This 210.3-mile journey from Connell, WA, to Federal Way, WA, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 21 minutes of driving time. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, with I-90 and WA 26 forming the backbone of this Pacific Coast to Pacific Coast drive. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $44, making it a budget-friendly option. With only one recommended stop and a highway-focused profile, this route is designed for efficient travel, allowing you to cover significant ground without extensive detours. It's a straightforward drive that gets you from point A to point B with minimal fuss.
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
105.1 miles from Connell, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 17m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
112.3 mi
2h 2m
WA 26
57.4 mi
1h 19m
State Route 18
24.2 mi
31m
Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway
4.5 mi
4m
South Roxboro Road
2.6 mi
4m
South Peasley Canyon Road
1.8 mi
3m
South 320th Street
1.4 mi
3m
Lind-Hatton Road
1.3 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 112.3 mi, about 2h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Connell, WA and Federal Way, WA.
1
Start on East Clark Street
46 ft·6 sec·East Clark Street
2
Turn right onto North Columbia Avenue
259 ft·8 sec·North Columbia Avenue
3
Continue on North Columbia Avenue
0.9 mi·2 min·North Columbia Avenue
4
Continue on Lind Road
0.1 mi·16 sec·Lind Road
5
Turn left onto US 395
4.5 mi·4 min·Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway
6
Turn left onto Muse Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Muse Road
7
At end of road, turn right onto South Roxboro Road
2.6 mi·4 min·South Roxboro Road
8
Continue on Lind-Hatton Road
0.3 mi·28 sec·Lind-Hatton Road
9
Continue on 1st Avenue
386 ft·7 sec·1st Avenue
10
Turn slight right onto Bronson Street
0.3 mi·29 sec·Bronson Street
11
Continue on Lind-Hatton Road
1.1 mi·1 min·Lind-Hatton Road
12
Turn left onto WA 26
57 mi·1 hr 19 min·WA 26
13
Continue on this road
0.7 mi·1 min·this road
Toward I 90 West: Seattle
14
Merge onto I 90
112 mi·2 hr 2 min·I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 25Toward WA 18 West: AuburnUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
448 ft·13 sec
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, TacomaUse the straight / left / right lanes.
17
Merge onto WA 18
0.3 mi·25 sec·Snoqualmie Parkway
18
Continue on WA 18
24 mi·31 min·State Route 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·19 sec
Toward WA 167: Renton, PuyallupUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·26 sec
Toward WA 167 South: Puyallup, West Valley HighwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·24 sec
Toward West Valley HighwayUse the straight / right lanes.
22
At end of road, turn left onto West Valley Highway North
0.1 mi·20 sec·West Valley Highway North
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn right onto South Peasley Canyon Road
0.7 mi·1 min·South Peasley Canyon Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Enter roundabout onto South Peasley Canyon Road
67 ft·1 sec·South Peasley Canyon Road
25
Continue on South Peasley Canyon Road
1.0 mi·1 min·South Peasley Canyon Road
Use the left lane.
26
Continue on South 320th Street
1.4 mi·3 min·South 320th Street
27
Turn right onto WA 99
0.5 mi·55 sec·Pacific Highway South
28
Turn right onto South 312th Street
158 ft·5 sec·South 312th Street
Use the right lane.
29
Turn right
24 ft·1 sec
30
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour, 21-minute duration, this trip is best tackled in one day. Consider departing in the morning to allow ample time for potential traffic, especially as you get closer to Federal Way. With only one recommended stop and a long stretch on I-90, plan your fuel and rest breaks strategically to avoid feeling rushed. The $44 fuel estimate is helpful for budgeting, but always keep an eye on your gauge, particularly during that 112.3-mile stretch on I-90. Since it's a single-day drive, you have flexibility to leave when you're ready, but an early start will make for a more relaxed journey.
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 105.1 miles from Connell, WA, or about 2h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.3 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 46 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105.1 miles or 2h 17m 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 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Federal Way, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Connell, 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 Connell, WA
This is one driving day of about 210.3 miles and 4h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Connell, 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 112.3 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 180.9 and 206.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
180.9 mi into trip|~3h 40m in
Take the exit toward WA 18 West: Auburn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 25
Toward WA 18 West: Auburn
9
181.2 mi into trip|~3h 41m 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,...
7
205.8 mi into trip|~4h 12m in
Take the exit toward WA 167: Renton, Puyallup
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward WA 167: Renton, Puyallup
9
206 mi into trip|~4h 13m in
Keep slight left at fork toward WA 167 South: Puyallup, West Valley Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward WA 167 South: Puyallup, West Valley High...
8
206.3 mi into trip|~4h 13m in
Keep slight left at fork toward West Valley Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward West Valley Highway
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.01 one way
$88.03 round trip
$5.32/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.58
$46.16
$92.32
premium
$5.77
$47.76
$95.51
diesel
$5.61
$46.43
$92.86
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 73.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.1
0
$22.08
$10.09
Efficient EV
52.6
0
$18.40
$8.41
EV Truck/SUV
84.1
1
$29.44
$13.46
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 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 15, 2026
Origin
Connell, WA
Night
in Connell on Saturday
Local time
9:26 PM
PDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Federal Way, WA
Night
in Federal Way on Saturday
Local time
9:26 PM
PDT
Current temp
47°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
28 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
4h 21m 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
~48 min detour
Free
near mile 210.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a primarily highway-focused experience on this 210.3-mile drive, with 92% of the route utilizing major roadways like I-90 and WA 26. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 112.3 miles on I-90, offering a chance to maintain a steady pace. State Route 18 also plays a role in connecting you to your destination. While the majority is highway, the transition onto State Route 18 might introduce slightly different driving dynamics as you approach Federal Way. This route prioritizes forward momentum over winding scenic byways.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 112.3 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and WA 26. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 180.9 miles in.
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 18 significant decision points across 210.3 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 180.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 181.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 205.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Connell, WA and Federal Way, WA, road signs point toward Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn and Tacoma.
Federal Way is a city in King County on the Puget Sound of Washington State. It is the home of the Pacific Bonsai Museum and Rhododendron Species Botanical Gardens. With a population of 96,000 (2016), Federal Way is one of Seattle's largest suburbs.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 21m. Total distance: 210.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 112.3 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 Federal Way, 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: at 180.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 181.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 205.8 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Federal Way, WA, but most travelers stay overnight.
