Traveling from Burlington to Spokane covers 339.1 miles and takes approximately 6 hours and 22 minutes of driving time. Since the route is almost entirely highway-focused, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day, though you should budget about $71 for fuel. You will transition from the coastal environment of Burlington across the state to Spokane. Navigating via I-5, I-405, and I-90 makes this a straightforward transit across Washington. While it is manageable as a single-day push, keep in mind that the sustained highway driving requires steady focus to maintain your pace.
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
169.6 miles from Burlington, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 15m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
269.5 mi
4h 53m
I 5
46.6 mi
55m
I 405
18 mi
22m
East Fairhaven Avenue
0.5 mi
1m
South Lincoln Street
0.4 mi
1m
State Route 20
0.3 mi
<1m
South Burlington Boulevard
0.3 mi
<1m
West Rio Vista Avenue
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 269.5 mi, about 4h 53m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 165 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,832 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,477
Quietest
2 AM
~107 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Burlington, WA and Spokane, WA.
1
Start on East Fairhaven Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·East Fairhaven Avenue
2
Turn left onto WA 20
0.3 mi·28 sec·South Burlington Boulevard
3
Turn right onto WA 20
0.2 mi·25 sec·West Rio Vista Avenue
4
Continue on WA 20
0.3 mi·53 sec·State Route 20
5
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
6
Merge onto I 5
47 mi·55 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 182Toward I 405 South: Bellevue, RentonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 405
0.9 mi·1 min·I 405
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
17 mi·21 min·I 405
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 11Toward I 90: Spokane, SeattleUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 90 East: SpokaneUse the slight left lane.
12
Merge onto I 90
268 mi·4 hr 51 min·I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 90; US 2; US 395
1.8 mi·2 min·I 90; US 2; US 395
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward Maple Street, Lincoln Street, Walnut Street
15
Continue on West 5th Avenue
382 ft·12 sec·West 5th Avenue
16
Turn straight onto West Freeway Avenue
0.2 mi·32 sec·West Freeway Avenue
17
Continue on West 4th Avenue
0.2 mi·31 sec·West 4th Avenue
18
Continue on West 4th Avenue
167 ft·4 sec·West 4th Avenue
19
Continue on South Lincoln Street
0.4 mi·1 min·South Lincoln Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
20
Turn left onto West Main Avenue
0.2 mi·34 sec·West Main Avenue
21
Turn right
26 ft·8 sec
22
Turn left onto South Gorge Trail
157 ft·17 sec·South Gorge Trail
23
Arrive at destination
South Gorge Trail
Trip Plan
To keep your drive manageable, plan for at least one dedicated stop during your 6-hour and 22-minute trek to break up the long interstate segments. Leaving early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid traffic congestion near the I-5 and I-405 corridors before you transition onto the open stretches of I-90. Since your fuel costs will hover around $71, consider fueling up before hitting the longest 269.5-mile segment to ensure you have plenty of range. Given that this route is a high-speed interstate grind, stay alert for changing traffic patterns as you move between regions. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, allowing you to easily adjust your pace to suit your personal comfort level.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 169.6 miles from Burlington, WA, or about 3h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 269.5 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 75 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 169.6 miles or 3h 15m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Spokane, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Burlington, 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 Burlington, WA
This is one driving day of about 339.1 miles and 6h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 75 miles from Burlington, 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 I 90 for about 269.5 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.7 and 67.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.7 mi into trip|~2m in|WA 20 / West Rio Vista Avenue
Turn right onto WA 20 / West Rio Vista Avenue
Navigation decision point
8
48.4 mi into trip|~59m 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
50.2 mi into trip|~1h 1m 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.
8
67.3 mi into trip|~1h 23m in
Take the exit toward I 90: Spokane, Seattle
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 11
Toward I 90: Spokane, Seattle
7
67.8 mi into trip|~1h 24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 90 East: Spokane
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 90 East: Spokane
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$66.06 one way
$132.12 round trip
$4.95/gal25.4 MPG avg119 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.18
$69.21
$138.42
premium
$5.39
$71.97
$143.94
diesel
$4.80
$64.03
$128.06
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$66
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$91–$116
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 118.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
101.7
1
$35.61
$16.28
Efficient EV
84.8
0
$29.67
$13.56
EV Truck/SUV
135.6
1
$47.47
$21.70
Gas CO2
119 kg
EV CO2
40 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Burlington, WA
Late night
in Burlington on Monday
Local time
2:31 AM
PDT
Current temp
73°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 5 to 10 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 5:58AM PDT until July 17 at 6:30AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:39AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Destination
Spokane, WA
Late night
in Spokane on Monday
Local time
2:31 AM
PDT
Current temp
63°F
Mostly Clear
S 5 mph13% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 5:58AM PDT until July 17 at 6:30AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:39AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
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
10 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 22m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
10 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
near mile 70.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-efficiency journey, as 99% of your travel occurs on major highways. The personality of this route is defined by a significant, uninterrupted 269.5-mile stretch along I-90, which serves as the core of your transit. Because the drive is strictly highway-focused, you won't encounter technical local roads or frequent turns. This creates a consistent, predictable rhythm behind the wheel that allows for steady progress across the region. You will spend the vast majority of your time cruising at interstate speeds, making this an ideal choice for drivers who prioritize speed and efficiency over backroads exploration.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 269.5 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 5. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near WA 20 / West Rio Vista Avenue.
Driving Effort9/10
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 15 significant decision points across 339.1 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 0.7 miles (WA 20 / West Rio Vista Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 48.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.2 miles (I 405): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
2,400 ft38 ft
Total Climb
3,208 ft
Total Descent
1,410 ft
Highest Point
2,400 ft
~121.1 mi in
Elevation Range
2,362 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Burlington, WA and Spokane, WA, road signs point toward Renton and Seattle.
Spokane is the second-largest city in Washington State, and the largest between Seattle and Minneapolis. It is the economic hub of the "Inland Empire", a name used for Eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle (pre-dating by nearly a century the use of the same title by a region in Southern California). It is at the north edge of the Palouse, where gently rolling hills of wheat fields end at the Spokane River valley.
This article also includes the suburbs of Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley.
Top landmarks
•Monroe Street Bridge — bridge in Spokane, Washington
•Montvale Hotel — hotel in Spokane, Washington
•Manito Park and Botanical Gardens — park in Spokane, Washington state, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 22m. Total distance: 339.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 22m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 269.5 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 24 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 Spokane, 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 24 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (WA 20 / West Rio Vista Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 48.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.2 miles (I 405): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.4 hours each way, a round trip means 12.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Spokane, WA before the return drive.
