Origin
Fairwood, WA
Late night in Fairwood on Sunday
Local time
5:05 AM
PDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fairwood, WA to Federal Way, WA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 38m
Distance
293.3 mi
472 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$61
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 25m
★
6 AM
5h 39m
8 AM
6h 5m
10 AM
5h 48m
12 PM
5h 45m
3 PM
5h 49m
5 PM
6h 4m
8 PM
5h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fairwood, WA
Harrison Reilly
Trip Overview
Spanning 293.3 miles, this drive from Fairwood to Federal Way is a straightforward journey typically taking about 5 hours and 38 minutes. Since the entire trip stays within the Pacific Coast region of Washington, you can comfortably complete this route in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to budget roughly $62 for fuel, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. With a 95% highway share, the path relies heavily on major arteries like I-90 and State Route 18. It is a practical, efficient transit route rather than a leisurely sightseeing tour, making it ideal for drivers who prioritize speed and direct access over scenic wandering.
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
146.6 miles from Fairwood, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 50m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 252 mi | 4h 32m |
| State Route 18 | 24.2 mi | 31m |
| North Division Street | 7.6 mi | 16m |
| US 2 | 3 mi | 3m |
| South Peasley Canyon Road | 1.8 mi | 3m |
| South 320th Street | 1.4 mi | 3m |
| West Hastings Road | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Pacific Highway South | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 252 mi, about 4h 32m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairwood, WA and Federal Way, WA.
1
Start on this road
379 ft
·
29 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto West Bellwood Drive
0.1 mi
·
31 sec
·
West Bellwood Drive
3
Turn right onto West Hastings Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West Hastings Road
4
Turn right onto US 395
7.6 mi
·
16 min
·
North Division Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Continue on US 2; US 395
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Browne Street
6
Take the ramp onto US 2; US 395
3.0 mi
·
3 min
·
US 2; US 395
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; US 395
57 mi
·
1 hr
·
I 90; US 395
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
195 mi
·
3 hr 31 min
·
I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 25
Toward WA 18 West: Auburn
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
448 ft
·
13 sec
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, Tacoma
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
11
Merge onto WA 18
0.3 mi
·
25 sec
·
Snoqualmie Parkway
12
Continue on WA 18
24 mi
·
31 min
·
State Route 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Toward WA 167: Renton, Puyallup
Use the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
26 sec
Toward WA 167 South: Puyallup, West Valley Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
Toward West Valley Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
At end of road, turn left onto West Valley Highway North
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
West Valley Highway North
Use the straight lane.
17
Turn right onto South Peasley Canyon Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South Peasley Canyon Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Enter roundabout onto South Peasley Canyon Road
67 ft
·
1 sec
·
South Peasley Canyon Road
19
Continue on South Peasley Canyon Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South Peasley Canyon Road
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on South 320th Street
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
South 320th Street
21
Turn right onto WA 99
0.5 mi
·
55 sec
·
Pacific Highway South
22
Turn right onto South 312th Street
158 ft
·
5 sec
·
South 312th Street
Use the right lane.
23
Turn right
24 ft
·
1 sec
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a 5-hour and 38-minute drive, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Starting your journey early in the day helps you avoid peak traffic congestion, especially when navigating the transition onto North Division Street. Keep your $62 fuel budget in mind, but remember that prices can fluctuate, so topping off before hitting the 252-mile stretch on I-90 is a smart move. Because the route is compact enough for a single day, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your personal schedule. Prioritize efficiency by checking traffic reports for I-90 before you head out, as this will be the most critical segment of your 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 146.6 miles from Fairwood, WA, or about 2h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 252 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 65 miles or 1h 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.6 miles or 2h 50m 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 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 Fairwood, 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 Fairwood, WA
This is one driving day of about 293.3 miles and 5h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Fairwood, 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 252 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
147 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 65 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 146.6 miles from Fairwood, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 252 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 263.9 and 289.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
263.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 57m 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
264.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 57m 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
288.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 29m 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
289 mi into trip
|
~5h 29m 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
289.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 30m 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
$61.39 one way
$122.77 round trip
$5.32/gal
25.4 MPG avg
103 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.58 | $64.38 | $128.75 |
| premium | $5.77 | $66.60 | $133.21 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $64.76 | $129.51 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$61
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$86–$111
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 88 | 1 | $30.80 | $14.08 |
| Efficient EV | 73.3 | 0 | $25.66 | $11.73 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 117.3 | 1 | $41.06 | $18.77 |
Gas CO2
103 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Federal Way, WA
Late night in Federal Way on Sunday
Local time
5:05 AM
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
2 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 38m 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 293.3
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is defined by its heavy reliance on high-speed transit, with 95% of the distance spent on highways. You will spend the bulk of your time on I-90, which features a long, uninterrupted stretch of 252 miles that dominates the experience. As you transition onto State Route 18 and North Division Street, the pace shifts from long-distance cruising to more localized traffic patterns. The personality of this drive is consistent and focused, offering a reliable highway-centric experience. You should prepare for a consistent rhythm behind the wheel, as the route is designed for steady progress across the state.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 252 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and State Route 18. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 263.9 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
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 293.3 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 263.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 264.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 288.8 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fairwood, WA and Federal Way, WA, road signs point toward Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn and Tacoma.
Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn
264.2 mi in
|
~4h 57m
Tacoma
264.2 mi in
|
~4h 57m
About the Cities
Arriving in Federal Way, WA
Full guide →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.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 38m. Total distance: 293.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 38m 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 252 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 263.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 264.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 288.8 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Federal Way, WA before the return drive.
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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