This 312.6-mile drive from Everett, WA, to Mead, WA, is a substantial undertaking, estimated to take around 5 hours and 56 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-5, I-405, and I-90, it's a highway-focused journey perfect for a single, albeit long, day trip. With a projected fuel cost of $65, this route offers a straightforward path across Washington state. The entire trip stays within the Pacific Coast region, making for a consistent travel experience without dramatic regional shifts. Given the duration, plan for an early start to comfortably reach your destination.
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
156.3 miles from Everett, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 57m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
272.9 mi
4h 57m
I 405
18 mi
22m
I 5
9 mi
11m
North Spokane Corridor
3.3 mi
4m
North Freya Street
1.4 mi
3m
Broadway
1.1 mi
1m
South Freya Street
1 mi
2m
North Market Street
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 272.9 mi, about 4h 57m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 90 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~2,111 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,743
Quietest
2 AM
~121 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.4×
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 Everett, WA and Mead, WA.
1
Start on Hewitt Avenue
128 ft·6 sec·Hewitt Avenue
2
Turn right onto Broadway
1.1 mi·1 min·Broadway
3
Take the ramp
156 ft·3 sec
4
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·57 sec
Toward I 5 South
5
Merge onto I 5
9.0 mi·11 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 182Toward I 405 South: Bellevue, RentonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 405
0.9 mi·1 min·I 405
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
17 mi·21 min·I 405
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 11Toward I 90: Spokane, SeattleUse the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 90 East: SpokaneUse the slight left lane.
11
Merge onto I 90
268 mi·4 hr 51 min·I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 90; US 2; US 395
5.3 mi·6 min·I 90; US 2; US 395
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward Freya Street, Thor Street
14
Continue on East 3rd Avenue
0.3 mi·48 sec·East 3rd Avenue
15
Turn left onto South Freya Street
1.0 mi·2 min·South Freya Street
16
Continue on North Freya Way
0.3 mi·47 sec·North Freya Way
17
Continue on North Greene Street
0.6 mi·1 min·North Greene Street
18
Turn right onto East Carlisle Avenue
0.3 mi·55 sec·East Carlisle Avenue
19
Turn left onto North Freya Street
1.4 mi·3 min·North Freya Street
20
Enter roundabout onto East Wellesley Avenue
234 ft·13 sec·East Wellesley Avenue
21
Continue on East Wellesley Avenue
408 ft·17 sec·East Wellesley Avenue
22
Enter roundabout
17 ft·0 sec
23
Continue
0.4 mi·54 sec
24
Merge onto Future US 395
3.3 mi·4 min·North Spokane Corridor
25
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward East Parksmith Drive
26
Turn right onto East Parksmith Drive
0.1 mi·17 sec·East Parksmith Drive
27
Turn left onto North Market Street
0.6 mi·1 min·North Market Street
28
Arrive at destination
North Market Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour and 56-minute duration, starting your journey from Everett early in the morning is highly recommended to avoid fatigue and maximize daylight. This route involves one significant stretch of 272.9 miles on I-90, so plan your single stop strategically for a break and refueling. While the $65 fuel cost is an estimate, it's wise to factor in a buffer. Since this is a manageable drive for one day, you have flexibility with your departure time, but an early start will make the most of your day.
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 156.3 miles from Everett, WA, or about 2h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 272.9 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 69 miles or 1h 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 156.3 miles or 2h 57m 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 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mead, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Everett, 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 Everett, WA
This is one driving day of about 312.6 miles and 5h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 miles from Everett, 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 272.9 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.2 and 30 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
1.2 mi into trip|~2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 5 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 5 South
8
10.6 mi into trip|~14m in
Take the exit toward I 405 South: Bellevue, Renton
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 182
Toward I 405 South: Bellevue, Renton
6
12.4 mi into trip|~16m in|I 405
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
29.5 mi into trip|~38m in
Take the exit toward I 90: Spokane, Seattle
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 11
Toward I 90: Spokane, Seattle
7
30 mi into trip|~39m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 90 East: Spokane
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 90 East: Spokane
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$69.26 one way
$138.53 round trip
$5.63/gal25.4 MPG avg109 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.91
$72.67
$145.35
premium
$6.08
$74.83
$149.65
diesel
$5.35
$65.84
$131.69
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$69
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$94–$119
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 109.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
93.8
1
$32.82
$15.00
Efficient EV
78.2
0
$27.35
$12.50
EV Truck/SUV
125
1
$43.76
$20.01
Gas CO2
109 kg
EV CO2
37 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 May 27, 2026
Origin
Everett, WA
Afternoon
in Everett on Wednesday
Local time
1:07 PM
PDT
Current temp
49°F
Partly Cloudy
SE 2 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 26 at 12:15PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Destination
Mead, WA
Afternoon
in Mead on Wednesday
Local time
1:07 PM
PDT
Current temp
49°F
Chance Rain Showers
SE 1 mph51% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 26 at 12:15PM 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 56m 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...
10 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
near mile 32.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway experience on this route, with 96% of the drive taking place on major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch is an impressive 272.9 miles primarily on I-90, meaning you'll encounter long periods of consistent travel. While largely a high-speed interstate cruise, keep an eye on the road profile as it's described as highway-focused. This suggests a drive characterized by efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways, allowing for steady progress.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 272.9 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 405. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 20 significant decision points across 312.6 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 1.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 10.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.4 miles (I 405): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
2,424 ft253 ft
Total Climb
3,366 ft
Total Descent
1,711 ft
Highest Point
2,424 ft
~290.3 mi in
Elevation Range
2,171 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Everett, WA to Mead, WA, road signs begin pointing toward Seattle along the way.
Seattle
29.5 mi in|~38m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Everett is a city in the Puget Sound region of Washington State, 28 mi (45 km) north of Seattle at the edge of its metropolitan area. The city supports one of Boeing's oldest and largest airplane manufacturing centers, which includes the world's largest building by volume.
Top landmarks
•Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour — Boeing
•Equator — 1888 two-masted pygmy trading schooner
•Everett High School — high school in Everett, Washington
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 56m. Total distance: 312.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 272.9 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 22 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 Mead, 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 22 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 10.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.4 miles (I 405): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Mead, WA before the return drive.
