Traveling from Fircrest to Pasco covers 243.3 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 39 minutes. Given the duration, this route is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, though you should budget approximately $51 for fuel to cover the distance. Your journey primarily utilizes I-90, I-82, and US-97 to navigate across the state. Because the drive is highway-focused, you can expect a fairly efficient trip between the two locations. It is a straightforward trek that avoids complex navigation, making it a reliable option for those looking to reach their destination without unnecessary detours.
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
121.6 miles from Fircrest, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 24m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
84.5 mi
1h 33m
I 82
64.1 mi
1h 8m
US 97
37.8 mi
42m
State Route 18
27.3 mi
34m
US 12
14.5 mi
15m
I 5
8.5 mi
10m
WA 16
1.9 mi
2m
North 4th Avenue
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 84.5 mi, about 1h 33m
Traffic on I-5
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 56 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~6,616 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~759 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.7×
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 Fircrest, WA and Pasco, WA.
1
Start on Alameda Avenue
0.2 mi·45 sec·Alameda Avenue
Use the straight lane.
2
Turn right onto Columbia Avenue
0.3 mi·50 sec·Columbia Avenue
3
Continue on South 19th Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·South 19th Street
Use the right lane.
4
Turn right onto South Orchard Street
0.2 mi·27 sec·South Orchard Street
Use the right lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward WA 16 East: Seattle, PortlandUse the left lane.
6
Merge onto WA 16
1.9 mi·2 min·WA 16
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·2 min
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward I 5 North: SeattleUse the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto I 5
0.3 mi·19 sec·I 5
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
8.2 mi·10 min·I 5
Use the slight right lane.
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 142AToward WA 18 East: Auburn, Muckleshoot ReservationUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto WA 18
27 mi·34 min·State Route 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on WA 18
0.1 mi·8 sec·Snoqualmie Parkway
14
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 90 East: Spokane
15
Merge onto I 90
85 mi·1 hr 33 min·I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit onto US 97
38 mi·42 min·US 97
Toward I 82 East, US 97 South: YakimaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 82; US 12
64 mi·1 hr 8 min·I 82; US 12
18
Take the exit onto US 12
14 mi·15 min·US 12
Exit 102Toward I‑182 east, US 12 east: Richland, PascoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Exit 13Toward North 4th Avenue: Pasco City CenterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn straight onto North 4th Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North 4th Avenue
21
Turn right onto Court Street
0.3 mi·42 sec·Court Street
22
Turn left onto North 8th Avenue
0.1 mi·28 sec·North 8th Avenue
23
Arrive at destination
North 8th Avenue
Trip Plan
To keep your drive smooth, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel during the 4 hour and 39 minute journey. Since the route is highway-dominant, traffic patterns on I-90 and I-82 can fluctuate, so checking road conditions before you depart is a smart move. Because the trip is well-suited for a single day, you have the flexibility to choose your own start time, though leaving early helps you avoid potential mid-day congestion. Always keep an eye on your fuel gauge during that long 84.5-mile stretch on I-90 to ensure you aren't caught short between service points.
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 121.6 miles from Fircrest, WA, or about 2h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 84.5 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 54 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 121.6 miles or 2h 24m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pasco, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fircrest, 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 Fircrest, WA
This is one driving day of about 243.3 miles and 4h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Fircrest, 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 84.5 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 227.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.9 mi into trip|~2m in
Take the ramp toward WA 16 East: Seattle, Portland
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward WA 16 East: Seattle, Portland
7
4.1 mi into trip|~7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 5 North: Seattle
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 5 North: Seattle
8
12.6 mi into trip|~18m in
Take the exit toward WA 18 East: Auburn, Muckleshoot Reservation
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 142A
Toward WA 18 East: Auburn, Muckleshoot Reservat...
7
125.6 mi into trip|~2h 29m in|US 97
Take the exit onto US 97 toward I 82 East, US 97 South: Yakima
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.
Toward I 82 East, US 97 South: Yakima
8
227.6 mi into trip|~4h 20m in|US 12
Take the exit onto US 12 toward I‑182 east, US 12 east: Richland, Pasco
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 102
Toward I‑182 east, US 12 east: Richland, Pasco
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.40 one way
$94.79 round trip
$4.95/gal25.4 MPG avg85 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.18
$49.66
$99.31
premium
$5.39
$51.64
$103.28
diesel
$4.80
$45.94
$91.88
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73
0
$25.55
$11.68
Efficient EV
60.8
0
$21.29
$9.73
EV Truck/SUV
97.3
1
$34.06
$15.57
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Fircrest, WA
Late night
in Fircrest on Monday
Local time
3:40 AM
PDT
Current temp
78°F
Partly Sunny
W 2 to 6 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 17 at 9:08PM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 17 at 9:08PM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Destination
Pasco, WA
Late night
in Pasco on Monday
Local time
3:40 AM
PDT
Current temp
64°F
Clear
S 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 17 at 9:08PM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 17 at 9:08PM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM 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
14 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
4h 39m 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 25.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highly efficient journey, as 98% of this route consists of highway driving. You will spend the bulk of your time on major interstates, providing a consistent pace that is ideal for making time. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on I-90, where you can settle into an 84.5-mile run. As you transition between the various highways, the road maintains a fast, arterial feel rather than a winding or technical one. This is a classic interstate-focused drive designed for steady progress rather than slow-paced exploration.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 84.5 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 82. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 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 18 significant decision points across 243.3 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 0.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
2,715 ft114 ft
Total Climb
3,092 ft
Total Descent
2,987 ft
Highest Point
2,715 ft
~69.5 mi in
Elevation Range
2,602 ft
Notable High Points
2,715 ft at ~69.5 miles+575 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fircrest, WA and Pasco, WA, road signs point toward Muckleshoot Reservation and I‑182 East.
Muckleshoot Reservation
12.6 mi in|~18m
I‑182 East
227.6 mi in|~4h 20m|via US 12
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Pasco is a city in the Columbia River Plateau in Washington State, roughly between the Yakima and Snake Rivers on the north bank of the Columbia.
Pasco is one of the Tri-Cities of Washington, which also includes Kennewick and Richland. The Tri-Cities are the third most populous metropolitan area in the state, after Seattle-Tacoma and Spokane.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 39m. Total distance: 243.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 84.5 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 16 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 Pasco, 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 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.6 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Pasco, WA, but most travelers stay overnight.
