Burbank, WA to Tacoma, WA is 245 miles and takes about 4h 41m via US 97 and US 12, with a fuel budget near $50 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Washington State, beginning in the Pacific Coast region and ending in the same region. With 96% of the route on highways, expect a predominantly high-speed transit. This drive is a straightforward, efficient way to get from point A to point B, suitable for a single-day excursion. Consider this route if you're looking for a simple, direct path without many detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
122.5 miles from Burbank, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 14m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 97
85.7 mi
1h 35m
US 12
70.9 mi
1h 17m
I 82
31 mi
33m
State Route 18
26.7 mi
34m
I 182
11.8 mi
12m
I 5
7.2 mi
9m
Lewis and Clark Trail
6.6 mi
7m
Fifth Avenue
0.4 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
US 97
— 85.7 mi, about 1h 35m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 54 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
1 PM
~1,339 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,424
Quietest
2 AM
~114 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 103 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Burbank, WA and Tacoma, WA.
1
Start on Fifth Avenue
413 ft·20 sec·Fifth Avenue
2
Turn right onto Fourth Avenue
281 ft·9 sec·Fourth Avenue
3
Turn right onto West Maple Street
320 ft·14 sec·West Maple Street
4
Turn left onto Fifth Avenue
0.3 mi·47 sec·Fifth Avenue
5
Enter roundabout onto WA 124
113 ft·1 sec·State Route 124
6
Continue on WA 124
0.3 mi·22 sec·State Route 124
7
Keep slight left at fork
108 ft·2 sec
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
9
Merge onto US 12
6.6 mi·7 min·Lewis and Clark Trail
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 182; US 12
12 mi·12 min·I 182; US 12
Toward I 182, US 12Use the straight lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 12
71 mi·1 hr 17 min·US 12
Toward I 82 West, US 12 West: Prosser, Yakima
12
Continue on I 82; US 97
31 mi·33 min·I 82; US 97
13
Keep slight left at fork onto US 97
86 mi·1 hr 35 min·US 97
Toward I 90 WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 25Toward WA 18 West: AuburnUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
448 ft·13 sec
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, TacomaUse the straight / left / right lanes.
16
Merge onto WA 18
0.3 mi·25 sec·Snoqualmie Parkway
17
Continue on WA 18
27 mi·34 min·State Route 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 5: Seattle, TacomaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway South, TacomaUse the straight lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward I 5 South: Tacoma
21
Merge onto I 5
7.2 mi·9 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Exit 133Toward WA 7 South, I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome
23
Keep slight right at fork
334 ft·8 sec
Toward I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome Station
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward I 705 North: City CenterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Merge onto I 705
0.3 mi·22 sec·I 705
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward A Street, City CenterUse the slight left lane.
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward South 15 Street, Pacific AvenueUse the slight left / straight lanes.
28
Continue on South 15th Street
0.3 mi·59 sec·South 15th Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
29
Turn right onto Tacoma Avenue South
0.3 mi·49 sec·Tacoma Avenue South
30
Turn right onto South 11th Street
43 ft·1 sec·South 11th Street
31
Arrive at destination
South 11th Street
Trip Plan
Aim to depart Burbank in the morning to take advantage of daylight for the 4h 41m drive. This is a one-day trip, so you have flexibility in your timing and can make stops as needed. The longest stretch without a major road change is 85.7 miles on US 97, so plan your fuel stops accordingly before you hit that segment. With a fuel cost estimated around $50, it's a relatively economical trip. Keep an eye on traffic conditions as you get closer to Tacoma, as congestion can increase.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 122.5 miles from Burbank, WA, or about 2h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 85.7 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 54 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.5 miles or 2h 14m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tacoma, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Burbank, WA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Burbank, WA
This is one driving day of about 245 miles and 4h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Burbank, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 97 for about 85.7 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 7.6 and 244.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
7.6 mi into trip|~9m in|I 182; US 12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 182; US 12 toward I 182, US 12
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 182, US 12
9
207.3 mi into trip|~3h 49m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, Tacoma
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn,...
8
235 mi into trip|~4h 25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway South, Tacoma
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway Sou...
8
244 mi into trip|~4h 38m in
Take the exit toward A Street, City Center
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward A Street, City Center
9
244.3 mi into trip|~4h 38m in
Keep slight left at fork toward South 15 Street, Pacific Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward South 15 Street, Pacific Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.76 one way
$103.52 round trip
$5.37/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.63
$54.30
$108.59
premium
$5.90
$56.91
$113.82
diesel
$7.31
$70.51
$141.02
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$52
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.7 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.5
0
$25.73
$11.76
Efficient EV
61.3
0
$21.44
$9.80
EV Truck/SUV
98
1
$34.30
$15.68
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Burbank, WA
Late night
in Burbank on Thursday
Local time
2:47 AM
PDT
Current temp
41°F
Mostly Cloudy
NE 1 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Tacoma, WA
Late night
in Tacoma on Thursday
Local time
2:47 AM
PDT
Current temp
45°F
Cloudy
NNW 1 mph2% chanceLive 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
4 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
4h 41m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Seattle flourished during and after the Klondike Gold Rush. Merchants supplied people from around the world passing through this port city on their way to a remarkable adventure in the Yukon Territory...
19 mi from route
~49 min detour
Free
near mile 219.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is largely highway driving, with 96% of the 245 miles on high-speed roads. You'll experience an 85.7-mile stretch on US 97, which is the longest continuous segment before transitioning. Expect to encounter a high volume of exits and merging traffic typical of highway travel as you approach your destination in Tacoma.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 85.7 mi on US 97.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 97 and US 12. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.6 miles in near I 182; US 12.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 245 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 7.6 miles (I 182; US 12): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 207.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 235 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
2,543 ft250 ft
Total Climb
3,146 ft
Total Descent
3,269 ft
Highest Point
2,543 ft
~167.5 mi in
Elevation Range
2,293 ft
Notable High Points
2,228 ft at ~100.5 miles+744 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Burbank, WA and Tacoma, WA, road signs point toward Yakima and Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn.
Tacoma, a major port on the Puget Sound, is the third-largest city in Washington State, with about 220,000 residents. It has a dynamic art scene and a great ballet.
Top landmarks
•Tacoma Narrows Bridge — suspension bridge that collapsed in 1940
•Browns Point Light — lighthouse in Washington, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 41m. Total distance: 245 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 85.7 miles on US 97. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 16 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Tacoma, WA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 7.6 miles (I 182; US 12): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 207.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 235 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Tacoma, WA, but most travelers stay overnight.
