If you are planning to travel from Olympia to Pasco, you are looking at a 259.8-mile journey that typically takes about 5 hours and 5 minutes. Because this drive is highway-focused and straightforward, it is perfectly manageable as a one-day trip. You will primarily navigate via I-5, US 12, and I-82 to complete the transit. Expect to budget approximately $55 for fuel to cover the distance. This route keeps you within Washington state, transitioning from the Pacific Coast region toward the interior. It is an efficient, practical way to cross the state without needing an overnight stay.
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
129.9 miles from Olympia, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 12
157.2 mi
3h 10m
I 82
64.1 mi
1h 8m
I 5
36.1 mi
40m
North 4th Avenue
0.6 mi
1m
Court Street
0.3 mi
<1m
14th Avenue Southeast
0.2 mi
<1m
11th Avenue Southeast
0.2 mi
<1m
Jefferson Street Southeast
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
US 12
— 157.2 mi, about 3h 10m
Traffic on I-5
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 47 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,304 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,811
Quietest
1 AM
~297 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.1×
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 Olympia, WA and Pasco, WA.
1
Start on Capitol Way South
60 ft·5 sec·Capitol Way South
2
Turn right onto 11th Avenue Southeast
0.2 mi·29 sec·11th Avenue Southeast
3
Turn right onto Jefferson Street Southeast
0.2 mi·35 sec·Jefferson Street Southeast
4
Enter roundabout onto 14th Avenue Southeast
184 ft·3 sec·14th Avenue Southeast
5
Continue on 14th Avenue Southeast
0.2 mi·33 sec·14th Avenue Southeast
6
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
7
Merge onto I 5
36 mi·40 min·I 5
8
Take the exit onto US 12
0.4 mi·1 min·US 12
Toward US 12 East: Morton, Yakima
9
Continue on US 12
119 mi·2 hr 22 min·US 12
Use the left lane.
10
Continue on US 12
23 mi·30 min·US 12
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 82; US 12
64 mi·1 hr 8 min·I 82; US 12
12
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.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Exit 13Toward North 4th Avenue: Pasco City CenterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Turn straight onto North 4th Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North 4th Avenue
15
Turn right onto Court Street
0.3 mi·42 sec·Court Street
16
Turn left onto North 8th Avenue
0.1 mi·28 sec·North 8th Avenue
17
Arrive at destination
North 8th Avenue
Trip Plan
Since the drive is roughly 5 hours, leave early in the morning to avoid fatigue and ensure you reach your destination with daylight to spare. You only need to plan for one major stop to break up the journey, which helps keep your travel time efficient. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the 157.2-mile stretch on US 12, as this is the most critical segment for maintaining your momentum. Because the route is so compact, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on local traffic patterns. Prioritize consistent pacing to make the most of this highway-centric transit.
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 129.9 miles from Olympia, WA, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 157.2 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 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129.9 miles or 2h 35m 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 13m
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 Olympia, 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 Olympia, WA
This is one driving day of about 259.8 miles and 5h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Olympia, 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 157.2 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 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 258.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|11th Avenue Southeast
Turn right onto 11th Avenue Southeast
Navigation decision point
5
0.4 mi into trip|~1m in|14th Avenue Southeast
Enter roundabout onto 14th Avenue Southeast
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
37.3 mi into trip|~43m in|US 12
Take the exit onto US 12 toward US 12 East: Morton, Yakima
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 12 East: Morton, Yakima
8
244.2 mi into trip|~4h 46m 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
7
258.6 mi into trip|~5h 2m in
Take the exit toward North 4th Avenue: Pasco City Center
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 13
Toward North 4th Avenue: Pasco City Center
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$50.61 one way
$101.22 round trip
$4.95/gal25.4 MPG avg91 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.18
$53.02
$106.05
premium
$5.39
$55.14
$110.28
diesel
$4.80
$49.06
$98.11
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: 90.9 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
77.9
0
$27.28
$12.47
Efficient EV
65
0
$22.73
$10.39
EV Truck/SUV
103.9
1
$36.37
$16.63
Gas CO2
91 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
Olympia, WA
Morning
in Olympia on Sunday
Local time
9:42 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
Destination
Pasco, WA
Morning
in Pasco on Sunday
Local time
9:42 AM
PDT
Current temp
64°F
Clear
S 3 to 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
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 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 107.5
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?
This trip is heavily prioritized for speed, with 99% of the route consisting of highway driving. You will spend the bulk of your time on US 12, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of 157.2 miles. While the drive is characterized by its interstate-focused nature, the transition between these major arteries keeps the pace consistent. You should prepare for a focused, steady experience behind the wheel rather than a winding backroad adventure. The route provides a reliable, high-speed connection that makes moving across the state feel direct and purposeful.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 157.2 mi on US 12.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 12 and I 82. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 11th Avenue Southeast.
Driving Effort5/10
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 259.8 miles you will encounter 11 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: near the start (11th Avenue Southeast): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (14th Avenue Southeast): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 37.3 miles (US 12): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,091 ft97 ft
Total Climb
3,025 ft
Total Descent
2,734 ft
Highest Point
3,091 ft
~129.9 mi in
Elevation Range
2,995 ft
Notable High Points
3,091 ft at ~129.9 miles+1,058 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Olympia, WA and Pasco, WA, road signs point toward Yakima and I‑182 East.
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)
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 5h 5m. Total distance: 259.8 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 (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 157.2 miles on US 12. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 13 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.
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 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (11th Avenue Southeast): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (14th Avenue Southeast): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 37.3 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 Pasco, WA before the return drive.
