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Trip from Cosmopolis, WA to Tacoma, WA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 49m

Distance

79.7 mi

128 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$17

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min
4 AM
1h 42m ★
6 AM
1h 50m
8 AM
2h 6m
10 AM
1h 56m
12 PM
1h 54m
3 PM
1h 56m
5 PM
2h 5m
8 PM
1h 45m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Cosmopolis, WA, WA

Cosmopolis, WA

Boris Hamer

Trip Overview

This 79.7-mile drive from Cosmopolis, WA, to Tacoma, WA, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 49 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-5 and WA 8, with a section of Olympic Highway, this route is ideal for a single-day trip, with no overnight stops required. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $17, making it an economical option for a quick transit. Given its relatively short duration and highway-centric nature, you'll find it a practical choice for moving between the Pacific Coast regions of Washington.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

39.8 miles from Cosmopolis, WA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 56m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 5 26.7 mi 33m
WA 8 21.1 mi 26m
Olympic Highway 10.1 mi 12m
State Route 107 7 mi 12m
US 101 5.4 mi 7m
1st Street 4.1 mi 6m
South 11th Street 0.9 mi 2m
South Main Street 0.8 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 5 — 26.7 mi, about 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Cosmopolis, WA and Tacoma, WA.

1

Start on 3rd Street

21 ft · 2 sec · 3rd Street
2

Turn right onto F Street

0.1 mi · 27 sec · F Street
3

Turn right onto US 101

4.1 mi · 6 min · 1st Street
Use the left lane.
4

Turn left onto WA 107

7.0 mi · 12 min · State Route 107
Use the left lane.
5

Continue on WA 107

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 52 sec
7

Merge onto US 12

10 mi · 12 min · Olympic Highway
8

Continue on WA 8

21 mi · 26 min · WA 8
9

Merge onto US 101

5.4 mi · 7 min · US 101
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 52 sec
11

Merge onto I 5

27 mi · 33 min · I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Exit 132 Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 18 sec
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street West, Tacoma Mall Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 28 sec
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto WA 16

0.5 mi · 43 sec · WA 16
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
16

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 1A Toward Sprague Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Continue on Sprague Ramp

0.3 mi · 43 sec · Sprague Ramp
18

Continue on South Sprague Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Sprague Avenue
19

Turn right onto South 11th Street

0.9 mi · 2 min · South 11th Street
20

Arrive at destination

South 11th Street

Trip Plan

For this 1 hour and 49-minute drive, consider departing in the mid-morning to avoid the bulk of morning rush hour traffic heading into Tacoma. Since it's a shorter, highway-centric trip, you won't need to plan for extensive stops; however, it's always wise to take a break at least once. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before the longest 26.7-mile stretch on I-5, to ensure you have enough to reach your destination comfortably. The $17 fuel cost is an estimate, so monitoring gas prices is a good idea.

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 39.8 miles from Cosmopolis, WA, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 26.7 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 18 miles or 28m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 39.8 miles or 56m 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 31m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Cosmopolis, WA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Cosmopolis, WA

This is one driving day of about 79.7 miles and 1h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Cosmopolis, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 5 for about 26.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown McCleary, WA, WA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

McCleary, WA

40 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.

Popular next leg

McCleary, WA to Tacoma, WA

50.3 mi · 1h 8m

Pacing Suggestions

Elma, WA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 18 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Tumwater, WA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 39.8 miles from Cosmopolis, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Equal Latin Restaurant & Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Olympia, Washington

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 51.2

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+13608194817

Visit website

Yi's Traditional Korean Beef Soup Restaurant (이가네 전통 설렁탕)

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lakewood, Washington

1 mi

Fishin Hole Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Montesano, Washington

0.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Gravity Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lakewood, Washington

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 68.3

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12534478740

Visit website

Naomi Joe Coffee Roasters

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tacoma, Washington

0.8 mi

Painted Plate

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Olympia, Washington

1.3 mi

Equal Latin Restaurant & Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 51.2

Olympia, Washington

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+13608194817

Visit website

Yi's Traditional Korean Beef Soup Restaurant (이가네 전통 설렁탕)

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 74

Lakewood, Washington

Hours: 8:30 am–9 pm

+12533011655

Visit website

Fishin Hole Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 11.4

Montesano, Washington

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+13609644109

Visit website

The Bee Hive Restaurant and Honeycomb Lounge

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 11.4

Montesano, Washington

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+13602498322

Visit website

Gardner's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $100 or ab mile 51.2

Olympia, Washington

Hours: 5–8 pm

+13607868466

Visit website

Nineveh Assyrian Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 51.2

Olympia, Washington

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13609156722

Visit website

Black Bear Diner Lakewood

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 74

Lakewood, Washington

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12532670238

Visit website

Cynara Restaurant & Lounge

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 51.2

Olympia, Washington

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13607647326

Visit website

Gravity Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 68.3

Lakewood, Washington

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12534478740

Visit website

Naomi Joe Coffee Roasters

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 79.7

Tacoma, Washington

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12532373403

Visit website

Painted Plate

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 51.2

Olympia, Washington

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13607052103

Visit website

Children's Museum of Tacoma

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 79.7

Tacoma, Washington

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+12536276031

Visit website

Lions Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 51.2

Olympia, Washington

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+13607538380

Visit website

Pioneer Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Aberdeen, Washington

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+13605326173

STAR Center

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 74

Tacoma, Washington

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+12534043939

Visit website

Vance Creek County Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 22.8

Elma, Washington

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

Visit website

Chehalis Valley Historical Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 11.4

Montesano, Washington

Hours: Closed

+13604627404

Visit website

Port Plaza

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 51.2

Olympia, Washington

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

Visit website

The Little Gym of Olympia

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 51.2

Olympia, Washington

Hours: 9 am–7:30 pm

+13608655793

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 77.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 101 / 1st Street

Turn right onto US 101 / 1st Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
8
76.2 mi into trip | ~1h 42m in

Take the exit toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street

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 132 Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South...
9
76.5 mi into trip | ~1h 42m in

Keep slight left at fork toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street West, Tacoma Mall

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South...
8
76.7 mi into trip | ~1h 42m in

Keep slight left at fork toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
7
77.5 mi into trip | ~1h 44m in

Take the exit toward Sprague Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 1A Toward Sprague Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.68 one way

$33.36 round trip

$5.32/gal 25.4 MPG avg 28 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.58 $17.49 $34.99
premium $5.77 $18.10 $36.20
diesel $5.61 $17.60 $35.19

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 27.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 23.9 0 $8.37 $3.83
Efficient EV 19.9 0 $6.97 $3.19
EV Truck/SUV 31.9 0 $11.16 $5.10

Gas CO2

28 kg

EV CO2

9 kg (68% 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

Cosmopolis, WA

Morning in Cosmopolis on Sunday

Local time

7:24 AM

PDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Tacoma, WA

Morning in Tacoma on Sunday

Local time

7:24 AM

PDT

Current temp

59°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

13 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

1h 49m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park

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...

25 mi from route ~61 min detour Free near mile 79.7
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a drive that is largely highway-focused, with 76% of the route on faster roads. You'll experience a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 26.7 miles on I-5, which forms a significant portion of the journey. While the initial parts might involve navigating some local roads like WA 8 and Olympic Highway, the character quickly shifts to a more direct, high-speed transit. This route prioritizes efficiency over winding scenic byways, offering a consistent driving experience for most of its length.

76% 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: 26.7 mi on I 5.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and WA 8. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US 101 / 1st Street.

Driving Effort 9/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 79.7 miles you will encounter 14 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: at 0.1 miles (US 101 / 1st Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 76.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 76.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 49m. Total distance: 79.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 26.7 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 Tacoma, WA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US 101 / 1st Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 76.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 76.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Tacoma, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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