Spanning 266.9 miles across Washington State, this trip from Cheney to Kirkland is a straightforward journey typically taking about 5 hours. Because the drive is manageable within a single day, you don't necessarily need an overnight split, making it an efficient way to cross the state. You will primarily follow I-90 and the Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Memorial Highway before finishing on I-405. Budgeting around $56 for fuel is a smart move to keep your travel costs predictable. Since both cities are located within the Pacific Coast region, the drive offers a consistent transition rather than a drastic change in climate or geography. It is a practical, highway-focused route perfect for travelers who prioritize speed and efficiency over backroad exploration.
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
133.4 miles from Cheney, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 30m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
246.8 mi
4h 28m
Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Memorial Highway
9.2 mi
13m
I 405
6.3 mi
7m
1st Street
1.9 mi
3m
Northeast 85th Street
0.7 mi
1m
7th Avenue
0.5 mi
1m
6th Street
<0.1 mi
<1m
F Street
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 246.8 mi, about 4h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cheney, WA and Kirkland, WA.
1
Start on this road
163 ft·17 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto F Street
136 ft·7 sec·F Street
3
Turn right onto WA 904; US 10 Hist
1.8 mi·3 min·1st Street
4
Continue on WA 904; US 10 Hist
9.2 mi·13 min·Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Memorial Highway
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·33 sec
6
Merge onto I 90; US 395
36 mi·38 min·I 90; US 395
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
211 mi·3 hr 50 min·I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 10Toward I 405: Renton, EverettUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·59 sec
Toward I 405 North: Everett, BellevueUse the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto I 405
6.3 mi·7 min·I 405
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 18Toward Northeast 85th Street, KirklandUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
182 ft·6 sec
13
Turn straight onto Northeast 85th Street
0.7 mi·1 min·Northeast 85th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Turn right onto 6th Street
449 ft·17 sec·6th Street
15
Turn left onto 7th Avenue
0.1 mi·15 sec·7th Avenue
16
Continue on 7th Avenue
0.3 mi·50 sec·7th Avenue
17
Continue on 7th Avenue
0.1 mi·18 sec·7th Avenue
18
Turn right onto 1st Street
399 ft·11 sec·1st Street
19
Arrive at destination
1st Street
Trip Plan
Planning for this 5-hour drive is simple, but your timing will dictate your comfort level. Since the itinerary suggests just one planned stop, make sure to time your break strategically to avoid the fatigue that can set in during that long 246.8-mile stretch on I-90. Leaving early in the morning can help you bypass heavy congestion as you approach the Kirkland area on I-405. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $56 estimate may fluctuate depending on current prices and how heavily you use your vehicle's climate control. Because this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure to fit your schedule, provided you account for the significant distance covered on the interstate.
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 133.4 miles from Cheney, WA, or about 2h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 246.8 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 59 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133.4 miles or 2h 30m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kirkland, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cheney, 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 Cheney, WA
This is one driving day of about 266.9 miles and 5h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Cheney, 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 246.8 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 265.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|F Street
Turn left onto F Street
Navigation decision point
6
47.1 mi into trip|~56m in|I 90
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
258.1 mi into trip|~4h 46m in
Take the exit toward I 405: Renton, Everett
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 10
Toward I 405: Renton, Everett
8
258.3 mi into trip|~4h 46m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 405 North: Everett, Bellevue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 405 North: Everett, Bellevue
8
265.1 mi into trip|~4h 55m in
Take the exit toward Northeast 85th Street, Kirkland
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 18
Toward Northeast 85th Street, Kirkland
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.86 one way
$111.72 round trip
$5.32/gal25.4 MPG avg93 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.58
$58.58
$117.16
premium
$5.77
$60.61
$121.22
diesel
$5.61
$58.93
$117.86
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$56
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
80.1
0
$28.02
$12.81
Efficient EV
66.7
0
$23.35
$10.68
EV Truck/SUV
106.8
1
$37.37
$17.08
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (67% 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Cheney, WA
Evening
in Cheney on Saturday
Local time
7:50 PM
PDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Kirkland, WA
Evening
in Kirkland on Saturday
Local time
7:50 PM
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
5 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
5h 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...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
Free
near mile 266.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-speed, interstate-heavy experience, as 95% of this route is comprised of major highways. You will spend the vast majority of your time on I-90, which accounts for a 246.8-mile stretch of uninterrupted driving. This path is designed for steady cruising, allowing you to cover significant distance without the distraction of frequent turns or technical local roads. While the sheer volume of highway miles creates a consistent rhythm, the final transition onto I-405 marks a shift from open road to the more dense traffic patterns typical of the Kirkland area. Behind the wheel, you should be prepared for a long, focused haul that favors consistency over variety.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 246.8 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Memorial Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near F Street.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 266.9 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: near the start (F Street): Navigation decision point; at 47.1 miles (I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 258.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,552 ft274 ft
Total Climb
1,658 ft
Total Descent
3,739 ft
Highest Point
2,552 ft
~211.3 mi in
Elevation Range
2,278 ft
Notable High Points
2,552 ft at ~211.3 miles+526 ft prominence
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h. Total distance: 266.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 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 246.8 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Kirkland, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (F Street): Navigation decision point; at 47.1 miles (I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 258.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Kirkland, WA before the return drive.
