Origin
Fern Prairie, WA
Morning in Fern Prairie on Sunday
Local time
7:27 AM
PDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fern Prairie, WA to Seattle, WA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 29m
Distance
174.7 mi
281 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 17m
★
6 AM
3h 29m
8 AM
3h 54m
10 AM
3h 38m
12 PM
3h 35m
3 PM
3h 39m
5 PM
3h 53m
8 PM
3h 22m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fern Prairie, WA
Tom Fisk
Seattle, WA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Fern Prairie, WA to Seattle, WA is 174.7 miles and takes about 3h 29m via I 5, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This primarily highway-focused drive will take you across the Pacific Coast region from start to finish. Given its relatively short duration and a single recommended day, this route is ideal for a straightforward journey. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it a practical option for getting from point A to point B efficiently. Plan for a drive that's mostly high-speed travel with minimal scenic detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
87.4 miles from Fern Prairie, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 5 | 157.5 mi | 3h 1m |
| I 205 | 6.1 mi | 7m |
| Northeast Fourth Plain Boulevard | 4 mi | 7m |
| Northeast Ingle Road | 1.3 mi | 1m |
| Northeast 28th Street | 1.3 mi | 1m |
| WA 500 | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Northeast Brunner Road | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Northeast 199th Avenue | 0.6 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 5
— 157.5 mi, about 3h 1m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fern Prairie, WA and Seattle, WA.
1
Start on this road
9 ft
·
6 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto WA 500
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
Northeast 267th Avenue
3
Continue on WA 500
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Northeast Brunner Road
4
Continue on WA 500
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
Northeast 25th Street
5
Continue on WA 500
0.4 mi
·
36 sec
·
Northeast Dresser Road
6
Continue on Northeast 28th Street
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Northeast 28th Street
7
Continue on Northeast Goodwin Road
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Northeast Goodwin Road
8
Turn right onto Northeast Ingle Road
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Northeast Ingle Road
9
Continue on Northeast 199th Avenue
0.6 mi
·
57 sec
·
Northeast 199th Avenue
10
At end of road, turn left onto WA 500
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
·
Northeast 58th Street
11
Continue on WA 500
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Northeast Fourth Plain Boulevard
12
Enter roundabout onto WA 500
103 ft
·
2 sec
·
Northeast Fourth Plain Boulevard
13
Continue on WA 500
3.2 mi
·
6 min
·
Northeast Fourth Plain Boulevard
14
Turn left onto WA 500
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
WA 500
Use the left lane.
15
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 205 North: Seattle
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 205
6.1 mi
·
7 min
·
I 205
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 5
126 mi
·
2 hr 21 min
·
I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
32 mi
·
39 min
·
I 5
Use the slight right lane.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 165
Toward Seneca Street
Use the slight left lane.
20
Turn left onto Seneca Street
323 ft
·
18 sec
·
Seneca Street
21
Turn left onto 5th Avenue
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
5th Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
22
Turn right onto Madison Street
113 ft
·
9 sec
·
Madison Street
23
Turn left
31 ft
·
2 sec
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
With a total driving time of under 3.5 hours, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Consider departing earlier in the morning to avoid potential traffic as you approach Seattle. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 157.5 miles on I 5, so plan for a fuel stop before or during this segment to be safe, especially with a fuel cost estimate of $37. While there's only one recommended stop, you'll find plenty of services along the interstate for quick breaks. Given the efficient nature of this route, you have flexibility to leave when it suits you best.
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 87.4 miles from Fern Prairie, WA, or about 1h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 157.5 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 38 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 87.4 miles or 1h 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Seattle, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fern Prairie, 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 Fern Prairie, WA
This is one driving day of about 174.7 miles and 3h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Fern Prairie, 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 5 for about 157.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
87 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 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 87.4 miles from Fern Prairie, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 5 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 157.5 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 145 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 174.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
WA 500 / Northeast 267th Avenue
Turn left onto WA 500 / Northeast 267th Avenue
Navigation decision point
6
10 mi into trip
|
~17m in
Take the exit toward I 205 North: Seattle
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 205 North: Seattle
6
142.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 47m in
|
I 5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
7
174.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 27m in
Take the exit toward Seneca Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 165
Toward Seneca Street
7
174.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 28m in
|
5th Avenue
Turn left onto 5th Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.56 one way
$73.13 round trip
$5.32/gal
25.4 MPG avg
61 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.58 | $38.34 | $76.69 |
| premium | $5.77 | $39.67 | $79.34 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $38.57 | $77.14 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 52.4 | 0 | $18.34 | $8.39 |
| Efficient EV | 43.7 | 0 | $15.29 | $6.99 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 69.9 | 0 | $24.46 | $11.18 |
Gas CO2
61 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Seattle, WA
Morning in Seattle on Sunday
Local time
7:27 AM
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
20 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
3h 29m 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
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...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 174.7
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 94% of the journey taking place on major roadways. You'll experience a significant stretch of 157.5 miles on I 5, offering a consistent pace for a substantial portion of your trip. The route begins on Northeast Fourth Plain Boulevard before merging onto I 205 and eventually I 5. Expect a predominantly fast-paced driving experience, characteristic of long-distance interstate travel. The road character remains largely consistent, prioritizing efficient travel over varied scenery.
94% 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: 157.5 mi on I 5.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and I 205. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near WA 500 / Northeast 267th Avenue.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 174.7 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: near the start (WA 500 / Northeast 267th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 10 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 142.3 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Arriving in Seattle, WA
Full guide →Seattle, Washington sits at one of the most beautiful spots in the United States. Occupying a narrow isthmus between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it is the biggest city in the Pacific Northwest, with 780,000 people in Seattle and over four million people in the metro area. Seen from above, carpets of evergreen trees, pristine blue waters, and snowy white mountains surround the downtown's metallic skyscrapers, earning the city its nickname The Emerald City. On the ground, you will find a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Next to the progressive downtown and the freewheeling feel of Capitol Hill, you can find a laid-back atmosphere in the districts to the north and ethnically diverse neighborhoods to the south.
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 3h 29m. Total distance: 174.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 157.5 miles on I 5. 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 Seattle, 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: near the start (WA 500 / Northeast 267th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 10 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 142.3 miles (I 5): 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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Seattle, WA, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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