Pasco to Lakewood is 247 miles and takes about 4 hours 45 minutes via US 97, US 12, and I 82, with a fuel budget near $52 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Washington state, moving from the Pacific Coast region to another part of the same region. It's a solid option if you're looking for a straightforward, primarily highway drive. Expect a mostly contained trip, with the bulk of your travel on major roadways. This makes it a predictable choice for a single-day excursion.
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
123.5 miles from Pasco, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 16m 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
State Route 18
26.7 mi
34m
I 5
13.4 mi
16m
I 182
11.8 mi
12m
Lewis and Clark Trail
1.3 mi
1m
100th Street Southwest
1.3 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
US 97
— 85.7 mi, about 1h 35m
Traffic on I-5
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 44 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~6,142 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~672 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.1×
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 Pasco, WA and Lakewood, 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
27 mi·34 min·State Route 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 5: Seattle, TacomaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway South, TacomaUse the straight lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward I 5 South: Tacoma
17
Merge onto I 5
7.2 mi·9 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
6.2 mi·7 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Exit 127Toward WA 512 East: South Tacoma Way, PuyallupUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward South Tacoma WayUse the slight right lane.
21
Merge onto WA 512
383 ft·7 sec·WA 512
Use the right lane.
22
Turn right onto South Tacoma Way
0.1 mi·18 sec·South Tacoma Way
23
Turn slight left
151 ft·11 sec
24
Turn left onto 100th Street Southwest
1.3 mi·2 min·100th Street Southwest
25
Turn slight right onto Bridgeport Way Southwest
0.5 mi·1 min·Bridgeport Way Southwest
26
Turn sharp left onto Gravelly Lake Drive Southwest
31 ft·0 sec·Gravelly Lake Drive Southwest
27
Arrive at destination
Gravelly Lake Drive Southwest
Trip Plan
Given this is a single-day route, leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach Lakewood without feeling rushed. You'll only need about one stop for fuel or a break during the roughly 4 hour 45 minute drive. Since the majority of the trip is on highways like US 97, US 12, and I 82, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as services can sometimes be spread out between exits on these main arteries. The fuel cost estimate is around $52, so factor that into your budget. Plan your stop strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel ready for a break.
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 123.5 miles from Pasco, WA, or about 2h 16m 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 54 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.5 miles or 2h 16m 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 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lakewood, 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 247 miles and 4h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.7 and 244.4 — 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
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,...
8
230.1 mi into trip|~4h 20m 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...
8
244.4 mi into trip|~4h 39m in
Take the exit toward WA 512 East: South Tacoma Way, Puyallup
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 127
Toward WA 512 East: South Tacoma Way, Puyallup
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$54.73 one way
$109.46 round trip
$5.63/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.91
$57.42
$114.85
premium
$6.08
$59.12
$118.25
diesel
$5.35
$52.03
$104.05
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$55
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$80–$105
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
74.1
0
$25.94
$11.86
Efficient EV
61.8
0
$21.61
$9.88
EV Truck/SUV
98.8
1
$34.58
$15.81
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 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 Jun 2, 2026
Origin
Pasco, WA
Afternoon
in Pasco on Wednesday
Local time
2:08 PM
PDT
Current temp
85°F
Sunny
N 6 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued June 1 at 12:21PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Destination
Lakewood, WA
Afternoon
in Lakewood on Wednesday
Local time
2:08 PM
PDT
Current temp
87°F
Sunny
NNW 0 to 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued June 1 at 12:21PM 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
2 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
4h 45m 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 212.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll be on highways for 97% of this 247-mile trip. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 85.7 miles on US 97. Expect a significant amount of time on US 97, US 12, and I 82 before transitioning to surface roads closer to your destination. The extensive highway mileage means you'll experience consistent cruising speeds for most of the drive.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 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?
10/10
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 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 21 significant decision points across 247 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 202.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
2,798 ft261 ft
Total Climb
3,129 ft
Total Descent
3,255 ft
Highest Point
2,798 ft
~176.4 mi in
Elevation Range
2,537 ft
Notable High Points
2,228 ft at ~105.8 miles+657 ft prominence
2,798 ft at ~176.4 miles+525 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 Lakewood, WA, road signs point toward Yakima, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn and Tacoma.
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 45m. Total distance: 247 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 45m 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 85.7 miles on US 97. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 16 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 Lakewood, 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 16 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 202.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Lakewood, WA, but most travelers stay overnight.
