Connecting Kennewick to Olympia covers 258.2 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 5 minutes of driving time. Since the route is entirely within Washington, you will stay within the Pacific Coast region for the duration of your journey. Budgeting around $54 for fuel will cover your transit across the state. While this trip is manageable as a single-day push, it requires a steady focus to complete the distance efficiently. Expect a highway-focused experience that serves as a direct link between these two cities via US 12 and WA 240. Whether you are traveling for business or a change of scenery, this route provides a straightforward path across the state.
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
129.1 miles from Kennewick, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 31m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 12
242.4 mi
4h 42m
WA 240
11.6 mi
13m
Capitol Boulevard Southeast
1.2 mi
2m
Capitol Way Southeast
0.8 mi
1m
North Fruitland Street
0.6 mi
1m
West Kennewick Avenue
0.5 mi
1m
West Columbia Drive
0.5 mi
1m
North Newport Street
0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
US 12
— 242.4 mi, about 4h 42m
Traffic on I-5
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 31 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,840 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,354
Quietest
1 AM
~270 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.5×
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 Kennewick, WA and Olympia, WA.
1
Start on North Newport Street
0.1 mi·37 sec·North Newport Street
2
Turn left onto West Kennewick Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·West Kennewick Avenue
3
Turn left onto North Fruitland Street
0.6 mi·1 min·North Fruitland Street
4
Turn left onto West Columbia Drive
0.5 mi·1 min·West Columbia Drive
5
Enter roundabout onto WA 240
0.1 mi·8 sec·WA 240
6
Continue on WA 240
6.4 mi·8 min·WA 240
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto WA 240
5.1 mi·5 min·WA 240
Use the slight right lane.
8
Continue on I 182; US 12
0.1 mi·7 sec·I 182; US 12
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 12
71 mi·1 hr 17 min·US 12
Toward I 82 West, US 12 West: Prosser, Yakima
10
Take the exit onto US 12
0.1 mi·10 sec·US 12
Toward US 12 west, North 1st Street: White Pass, Chinook Pass, Naches
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 12
18 mi·23 min·US 12
Toward US 12 West: Naches, White Pass
12
Turn left onto US 12
119 mi·2 hr 22 min·US 12
13
Take the exit onto US 12
35 mi·39 min·US 12
Toward I 5 North: Seattle
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward Deschutes Way, 2nd Avenue
15
Keep slight right at fork
166 ft·4 sec
16
Turn straight onto E Street Southwest
187 ft·8 sec·E Street Southwest
17
Turn left onto Capitol Boulevard Southeast
1.2 mi·2 min·Capitol Boulevard Southeast
18
Continue on Capitol Way Southeast
0.8 mi·1 min·Capitol Way Southeast
19
Arrive at destination
Capitol Way South
Trip Plan
Planning for a one-day trip is perfectly feasible given the 5-hour duration, but you should aim to leave early to avoid mid-day traffic near your destination. Since the route features one primary stop, map out your break point ahead of time to keep your momentum steady during the long 242.4-mile stretch. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $54 estimate is based on typical consumption for this distance; topping off before you hit the main highway segments is a smart move. Because the route relies so heavily on US 12, check local traffic reports for that specific corridor before you head out to ensure there are no unexpected delays on your primary path.
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 129.1 miles from Kennewick, WA, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 242.4 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 57 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129.1 miles or 2h 31m 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 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Olympia, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kennewick, 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 Kennewick, WA
This is one driving day of about 258.2 miles and 5h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Kennewick, 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 US 12 for about 242.4 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 8.3 and 220.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
8.3 mi into trip|~12m in|WA 240
Keep slight right at fork onto WA 240
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
6
13.5 mi into trip|~18m in|US 12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 12 toward I 82 West, US 12 West: Prosser, Yakima
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 82 West, US 12 West: Prosser, Yakima
5
84.5 mi into trip|~1h 35m in|US 12
Take the exit onto US 12 toward US 12 west, North 1st Street: White Pass, Chinook Pass, Naches
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 12 west, North 1st Street: White Pass...
6
84.6 mi into trip|~1h 35m in|US 12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 12 toward US 12 West: Naches, White Pass
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 12 West: Naches, White Pass
5
220.9 mi into trip|~4h 21m in|US 12
Take the exit onto US 12 toward I 5 North: Seattle
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward I 5 North: Seattle
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$50.30 one way
$100.60 round trip
$4.95/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.18
$52.70
$105.39
premium
$5.39
$54.80
$109.60
diesel
$4.80
$48.75
$97.51
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$50
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 90.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
77.5
0
$27.11
$12.39
Efficient EV
64.6
0
$22.59
$10.33
EV Truck/SUV
103.3
1
$36.15
$16.52
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 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
Kennewick, WA
Late night
in Kennewick on Sunday
Local time
3:14 AM
PDT
Current temp
64°F
Clear
S 7 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
Destination
Olympia, WA
Late night
in Olympia on Sunday
Local time
3:14 AM
PDT
Current temp
51°F
Patchy Fog
SSW 2 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
13 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
5h 5m 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.
Mount Rainier National Park
National Park
Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning fi...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
$30
near mile 151.4
Park Closure: Regular nightly closures of the Longmire gate have ended for the season.
Park Closure: SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a trip dominated by high-speed travel, as 98% of your journey consists of highway driving. The vast majority of your time behind the wheel—specifically 242.4 miles—is spent on the continuous stretch of US 12. This creates a rhythmic, consistent pace that helps you cover ground quickly. You will transition from the local WA 240 departure into the long-haul highway environment before eventually navigating into Olympia via Capitol Boulevard Southeast. Prepare for a focused, efficient drive that prioritizes speed and directness over frequent turns or technical maneuvers.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 242.4 mi on US 12.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 12 and WA 240. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 8.3 miles in near WA 240.
Driving Effort6/10
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 258.2 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: at 8.3 miles (WA 240): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.5 miles (US 12): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.5 miles (US 12): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,893 ft97 ft
Total Climb
1,528 ft
Total Descent
1,839 ft
Highest Point
1,893 ft
~107.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,797 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Kennewick, WA and Olympia, WA, road signs point toward Yakima, 1St Street: White Pass, Chinook Pass, Naches and White Pass.
Yakima
13.5 mi in|~18m|via US 12
1St Street: White Pass
84.5 mi in|~1h 35m|via US 12
Chinook Pass
84.5 mi in|~1h 35m|via US 12
Naches
84.5 mi in|~1h 35m|via US 12
White Pass
84.6 mi in|~1h 35m|via US 12
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Kennewick is a city in Benton County along the Columbia River of Washington State, roughly between the Yakima and Snake Rivers on the south bank of the Columbia.
Kennewick is the largest of the Tri-Cities of Washington, which also includes Pasco and Richland. The Tri-Cities are the third most populous metropolitan area in the state, after Seattle-Tacoma and Spokane.
Olympia is the capital of Washington State, and the seat of Thurston County in the South Sound region. The small city of 56,000 (2020) has a diverse economic base, and is a breeding ground for alternative culture in the Pacific Northwest, having spawned or influenced many of the region's better-known personalities.
Top landmarks
•Washington State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of Washington
•Daniel R. Bigelow House — historic house museum in Olympia, Washington, U.S.
•Old Capitol Building — state capitol of Washington (1905-1928)
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 5m. Total distance: 258.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 5m 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 242.4 miles on US 12. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 11 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 Olympia, 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 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 8.3 miles (WA 240): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.5 miles (US 12): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.5 miles (US 12): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Mount Rainier National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Olympia, WA before the return drive.
