Origin
Renton, WA
Night in Renton on Saturday
Local time
11:01 PM
PDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Renton, WA to Carson, WA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 9m
Distance
203.2 mi
327 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$43
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 56m
★
6 AM
4h 9m
8 AM
4h 35m
10 AM
4h 18m
12 PM
4h 16m
3 PM
4h 20m
5 PM
4h 34m
8 PM
4h 1m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Carson, WA
William Jacobs
Trip Overview
This 203.2-mile drive from Renton, WA, to Carson, WA, is a straightforward journey that can comfortably be completed in about 4 hours and 9 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-5 and local highways like Evergreen Highway and Southeast Lewis and Clark Highway, it's an ideal one-day trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $43, this route offers a budget-friendly excursion. The drive takes you through the Pacific Coast region, making it a convenient option for those looking to explore more of Washington state. Its manageable length and focused highway profile mean you can easily reach your destination 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
101.6 miles from Renton, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 59m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 5 | 146.5 mi | 2h 47m |
| Evergreen Highway | 22.3 mi | 31m |
| Southeast Lewis and Clark Highway | 10.1 mi | 13m |
| I 205 | 10.1 mi | 13m |
| Lewis and Clark Highway | 4.9 mi | 6m |
| Lewis and Clark Trail Highway | 2.8 mi | 4m |
| I 405 | 2 mi | 2m |
| Wind River Road | 1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 5
— 146.5 mi, about 2h 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Renton, WA and Carson, WA.
1
Start on this road
63 ft
·
5 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left
71 ft
·
8 sec
3
Turn left
98 ft
·
12 sec
4
Turn left onto Rainier Avenue South
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Rainier Avenue South
5
Continue on WA 167
324 ft
·
7 sec
·
Valley Freeway
Use the left lane.
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward I 405 South: Burien, Seattle, Tacoma
Use the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto I 405
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
I 405
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
Toward I 5 South: Portland
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 5
20 mi
·
25 min
·
I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
126 mi
·
2 hr 22 min
·
I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 205
10 mi
·
13 min
·
I 205
Toward I 205 South: Salem
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Exit 27
Toward WA 14: Camas, City Center
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward WA 14 East: Camas
Use the slight left lane.
14
Merge onto WA 14
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Southeast Lewis and Clark Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on WA 14
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Lewis and Clark Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Enter roundabout onto WA 14
85 ft
·
1 sec
·
Lewis and Clark Highway
17
Continue on WA 14
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Lewis and Clark Highway
18
Enter roundabout onto WA 14
102 ft
·
1 sec
·
Southeast Lewis and Clark Highway
19
Continue on WA 14
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Southeast Lewis and Clark Highway
20
Continue on WA 14
22 mi
·
31 min
·
Evergreen Highway
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on WA 14
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
2nd Street
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on WA 14
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
23
Enter roundabout onto Wind River Road
196 ft
·
8 sec
·
Wind River Road
Toward Carson
24
Continue on Wind River Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Wind River Road
Toward Carson
25
Turn right onto Hot Springs Avenue
270 ft
·
9 sec
·
Hot Springs Avenue
26
Turn right onto 1st Street
196 ft
·
8 sec
·
1st Street
27
Arrive at destination
1st Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour duration, starting your drive from Renton in the morning is a good strategy to maximize daylight and arrive in Carson with ample time. While only one stop is factored into the duration, the longest stretch of 146.5 miles on I-5 means you'll want to plan for a fuel and rest break. Consider topping off your tank before departing Renton, as fuel prices can fluctuate. This route is well-suited for a single day, allowing for flexibility in your schedule without the pressure of an extended journey.
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 101.6 miles from Renton, WA, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 146.5 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 45 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 101.6 miles or 1h 59m 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 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Carson, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Renton, 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 Renton, WA
This is one driving day of about 203.2 miles and 4h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Renton, 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 5 for about 146.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
102 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 101.6 miles from Renton, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 5 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 146.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 160.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the exit toward I 405 South: Burien, Seattle, Tacoma
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 405 South: Burien, Seattle, Tacoma
6
3.5 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Take the exit toward I 5 South: Portland
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 5 South: Portland
7
150.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 54m in
|
I 205
Keep slight right at fork onto I 205 toward I 205 South: Salem
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 205 South: Salem
8
160.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 7m in
Take the exit toward WA 14: Camas, City Center
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 27
Toward WA 14: Camas, City Center
7
160.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 8m in
Keep slight left at fork toward WA 14 East: Camas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward WA 14 East: Camas
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.53 one way
$85.06 round trip
$5.32/gal
25.4 MPG avg
71 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.58 | $44.60 | $89.20 |
| premium | $5.77 | $46.14 | $92.29 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $44.86 | $89.73 |
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: 71.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61 | 0 | $21.34 | $9.75 |
| Efficient EV | 50.8 | 0 | $17.78 | $8.13 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 81.3 | 1 | $28.45 | $13.00 |
Gas CO2
71 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Carson, WA
Night in Carson on Saturday
Local time
11:01 PM
PDT
Current temp
56°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
8 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 9m 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...
10 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 203.2-mile trip, with 78% of the journey on major roadways. You'll experience a significant uninterrupted stretch of 146.5 miles on I-5, offering a consistent pace. While the bulk is highway, Evergreen Highway and Southeast Lewis and Clark Highway introduce more local road characteristics as you approach Carson. This blend means you’ll likely encounter a mix of faster-paced driving and more varied scenery, though the emphasis remains on efficient travel rather than winding backroads.
78% 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: 146.5 mi on I 5.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and Evergreen Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 17 significant decision points across 203.2 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 1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 150.2 miles (I 205): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Renton, WA to Carson, WA, road signs begin pointing toward City Center along the way.
City Center
160.3 mi in
|
~3h 7m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 9m. Total distance: 203.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 146.5 miles on I 5. 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 Carson, 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 1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 150.2 miles (I 205): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 8.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Carson, 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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