Rock Island to Kent is 157.5 miles and takes about 3 hours 22 minutes via I 90, US 97, and State Route 18, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Washington state, moving from the Pacific Coast region towards the same destination. Expect a drive that is predominantly on major highways, making it a straightforward journey. Given its relatively short duration, it’s a manageable one-day trip, perfect for a quick transition between these two points.
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
78.7 miles from Rock Island, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 45m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
60 mi
1h 6m
US 97
35.3 mi
44m
State Route 18
15.8 mi
20m
US 2
14.5 mi
19m
WA 970
9.9 mi
12m
WA 28
8.1 mi
11m
Sunset Highway
4.2 mi
7m
Southeast 272nd Street
2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 60 mi, about 1h 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rock Island, WA and Kent, WA.
1
Start on Saunders Avenue
73 ft·4 sec·Saunders Avenue
2
Turn right onto North Garden Avenue
0.1 mi·27 sec·North Garden Avenue
3
Turn left onto Rock Island Drive
0.4 mi·1 min·Rock Island Drive
4
Turn right onto WA 28
7.9 mi·11 min·WA 28
5
Turn straight onto WA 28
0.2 mi·23 sec·WA 28
6
Enter roundabout onto WA 28
105 ft·1 sec·Sunset Highway
7
Continue on WA 28
4.0 mi·7 min·Sunset Highway
8
Turn left onto US 2; US 97
0.7 mi·1 min·US 2/97
9
Continue on US 2; US 97
1.1 mi·1 min·Odabashian Bridge
10
Enter roundabout onto US 2; US 97
137 ft·5 sec·US 2; US 97
11
Continue on US 2; US 97
0.4 mi·44 sec·US 2; US 97
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 2; US 97
140 ft·2 sec·US 2; US 97
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 2; US 97
14 mi·17 min·US 2; US 97
14
Take the exit onto US 97
0.3 mi·46 sec·US 2
Toward US 97 South to I-90, Ellensburg, SeattleUse the slight right lane.
15
Turn left onto US 97
35 mi·44 min·US 97
16
Continue on WA 970
9.8 mi·12 min·WA 970
17
Turn left onto WA 970
0.2 mi·18 sec·WA 970
18
Turn left onto WA 970
0.2 mi·11 sec·Sunset Highway
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward I 90 West
20
Merge onto I 90
60 mi·1 hr 6 min·I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 25Toward WA 18 West: AuburnUse the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork
448 ft·13 sec
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, TacomaUse the straight / left / right lanes.
23
Merge onto WA 18
0.3 mi·25 sec·Snoqualmie Parkway
24
Continue on WA 18
16 mi·20 min·State Route 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Toward WA 516: South East 272nd Street, CovingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Turn right onto WA 516
2.0 mi·3 min·Southeast 272nd Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
27
Continue on WA 516
0.2 mi·16 sec·Southeast Kent-Kangley Road
28
Continue on WA 516
1.8 mi·3 min·Southeast Kent Kangley Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
29
Continue on WA 516
0.4 mi·55 sec·Southeast 256th Street
Use the left lane.
30
Continue on WA 516
1.0 mi·1 min·Canyon Drive
31
Continue on WA 516
0.1 mi·20 sec·East Smith Street
32
Turn left onto East Titus Street
0.2 mi·40 sec·East Titus Street
Use the left lane.
33
Continue on East Gowe Street
0.3 mi·56 sec·East Gowe Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue South
10 ft·0 sec·2nd Avenue South
35
Arrive at destination
2nd Avenue South
Trip Plan
For this 157.5-mile trip, leaving Rock Island in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight. With a drive time of just over 3 hours, you can comfortably complete this in one day without needing an overnight stop. Plan for one stop, perhaps around the halfway point, to refuel and stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially if you deviate from the main highways, as the estimated fuel cost is $33. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 60 miles on I 90, so be prepared for that segment without many immediate services.
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 78.7 miles from Rock Island, WA, or about 1h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 60 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 35 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 78.7 miles or 1h 45m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kent, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Rock Island, 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 Rock Island, WA
This is one driving day of about 157.5 miles and 3h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Rock Island, 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 90 for about 60 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 28.7 and 156.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
28.7 mi into trip|~42m in|US 97 / US 2
Take the exit onto US 97 / US 2 toward US 97 South to I-90, Ellensburg, Seattle
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 US 97 South to I-90, Ellensburg, Seattle
7
134.6 mi into trip|~2h 47m 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
134.8 mi into trip|~2h 48m 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
151.1 mi into trip|~3h 9m in
Take the exit toward WA 516: South East 272nd Street, Covington
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 516: South East 272nd Street, Covingt...
7
156.9 mi into trip|~3h 20m in|East Titus Street
Turn left onto East Titus Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.96 one way
$65.93 round trip
$5.32/gal25.4 MPG avg55 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.58
$34.57
$69.14
premium
$5.77
$35.77
$71.53
diesel
$5.61
$34.77
$69.55
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 55.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
47.3
0
$16.54
$7.56
Efficient EV
39.4
0
$13.78
$6.30
EV Truck/SUV
63
0
$22.05
$10.08
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
18 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 15, 2026
Origin
Rock Island, WA
Late night
in Rock Island on Sunday
Local time
1:06 AM
PDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Kent, WA
Late night
in Kent on Sunday
Local time
1:06 AM
PDT
Current temp
47°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
22 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 22m 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.
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...
16 mi from route
~39 min detour
Free
near mile 156.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 92% of the journey utilizing major roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 60 miles on I 90, offering a consistent pace. The route primarily uses I 90, US 97, and State Route 18, indicating a mix of interstate and state highway driving. The character is largely about efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways. Expect a drive that prioritizes reaching your destination directly.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 60 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and US 97. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 28.7 miles in near US 97 / US 2.
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 157.5 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 28.7 miles (US 97 / US 2): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 134.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 134.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Rock Island, WA and Kent, WA, road signs point toward Ellensburg, Seattle, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn and Tacoma.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 22m. Total distance: 157.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 60 miles on I 90. 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 Kent, 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 28.7 miles (US 97 / US 2): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 134.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 134.8 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 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Kent, WA, but most travelers stay overnight.
