Pasco, WA to Fairwood, WA is 222.3 miles and takes about 4h 14m via US 97, US 12, and I 82, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive travels within Washington state, connecting two points in the Pacific Coast region. Expect a straightforward journey primarily on major roadways, making it a practical option for a single-day trip. With 95% of the route on highways, it's designed for efficient travel between these two locations.
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
111.2 miles from Pasco, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 3m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 97
85.7 mi
1h 35m
US 12
70.9 mi
1h 17m
I 82
31 mi
33m
I 182
11.8 mi
12m
State Route 18
11.5 mi
15m
Southeast Petrovitsky Road
7 mi
11m
Lewis and Clark Trail
1.3 mi
1m
North 4th Avenue
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
US 97
— 85.7 mi, about 1h 35m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 27 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
1 PM
~1,339 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,355
Quietest
2 AM
~108 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.4×
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 Pasco, WA and Fairwood, WA.
1
Start on North 8th Avenue
0.1 mi·32 sec·North 8th Avenue
2
At end of road, turn right onto West Court Street
0.3 mi·44 sec·West Court Street
3
Turn left onto North 4th Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North 4th Avenue
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·47 sec
5
Merge onto I 182; US 12; US 395
1.3 mi·1 min·Lewis and Clark Trail
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 182; US 12
12 mi·12 min·I 182; US 12
Toward I 182, US 12Use the straight lane.
7
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
8
Continue on I 82; US 97
31 mi·33 min·I 82; US 97
9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 97
86 mi·1 hr 35 min·US 97
Toward I 90 WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 25Toward WA 18 West: AuburnUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
448 ft·13 sec
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, TacomaUse the straight / left / right lanes.
12
Merge onto WA 18
0.3 mi·25 sec·Snoqualmie Parkway
13
Continue on WA 18
12 mi·15 min·State Route 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward WA 169: Southeast 231st Street, Maple ValleyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn right onto Southeast 231st Street
71 ft·1 sec·Southeast 231st Street
Use the right lane.
16
Turn slight right
269 ft·5 sec
17
Turn straight onto Southeast Petrovitsky Road
7.0 mi·11 min·Southeast Petrovitsky Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn right onto 140th Avenue Southeast
0.3 mi·38 sec·140th Avenue Southeast
19
Turn left onto Southeast 171st Place
217 ft·14 sec·Southeast 171st Place
Use the left lane.
20
Turn sharp left onto 139th Place Southeast
313 ft·12 sec·139th Place Southeast
21
Turn right onto Southeast 172nd Street
0.1 mi·20 sec·Southeast 172nd Street
22
Arrive at destination
Southeast 172nd Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 14m duration, this route is easily completed in a single day. Consider departing in the morning to allow for a relaxed pace, though the relatively short distance offers flexibility. The longest stretch without a major road change is 85.7 miles on US 97, so plan your fuel stops accordingly. While there's only one recommended stop, you can always pull over if needed, but be aware of the significant highway percentage which means fewer immediate services between major towns.
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 111.2 miles from Pasco, WA, or about 2h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 85.7 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 49 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.2 miles or 2h 3m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fairwood, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Pasco, 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 Pasco, WA
This is one driving day of about 222.3 miles and 4h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Pasco, 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 97 for about 85.7 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.7 and 214.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
2.7 mi into trip|~5m in|I 182; US 12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 182; US 12 toward I 182, US 12
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 182, US 12
7
116.4 mi into trip|~2h 8m in|US 97
Keep slight left at fork onto US 97 toward I 90 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 90 West
7
202.2 mi into trip|~3h 44m in
Take the exit toward WA 18 West: Auburn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 25
Toward WA 18 West: Auburn
9
202.4 mi into trip|~3h 44m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, Tacoma
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn,...
7
214.3 mi into trip|~4h in
Take the exit toward WA 169: Southeast 231st Street, Maple Valley
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 WA 169: Southeast 231st Street, Maple Va...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.30 one way
$86.61 round trip
$4.95/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.18
$45.37
$90.74
premium
$5.39
$47.18
$94.36
diesel
$4.80
$41.97
$83.95
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
66.7
0
$23.34
$10.67
Efficient EV
55.6
0
$19.45
$8.89
EV Truck/SUV
88.9
1
$31.12
$14.23
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 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
Pasco, WA
Morning
in Pasco on Sunday
Local time
10:41 AM
PDT
Current temp
95°F
Sunny
SW 8 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 18 at 11:42AM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 18 at 11:42AM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Destination
Fairwood, WA
Morning
in Fairwood on Sunday
Local time
10:41 AM
PDT
Current temp
77°F
Sunny
WNW 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 18 at 11:42AM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 18 at 11:42AM 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
18 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
4h 14m 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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
Free
near mile 222.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is overwhelmingly a highway-focused drive, with 95% of the 222.3 miles covered on major roads like US 97, US 12, and I 82. You'll experience long, uninterrupted stretches, including one that lasts 85.7 miles on US 97. The character of the drive is consistent, emphasizing speed and directness rather than winding scenic byways. Prepare for a journey where the focus is on covering ground efficiently on well-maintained highways.
95% 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: 85.7 mi on US 97.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 97 and US 12. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.7 miles in near I 182; US 12.
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 17 significant decision points across 222.3 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 2.7 miles (I 182; US 12): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.4 miles (US 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 202.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
2,931 ft387 ft
Total Climb
3,340 ft
Total Descent
3,199 ft
Highest Point
2,931 ft
~174.7 mi in
Elevation Range
2,544 ft
Notable High Points
2,931 ft at ~174.7 miles+645 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Pasco, WA and Fairwood, WA, road signs point toward Yakima, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn and Tacoma.
Yakima
14.5 mi in|~17m|via US 12
Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn
202.4 mi in|~3h 44m
Tacoma
202.4 mi in|~3h 44m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
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 4h 14m. Total distance: 222.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 85.7 miles on US 97. 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 Fairwood, 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 2.7 miles (I 182; US 12): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.4 miles (US 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 202.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Fairwood, WA, but most travelers stay overnight.
