Spanning 149.8 miles through the Pacific Coast region of Washington, this journey from Kent to Orchards is a straightforward trip that typically takes 2 hours and 58 minutes. Because the total duration is under three hours, it functions perfectly as a single-day excursion, eliminating the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $31 for fuel to complete the trek. Since the route relies entirely on local roads like West Gowe Street, 4th Avenue South, and West Willis Street, it offers a different experience than a standard interstate commute. Whether you are traveling for business or a visit, this drive provides a practical way to navigate between these two Washington communities without the pressure of a multi-day itinerary.
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
74.9 miles from Kent, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 30m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 5
133.4 mi
2h 31m
Valley Freeway
4.4 mi
5m
I 205
4.2 mi
5m
State Route 18
1.5 mi
1m
Northeast Padden Parkway
1.1 mi
1m
Northeast Covington Road
1 mi
2m
West Willis Street
0.4 mi
<1m
Northeast 94th Avenue
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 5
— 133.4 mi, about 2h 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kent, WA and Orchards, WA.
1
Start on 2nd Avenue South
10 ft·4 sec·2nd Avenue South
2
Turn right onto West Gowe Street
0.1 mi·24 sec·West Gowe Street
3
Turn left onto 4th Avenue South
0.2 mi·23 sec·4th Avenue South
4
Turn slight right
182 ft·6 sec
5
Turn straight onto WA 516
0.4 mi·53 sec·West Willis Street
6
Turn left
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward WA 167 South: AuburnUse the left lane.
7
Merge onto WA 167
4.4 mi·5 min·Valley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
1.0 mi·2 min
Toward WA 18 West: Federal WayUse the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto WA 18
1.5 mi·1 min·State Route 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 5: Seattle, TacomaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway South, TacomaUse the straight lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward I 5 South: Tacoma
13
Merge onto I 5
7.2 mi·9 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
126 mi·2 hr 22 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 205
4.2 mi·5 min·I 205
Toward I 205 South: SalemUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 32Toward Padden Parkway, Northeast Andresen RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn left onto Northeast Padden Parkway
1.1 mi·1 min·Northeast Padden Parkway
Use the left lane.
18
Turn slight right
204 ft·9 sec
Use the right lane.
19
Turn slight right onto Northeast 94th Avenue
0.3 mi·39 sec·Northeast 94th Avenue
Use the right lane.
20
Continue on Northeast Covington Road
1.0 mi·2 min·Northeast Covington Road
21
Turn left onto Northeast Rosewood Avenue
236 ft·12 sec·Northeast Rosewood Avenue
Use the left lane.
22
Turn right onto Northeast 109th Avenue
44 ft·7 sec·Northeast 109th Avenue
23
Turn left
125 ft·9 sec
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a turn-heavy local route, leave with a fully charged phone or a reliable GPS to keep track of the frequent transitions between West Gowe Street, 4th Avenue South, and West Willis Street. With a total duration of nearly three hours, plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and ensure you stay alert during the navigation-intensive sections. Budgeting $31 for fuel is a safe baseline, but keep in mind that local stop-and-go driving can sometimes impact your vehicle's efficiency. Because the route is flexible and doesn't require a long-haul commitment, consider timing your departure to avoid local peak traffic hours. Prioritize steady driving to handle the turns comfortably and make the most of this manageable day trip.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 74.9 miles from Kent, WA, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 133.4 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 33 miles or 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 74.9 miles or 1h 30m 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 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Orchards, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kent, 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 Kent, WA
This is one driving day of about 149.8 miles and 2h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Kent, 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 133.4 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.7 and 147 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.7 mi into trip|~1m in
Turn left toward WA 167 South: Auburn
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward WA 167 South: Auburn
7
7.9 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the exit toward I 5: Seattle, Tacoma
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 5: Seattle, Tacoma
8
8.5 mi into trip|~13m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway South, Tacoma
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway Sou...
7
142.7 mi into trip|~2h 46m in|I 205
Keep slight right at fork onto I 205 toward I 205 South: Salem
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 205 South: Salem
8
147 mi into trip|~2h 52m in
Take the exit toward Padden Parkway, Northeast Andresen Road
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 32
Toward Padden Parkway, Northeast Andresen Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.35 one way
$62.70 round trip
$5.32/gal25.4 MPG avg52 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.58
$32.88
$65.76
premium
$5.77
$34.02
$68.04
diesel
$5.61
$33.07
$66.15
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 52.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
44.9
0
$15.73
$7.19
Efficient EV
37.5
0
$13.11
$5.99
EV Truck/SUV
59.9
0
$20.97
$9.59
Gas CO2
52 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (65% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Kent, WA
Late night
in Kent on Sunday
Local time
12:30 AM
PDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Orchards, WA
Late night
in Orchards on Sunday
Local time
12:30 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
2h 58m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a high-speed interstate experience, as this route features a 0% highway share. You will spend your time navigating through local thoroughfares, which creates a more hands-on driving environment than a monotonous freeway cruise. Because the path relies on surface streets, you should prepare for frequent turns and a consistent pace throughout the 149.8-mile distance. This configuration keeps you engaged behind the wheel, requiring more focus on navigation than a typical highway stretch. It is a functional, steady drive that favors local connectivity over the fast-paced transit of major state arteries.
97% 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: 133.4 mi on I 5.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and Valley Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 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 19 significant decision points across 149.8 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 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.5 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.
On the drive from Kent, WA to Orchards, WA, road signs begin pointing toward Tacoma along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 58m. Total distance: 149.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 133.4 miles on I 5. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Orchards, 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 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Orchards, WA before heading back.
