Lacey, WA to Kennewick, WA is 263.4 miles and takes about 5h 4m via I 90 and I 82, with a fuel budget near $56 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive takes you across Washington state, moving from the Pacific Coast region towards inland areas. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, making for a straightforward trip. It's a solid option if you need to get from the western side of the state to the central/eastern side efficiently, with only one recommended stop. Consider this route for a single-day transit.
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
131.7 miles from Lacey, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 37m 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
I 5
32.2 mi
40m
State Route 18
27.3 mi
34m
WA 240
7.3 mi
9m
US 12
5.5 mi
5m
College Street Southeast
1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 84.5 mi, about 1h 33m
Traffic on I-5
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 87 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~5,277 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~545 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.7×
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 Lacey, WA and Kennewick, WA.
1
Start on College Street Southeast
1.0 mi·2 min·College Street Southeast
2
Turn right onto Martin Way East
0.3 mi·33 sec·Martin Way East
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward I 5 North: Seattle, Tacoma
4
Merge onto I 5
24 mi·30 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
8.2 mi·10 min·I 5
Use the slight right lane.
6
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 142AToward WA 18 East: Auburn, Muckleshoot ReservationUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto WA 18
27 mi·34 min·State Route 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on WA 18
0.1 mi·8 sec·Snoqualmie Parkway
9
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 90 East: Spokane
10
Merge onto I 90
85 mi·1 hr 33 min·I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
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.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 82; US 12
64 mi·1 hr 8 min·I 82; US 12
13
Take the exit onto US 12
5.5 mi·5 min·US 12
Exit 102Toward I‑182 east, US 12 east: Richland, Pasco
14
Take the exit onto WA 240
7.3 mi·9 min·WA 240
Toward SR 240 east: KennewickUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Enter roundabout onto West Columbia Drive
0.1 mi·9 sec·West Columbia Drive
16
Continue on West Columbia Drive
0.5 mi·1 min·West Columbia Drive
17
Turn right onto North Fruitland Street
0.6 mi·1 min·North Fruitland Street
18
Turn right onto West Kennewick Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·West Kennewick Avenue
19
Turn right onto North Newport Street
0.1 mi·31 sec·North Newport Street
20
Arrive at destination
North Newport Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour duration, leaving Lacey in the morning will allow you to reach Kennewick with plenty of daylight remaining. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to pause. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you approach the longer stretches, and be aware that fuel costs are estimated at $56. The majority of this route is on interstates, so plan for typical highway conditions and traffic patterns, particularly around larger towns. The 98% highway share means you'll have consistent speed limits for most of the trip.
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 131.7 miles from Lacey, WA, or about 2h 37m 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 58 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.7 miles or 2h 37m 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 Kennewick, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lacey, 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 Lacey, WA
This is one driving day of about 263.4 miles and 5h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Lacey, 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.3 and 248.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.3 mi into trip|~2m in
Take the ramp toward I 5 North: Seattle, Tacoma
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 5 North: Seattle, Tacoma
6
25.5 mi into trip|~33m 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.
8
33.7 mi into trip|~43m 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
146.7 mi into trip|~2h 53m 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
6
248.7 mi into trip|~4h 45m 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. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 102
Toward I‑182 east, US 12 east: Richland, Pasco
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.31 one way
$102.62 round trip
$4.95/gal25.4 MPG avg92 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.18
$53.76
$107.52
premium
$5.39
$55.91
$111.81
diesel
$4.80
$49.73
$99.47
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$51
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$76–$101
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79
0
$27.66
$12.64
Efficient EV
65.9
0
$23.05
$10.54
EV Truck/SUV
105.4
1
$36.88
$16.86
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% 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
Lacey, WA
Morning
in Lacey on Sunday
Local time
9:38 AM
PDT
Current temp
51°F
Patchy Fog
SSW 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
Destination
Kennewick, WA
Morning
in Kennewick on Sunday
Local time
9:38 AM
PDT
Current temp
64°F
Clear
SW 5 to 9 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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 4m 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 45.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is 98% highway, meaning you'll be on major interstates for almost the entire 263.4 miles. The longest continuous stretch without needing to exit is 84.5 miles on I 90. You'll transition from I 90 to I 82, and then briefly onto US 97, before reaching your destination. Expect mostly highway cruising with occasional merges as you navigate between these main arteries.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 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?
8/10
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 1.3 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 263.4 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 1.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.5 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 33.7 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
2,542 ft120 ft
Total Climb
3,217 ft
Total Descent
3,014 ft
Highest Point
2,542 ft
~94.1 mi in
Elevation Range
2,422 ft
Notable High Points
2,059 ft at ~169.4 miles+560 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lacey, WA and Kennewick, WA, road signs point toward Muckleshoot Reservation, I‑182 East and Pasco.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 4m. Total distance: 263.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 4m 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 14 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 Kennewick, 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 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.5 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 33.7 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.
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 Kennewick, WA before the return drive.
