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Trip from Castle Rock, WA to Renton, WA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 12m

Distance

108.8 mi

175 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 3m ★
6 AM
2h 12m
8 AM
2h 31m
10 AM
2h 19m
12 PM
2h 17m
3 PM
2h 19m
5 PM
2h 30m
8 PM
2h 7m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Castle Rock, WA, WA

Castle Rock, WA

JOHN CALLERY

Trip Overview

This 108.8-mile drive from Castle Rock, WA to Renton, WA is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking about 2 hours and 12 minutes. The majority of your journey, 97%, will be on highways, primarily I-5 and I-405, with Rainier Avenue South marking the final stretch. With an estimated fuel cost of $23, this is an economical option for a Pacific Coast to Pacific Coast journey within Washington State. This route is focused on efficient travel, making it ideal if you're looking to get from point A to point B without extensive detours.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

54.4 miles from Castle Rock, WA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 4m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 5 103.8 mi 2h 1m
I 405 1.3 mi 1m
Rainier Avenue South 0.9 mi 2m
Huntington Avenue North 0.5 mi 1m
Front Avenue Southwest 0.2 mi <1m
Valley Freeway 0.2 mi <1m
Mount Saint Helens Way Northeast <0.1 mi <1m
Barr Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 5 — 103.8 mi, about 2h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Castle Rock, WA and Renton, WA.

1

Start on Front Avenue Southwest

0.2 mi · 33 sec · Front Avenue Southwest
2

Turn right onto Barr Street

148 ft · 9 sec · Barr Street
3

Turn left onto I 5 Business; WA 411

0.5 mi · 1 min · Huntington Avenue North
4

Continue on I 5 Business; WA 411

408 ft · 13 sec · Mount Saint Helens Way Northeast
5

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 53 sec
Toward I 5 North
6

Merge onto I 5

83 mi · 1 hr 36 min · I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5

21 mi · 25 min · I 5
Use the slight right lane.
8

Take the exit

448 ft · 10 sec
Exit 154A-B Toward WA 518 West, I 405 North: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Bellevue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Exit 154B Toward I 405 North: Renton, Bellevue Use the slight right lane.
10

Merge onto I 405

1.3 mi · 1 min · I 405
11

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 30 sec
Exit 2 Toward WA 167 South: Renton, Auburn Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 26 sec
Toward Renton, Rainier Avenue South Use the straight lane.
13

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 42 sec
Toward WA 167 North: Renton, Rainier Avenue South Use the slight right lane.
14

Merge onto WA 167

0.2 mi · 22 sec · Valley Freeway
15

Continue on WA 167

0.9 mi · 2 min · Rainier Avenue South
Use the left lane.
16

Turn right

39 ft · 2 sec
17

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short 2-hour and 12-minute duration for this 108.8-mile trip, you have plenty of flexibility. Aim to depart Castle Rock, WA, in the morning to avoid potential afternoon traffic closer to Renton, WA. Since there are no designated stops in the data, plan your own breaks as needed, perhaps at one of the many service areas along I-5. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 103.8 miles on I-5, to ensure you have enough to reach your destination comfortably, considering the $23 fuel cost.

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 54.4 miles from Castle Rock, WA, or about 1h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.8 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 24 miles or 29m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 54.4 miles or 1h 4m 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 45m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Renton, WA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Castle Rock, 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 Castle Rock, WA

This is one driving day of about 108.8 miles and 2h 12m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Castle Rock, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 5 for about 103.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown North Yelm, WA, WA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

North Yelm, WA

54 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Chehalis, WA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 24 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Olympia, WA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 54.4 miles from Castle Rock, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 5 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 103.8 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 105 and 107.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
105 mi into trip | ~2h 5m in

Take the exit toward WA 518 West, I 405 North: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Bellevue

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 154A-B Toward WA 518 West, I 405 North: Seattle-Tacoma...
9
105.1 mi into trip | ~2h 5m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 405 North: Renton, Bellevue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 154B Toward I 405 North: Renton, Bellevue
8
106.8 mi into trip | ~2h 7m in

Take the exit toward WA 167 South: Renton, Auburn

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 2 Toward WA 167 South: Renton, Auburn
8
107.2 mi into trip | ~2h 8m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Renton, Rainier Avenue South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight lane. Toward Renton, Rainier Avenue South
9
107.5 mi into trip | ~2h 8m in

Keep slight right at fork toward WA 167 North: Renton, Rainier Avenue South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward WA 167 North: Renton, Rainier Avenue Sou...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.77 one way

$45.54 round trip

$5.32/gal 25.4 MPG avg 38 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.58 $23.88 $47.76
premium $5.77 $24.71 $49.41
diesel $5.61 $24.02 $48.04

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 38.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 32.6 0 $11.42 $5.22
Efficient EV 27.2 0 $9.52 $4.35
EV Truck/SUV 43.5 0 $15.23 $6.96

Gas CO2

38 kg

EV CO2

13 kg (66% 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 20, 2026

Origin

Castle Rock, WA

Morning in Castle Rock on Tuesday

Local time

8:22 AM

PDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Renton, WA

Morning in Renton on Tuesday

Local time

8:22 AM

PDT

Current temp

67°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

1 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

2h 12m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 108.8-mile route, with 97% of it spent on major interstates. You'll experience a significant uninterrupted stretch of 103.8 miles on I-5, offering a consistent cruising experience. As you transition to I-405 and then Rainier Avenue South, the character may shift slightly, but the overall feel remains that of efficient, high-speed travel. This isn't a route designed for leisurely scenic stops, but rather for covering ground effectively.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 103.8 mi on I 5.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

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 105 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 13 significant decision points across 108.8 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 105 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 105.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 106.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Arriving in Renton, WA

Full guide →

Renton is a city in King County, Washington south of Bellevue and north of Kent. It is a quiet suburb of Seattle at the base of Lake Washington. Renton is primarily known as the site of the Boeing 737 plant, where the popular commercial jetliner is built. Renton is also notable for being the resting place of rock legend Jimi Hendrix. Its relatively inexpensive property prices make it a solid choice of stay while visiting Seattle, and the downtown area has many quiet charms of its own.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 12m. Total distance: 108.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 103.8 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 Renton, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 105 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 105.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 106.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Renton, WA before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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