Spanning 270.5 miles across Washington state, the journey from Colfax to Renton is a straightforward drive that typically takes 5 hours and 28 minutes. Because this is a highway-focused route, it is easily manageable as a single-day trip for most drivers. You should budget approximately $57 for fuel to complete the trek. By utilizing WA 26, I-90, and I-405, you will transition from the rural landscapes of Colfax into the more densely populated regions near Renton. It is a highly efficient path that prioritizes speed and connectivity over winding backroads.
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
135.2 miles from Colfax, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
WA 26
129.3 mi
2h 44m
I 90
127.9 mi
2h 21m
I 405
4.9 mi
6m
Colfax Airport Road
3 mi
4m
Logan Avenue North
1.1 mi
2m
West Fairview Street
0.6 mi
1m
South Main Street
0.5 mi
1m
Airport Way South
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
WA 26
— 129.3 mi, about 2h 44m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 71 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~2,300 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,050
Quietest
2 AM
~127 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
18.1×
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 Colfax, WA and Renton, WA.
1
Start on this road
98 ft·9 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto WA 272
138 ft·12 sec·East Canyon Street
3
Turn left onto US 195
0.4 mi·1 min·South Main Street
4
Continue on South Main Street
0.2 mi·24 sec·South Main Street
5
Turn right onto West Fairview Street
0.6 mi·1 min·West Fairview Street
6
Continue on West Almota Road
0.2 mi·30 sec·West Almota Road
7
Turn right onto Colfax Airport Road
3.0 mi·4 min·Colfax Airport Road
8
Turn left onto WA 26
129 mi·2 hr 44 min·WA 26
9
Continue on this road
0.7 mi·1 min·this road
Toward I 90 West: Seattle
10
Merge onto I 90
128 mi·2 hr 21 min·I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 10Toward I 405: Renton, EverettUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 405 South: RentonUse the slight left lane.
13
Merge onto I 405
4.9 mi·6 min·I 405
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 5Toward WA 900 East: Park Avenue North, Sunset Boulevard NortheastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn right onto North Southport Drive
0.3 mi·48 sec·North Southport Drive
Use the right lane.
16
Continue on Logan Avenue North
1.1 mi·2 min·Logan Avenue North
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on Airport Way South
0.4 mi·59 sec·Airport Way South
Use the left lane.
18
Turn left onto Rainier Avenue South
0.1 mi·24 sec·Rainier Avenue South
Use the left lane.
19
Turn left
39 ft·2 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To keep your drive smooth, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh during the 5.5-hour trek. Since the majority of your time will be spent on the highway, aiming for an early departure can help you avoid potential congestion as you approach the Renton area. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the 129.3-mile stretch on WA 26, as service intervals may be spaced out. Because this is a relatively long single-day commitment, having your snacks and entertainment ready before you leave Colfax will help you maintain momentum. Flexibility is your best asset on this route, so monitor traffic reports for I-90 to adjust your timing if necessary.
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 135.2 miles from Colfax, WA, or about 2h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 129.3 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 60 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 135.2 miles or 2h 55m 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 30m
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 Colfax, 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 Colfax, WA
This is one driving day of about 270.5 miles and 5h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Colfax, 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 WA 26 for about 129.3 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 12
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 268.2 — 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|WA 272 / East Canyon Street
Turn right onto WA 272 / East Canyon Street
Navigation decision point
5
134.5 mi into trip|~2h 54m in|I 90
Merge onto I 90
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
262.4 mi into trip|~5h 15m 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
7
262.6 mi into trip|~5h 15m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 405 South: Renton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 405 South: Renton
8
268.2 mi into trip|~5h 23m in
Take the exit toward WA 900 East: Park Avenue North, Sunset Boulevard Northeast
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 5
Toward WA 900 East: Park Avenue North, Sunset B...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$52.69 one way
$105.39 round trip
$4.95/gal25.4 MPG avg95 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.18
$55.21
$110.42
premium
$5.39
$57.41
$114.82
diesel
$4.80
$51.08
$102.15
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$53
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
81.2
1
$28.40
$12.98
Efficient EV
67.6
0
$23.67
$10.82
EV Truck/SUV
108.2
1
$37.87
$17.31
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 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 18, 2026
Origin
Colfax, WA
Morning
in Colfax on Sunday
Local time
10:41 AM
PDT
Current temp
54°F
Smoke
SW 2 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 17 at 9:08PM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 17 at 9:08PM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Destination
Renton, WA
Morning
in Renton on Sunday
Local time
10:41 AM
PDT
Current temp
57°F
Partly Cloudy
WNW 0 to 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 17 at 9:08PM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 17 at 9:08PM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM 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
3 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 28m 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...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 261.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is defined by its reliance on high-speed infrastructure, with 97% of the journey consisting of highway driving. You will spend a significant portion of your time on WA 26, which features the route’s longest uninterrupted stretch of 129.3 miles. As you transition from the state highway onto the major arteries of I-90 and I-405, the character of the road shifts from regional transit to heavy-traffic interstate travel. Expect a consistent, fast-paced experience behind the wheel that favors directness. The lack of complex, technical road segments makes for a predictable drive, though you should remain alert during the long highway stretches.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 129.3 mi on WA 26.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on WA 26 and I 90. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near WA 272 / East Canyon Street.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 270.5 miles you will encounter 12 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: near the start (WA 272 / East Canyon Street): Navigation decision point; at 134.5 miles (I 90): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 262.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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.
Top landmarks
•Renton History Museum — Museum in the city of Renton in the state of Washington, United States.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 28m. Total distance: 270.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 28m 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 129.3 miles on WA 26. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 10 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 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. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (WA 272 / East Canyon Street): Navigation decision point; at 134.5 miles (I 90): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 262.4 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 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Renton, WA before the return drive.
