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Trip from Long Beach, WA to Tacoma, WA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 18m

Distance

140.2 mi

226 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 6m ★
6 AM
3h 18m
8 AM
3h 42m
10 AM
3h 26m
12 PM
3h 24m
3 PM
3h 28m
5 PM
3h 41m
8 PM
3h 11m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Long Beach, WA, WA

Long Beach, WA

David J. Boozer

Trip Overview

Embark on a 140.2-mile journey from Long Beach, WA, to Tacoma, WA, a drive that will take approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes. This route is primarily a highway-focused experience, with 88% of your travel on major roads like US 101, I-5, and WA 8. With a fuel cost estimated at $29, it's an economical option for a single-day trip, making it perfect for a straightforward transition between Washington's Pacific Coast regions. You'll encounter one recommended stop along the way, allowing for a comfortable pace. This drive offers a direct and efficient connection for your travels.

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

70.1 miles from Long Beach, WA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 44m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 101 68.7 mi 1h 39m
I 5 26.7 mi 33m
WA 8 21.1 mi 26m
Olympic Highway 10.1 mi 12m
State Route 107 7.1 mi 12m
Pacific Avenue North 1.5 mi 3m
South 11th Street 0.9 mi 2m
South Main Street 0.8 mi 1m
Longest stretch: US 101 — 68.7 mi, about 1h 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Long Beach, WA and Tacoma, WA.

1

Start on WA 103

1.5 mi · 3 min · Pacific Avenue North
2

Turn left onto US 101

15 mi · 23 min · US 101
3

Turn left onto US 101

30 mi · 43 min · US 101
4

Enter roundabout onto US 101

104 ft · 1 sec · US 101
5

Continue on US 101

18 mi · 25 min · US 101
6

Turn right onto WA 107

7.1 mi · 12 min · State Route 107
7

Continue on WA 107

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
8

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 52 sec
9

Merge onto US 12

10 mi · 12 min · Olympic Highway
10

Continue on WA 8

21 mi · 26 min · WA 8
11

Merge onto US 101

5.4 mi · 7 min · US 101
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 52 sec
13

Merge onto I 5

27 mi · 33 min · I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Exit 132 Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 18 sec
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street West, Tacoma Mall Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 28 sec
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight left at fork onto WA 16

0.5 mi · 43 sec · WA 16
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
18

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 1A Toward Sprague Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Continue on Sprague Ramp

0.3 mi · 43 sec · Sprague Ramp
20

Continue on South Sprague Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Sprague Avenue
21

Turn right onto South 11th Street

0.9 mi · 2 min · South 11th Street
22

Arrive at destination

South 11th Street

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 18-minute duration, this 140.2-mile trip is easily manageable as a single day's adventure. You can depart at your leisure, but consider an early start to maximize daylight if you plan any spontaneous detours. The estimated fuel cost of $29 makes budgeting straightforward. With only one suggested stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself, perhaps choosing a rest area that aligns with the 68.7-mile longest stretch on US 101 for a break. Ensure your vehicle is fueled before departing Long Beach, as extended highway driving can consume fuel steadily.

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 70.1 miles from Long Beach, WA, or about 1h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68.7 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 31 miles or 46m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 70.1 miles or 1h 44m 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 43m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tacoma, WA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Long Beach, 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 Long Beach, WA

This is one driving day of about 140.2 miles and 3h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Long Beach, 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 101 for about 68.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Central Park, WA, WA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Central Park, WA

70 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.

Popular next leg

Central Park, WA to Tacoma, WA

71.9 mi · 1h 34m

Pacing Suggestions

South Bend, WA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Montesano, WA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 70.1 miles from Long Beach, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 101 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 68.7 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop

Coastal Class Crepes - Sandbar Food Court

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Long Beach, Washington

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Moderately

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+19163901412

Visit website

Benson's By The Beach

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Long Beach, Washington

0.2 mi

Pellegrino's | Italian Kitchen & Catering

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tumwater, Washington

0.6 mi

Best coffee break · home stretch

Naomi Joe Coffee Roasters

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tacoma, Washington

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12532373403

Visit website

Painted Plate

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Olympia, Washington

1.4 mi

Gravity Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lakewood, Washington

2 mi

Coastal Class Crepes - Sandbar Food Court

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Moderately

Long Beach, Washington

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+19163901412

Visit website

Benson's By The Beach

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Long Beach, Washington

Hours: 7:30 am–12:30 pm

+13606423300

Pellegrino's | Italian Kitchen & Catering

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Tumwater, Washington

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+13607099020

Visit website

jean-pierre's three16

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $50 to $10

Tumwater, Washington

Hours: Closed

+13607049232

Visit website

Hops on the Hill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Tumwater, Washington

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13609158780

Visit website

The DEPOT Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $30 to $50

Seaview, Washington

Hours: 4:30–8 pm

+13606427880

Visit website

The Cove Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Long Beach, Washington

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+13606422828

Visit website

Gardner's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $100 or ab

Olympia, Washington

Hours: 5–8 pm

+13607868466

Visit website

Naomi Joe Coffee Roasters

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Tacoma, Washington

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12532373403

Visit website

Painted Plate

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Olympia, Washington

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13607052103

Visit website

Gravity Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Lakewood, Washington

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12534478740

Visit website

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Olympia, Washington

+13607539467

Visit website

Marsh's Free Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Long Beach, Washington

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+13606422188

Visit website

Children's Museum of Tacoma

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Tacoma, Washington

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+12536276031

Visit website

Basalt Monolith

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Long Beach, Washington

Hours: Open 24 hours

Mccleary Museum

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Final third 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

McCleary, Washington

Hours: Closed

+13609640561

Visit website

Marathon Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Olympia, Washington

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13604072200

Visit website

Cranberry Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Long Beach, Washington

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13606425553

Visit website

Lions Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Olympia, Washington

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+13607538380

Visit website

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 136.7 and 138 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
136.7 mi into trip | ~3h 10m in

Take the exit toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street

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 132 Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South...
9
137 mi into trip | ~3h 10m in

Keep slight left at fork toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street West, Tacoma Mall

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South...
8
137.2 mi into trip | ~3h 11m in

Keep slight left at fork toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
6
137.5 mi into trip | ~3h 11m in | WA 16

Keep slight left at fork onto WA 16 toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
7
138 mi into trip | ~3h 12m in

Take the exit toward Sprague Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 1A Toward Sprague Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.34 one way

$58.69 round trip

$5.32/gal 25.4 MPG avg 49 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.58 $30.77 $61.54
premium $5.77 $31.84 $63.68
diesel $5.61 $30.95 $61.91

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 49.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 42.1 0 $14.72 $6.73
Efficient EV 35.1 0 $12.27 $5.61
EV Truck/SUV 56.1 0 $19.63 $8.97

Gas CO2

49 kg

EV CO2

16 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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Long Beach, WA

Late night in Long Beach on Tuesday

Local time

3:23 AM

PDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Tacoma, WA

Late night in Tacoma on Tuesday

Local time

3:23 AM

PDT

Current temp

45°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

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

3h 18m 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.

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Explore the timeless rainforests and majestic coastal vistas. Discover the rich heritage of the native people. Unfold the dramatic stories of America's most famous explorers. The park encompasses site...

8 mi from route ~21 min detour $10 near mile 4.8
View on nps.gov
Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park

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...

25 mi from route ~61 min detour Free near mile 140.2
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is largely characterized by its highway-focused profile, with a substantial 88% of the 140.2 miles spent on major thoroughfares. You'll experience a significant uninterrupted stretch of 68.7 miles on US 101, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. While the majority is highway, the inclusion of I-5 and WA 8 suggests a mix of speeds and road types as you progress towards Tacoma. Expect a driving experience that prioritizes efficient travel over winding scenic byways.

88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 68.7 mi on US 101.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 101 and I 5. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 136.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 140.2 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 136.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Starting in Long Beach, WA

Full guide →

Long Beach is a beachfront city in southwestern Washington State. It is the largest city on the Long Beach Peninsula, claimed to be the longest continuous beach in the United States.

Arriving in Tacoma, WA

Full guide →

Tacoma, a major port on the Puget Sound, is the third-largest city in Washington State, with about 220,000 residents. It has a dynamic art scene and a great ballet.

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 18m. Total distance: 140.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 68.7 miles on US 101. 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 Tacoma, 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 136.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Lewis and Clark National Historical Park and Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Tacoma, 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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