Spanning 364.2 miles, this journey from Fairwood to Vancouver, WA, is a significant trek that takes approximately 5 hours and 55 minutes of pure drive time. Because the route is categorized as a turn-heavy local drive, you should budget for about $76 in fuel costs to complete the trip. While it is technically possible to complete this drive in a single day, the winding nature of the roads makes it a demanding experience. You will navigate through the Pacific Coast region, staying within Washington state for the duration of the trip. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and reset, as the constant turns require your full attention behind the wheel.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
182.8 miles from Fairwood, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 33m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Columbia River Highway
158.3 mi
2h 56m
Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway
73.7 mi
1h 19m
I 90
56.6 mi
1h
Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
33.4 mi
37m
Old Oregon Trail Highway
11.3 mi
12m
North Division Street
7.6 mi
16m
Lewis and Clark Trail
5.7 mi
7m
Southeast Lewis and Clark Highway
5.4 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Columbia River Highway
— 158.3 mi, about 2h 56m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairwood, WA and Vancouver, 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 right at fork onto US 395
74 mi·1 hr 19 min·Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway
Toward Ritzville, Pasco
9
Take the exit onto US 395
0.6 mi·1 min·US 395
Toward I 182 West, US 395 South: Richland, Pendleton
10
Merge onto I 182; US 12; US 395
1.9 mi·2 min·Lewis and Clark Trail
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 395
3.8 mi·5 min·Lewis and Clark Trail
Toward US 395: Kennewick, Pendleton, Columbia Basin College, Tri Cities Airport
12
Continue on US 395
1.1 mi·2 min·North US 395
13
Continue on US 395
33 mi·37 min·Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 84 West: Portland
15
Merge onto I 84; US 30
11 mi·12 min·Old Oregon Trail Highway
16
Continue on I 84; US 30
158 mi·2 hr 56 min·Columbia River Highway
Use the straight lane.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi·29 sec
Exit 9Toward I 205: Salem, Seattle, Portland Airport
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·28 sec
Toward I 205 North: Seattle, Portland AirportUse the slight right lane.
19
Merge onto I 205
4.2 mi·5 min·I 205
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·41 sec
Exit 27Toward WA 14: Vancouver, CamasUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·49 sec
Toward WA 14 West: Vancouver, City CenterUse the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward WA 14 WestUse the straight lane.
23
Merge onto WA 14
5.4 mi·6 min·Southeast Lewis and Clark Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·55 sec
Toward I 5 North: SeattleUse the slight right lane.
25
Merge onto I 5
451 ft·7 sec·I 5
26
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Exit 1D; 1CToward WA 501: 4th Plain Boulevard, Mill Plain BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 1DToward 4th Plain BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork
220 ft·12 sec
Use the straight / left lanes.
29
Turn left onto East Fourth Plain Boulevard
100 ft·2 sec·East Fourth Plain Boulevard
Use the straight / left lanes.
30
Arrive at destination
East Fourth Plain Boulevard
Trip Plan
Given the turn-heavy nature of this 364.2-mile trek, prioritize leaving early in the morning to ensure you reach Vancouver before fatigue sets in. Since the route relies entirely on local roads, keep your navigation system updated to handle the frequent turns along West Hastings Road and North Division Street. Plan your single mandatory stop strategically to account for fuel, as the $76 budget may fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency on winding, non-highway roads. Stay flexible with your pacing; the lack of high-speed highway segments means that traffic or local road conditions can easily shift your estimated 5-hour and 55-minute arrival time. Above all, maintain focus on the road surface, as the local character of this drive demands more concentration than a standard interstate commute.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 182.8 miles from Fairwood, WA, or about 3h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 158.3 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 80 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 182.8 miles or 3h 33m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Vancouver, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Fairwood, WA
This is one driving day of about 365.7 miles and 7h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Fairwood, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Columbia River Highway for about 158.3 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 353.5 and 365 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
353.5 mi into trip|~6h 44m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 205 North: Seattle, Portland Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 205 North: Seattle, Portland Airport
8
358 mi into trip|~6h 50m in
Take the exit toward WA 14: Vancouver, Camas
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 27
Toward WA 14: Vancouver, Camas
8
358.3 mi into trip|~6h 50m in
Keep slight right at fork toward WA 14 West: Vancouver, City Center
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward WA 14 West: Vancouver, City Center
9
364.8 mi into trip|~7h in
Take the exit toward WA 501: 4th Plain Boulevard, Mill Plain Boulevard
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 1D; 1C
Toward WA 501: 4th Plain Boulevard, Mill Plain...
8
365 mi into trip|~7h in
Keep slight left at fork toward 4th Plain Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 1D
Toward 4th Plain Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$76.54 one way
$153.08 round trip
$5.32/gal25.4 MPG avg128 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.58
$80.27
$160.53
premium
$5.77
$83.05
$166.09
diesel
$5.61
$80.74
$161.48
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$77
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$102–$127
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 128 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
109.7
1
$38.40
$17.55
Efficient EV
91.4
1
$32.00
$14.63
EV Truck/SUV
146.3
1
$51.20
$23.40
Gas CO2
128 kg
EV CO2
43 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Fairwood, WA
Evening
in Fairwood on Saturday
Local time
6:12 PM
PDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Vancouver, WA
Evening
in Vancouver on Saturday
Local time
6:12 PM
PDT
Current temp
49°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
4 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
7h 2m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a technical and engaging experience rather than a mindless highway cruise, as this route features zero highway miles. You will navigate primarily via West Bellwood Drive, West Hastings Road, and North Division Street, which keeps the pace moderate and the steering wheel active. The personality of this drive is defined by its turn-heavy local layout, requiring you to stay alert through every curve and intersection. Because there are no long, uninterrupted interstate stretches, the road feels intimate and requires a slower, more deliberate driving pace. It is a unique way to traverse this part of Washington if you prefer local roads over the predictability of major freeways.
Only 18% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 158.3 mi on Columbia River Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 353.5 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 23 significant decision points across 365.7 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 353.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 358 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 358.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Fairwood, WA and Vancouver, WA, road signs point toward Ritzville, Pasco, Pendleton, Columbia Basin College and Tri Cities Airport.
Vancouver is a city in southwest Washington State, immediately north of the border with Oregon. The city was established around Fort Vancouver, a fur trading outpost dating back to 1824, making this one of the oldest continuously-inhabited European communities in the Pacific Northwest. Two bridges across the Columbia River connect Vancouver to the rest of the Portland Metropolitan Area.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 2m. Total distance: 365.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 2m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 158.3 miles on Columbia River Highway. 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 Vancouver, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 353.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 358 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 358.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.0 hours each way, a round trip means 14.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Vancouver, WA before the return drive.
