec
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a compact 77.8-mile drive, you have significant flexibility in your departure time, though it is wise to account for potential congestion as you approach the Bellevue area. Because the route is direct and requires zero planned stops, you can complete the entire journey in one go without needing to build in lengthy rest breaks. Keep a close eye on traffic patterns on I-405, as this segment often experiences delays compared to the more open stretches of I-5. Ensure your fuel tank is ready for the $16 estimated cost before you leave Anacortes to avoid unnecessary pit stops. Prioritizing an off-peak departure time will help you maintain a smooth pace throughout the entire 1 hour and 42-minute travel window.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 38.9 miles from Anacortes, WA, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.9 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 17 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 38.9 miles or 54m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bellevue, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Anacortes, WA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Anacortes, WA
This is one driving day of about 77.8 miles and 1h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Anacortes, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 5 for about 42.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 11 and 77.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
11 mi into trip|~17m in|WA 536
Take the exit onto WA 536 toward Mount Vernon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward Mount Vernon
8
59.9 mi into trip|~1h 18m in
Take the exit toward I 405 South: Bellevue, Renton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 182
Toward I 405 South: Bellevue, Renton
6
61.7 mi into trip|~1h 21m in|I 405
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
76.8 mi into trip|~1h 40m in
Take the exit toward Northeast 4th Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 13A
Toward Northeast 4th Street
7
77.6 mi into trip|~1h 42m in|Main Street
Turn right onto Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.28 one way
$32.57 round trip
$5.32/gal25.4 MPG avg27 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.58
$17.08
$34.15
premium
$5.77
$17.67
$35.33
diesel
$5.61
$17.18
$34.35
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 27.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23.3
0
$8.17
$3.73
Efficient EV
19.5
0
$6.81
$3.11
EV Truck/SUV
31.1
0
$10.89
$4.98
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Anacortes, WA
Late night
in Anacortes on Sunday
Local time
3:03 AM
PDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bellevue, WA
Late night
in Bellevue on Sunday
Local time
3:03 AM
PDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
2 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 42m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This highway-focused drive is dominated by high-speed transit, with 95% of the trip spent on major thoroughfares. You will spend the bulk of your time on the interstate, including a significant 42.9-mile stretch along I-5 that serves as the backbone of your journey. Expect a consistent, fast-paced experience as you transition from State Route 20 toward the heavier traffic patterns found on I-405. While the route lacks technical, winding local roads, the shift from coastal corridors to the busier highway network keeps the drive moving steadily. You can anticipate a predictable and efficient experience behind the wheel for the duration of the 1 hour and 42-minute trip.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42.9 mi on I 5.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and I 405. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11 miles in near WA 536.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 77.8 miles you will encounter 19 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 11 miles (WA 536): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 59.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 61.7 miles (I 405): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Anacortes, WA and Bellevue, WA, road signs point toward Mount Vernon and Renton.
Mount Vernon
11 mi in|~17m|via WA 536
Renton
59.9 mi in|~1h 18m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 42m. Total distance: 77.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 42.9 miles on I 5. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Bellevue, WA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 11 miles (WA 536): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 59.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 61.7 miles (I 405): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Bellevue, WA before heading back.
