Origin
Salem, OR
Evening in Salem on Saturday
Local time
7:46 PM
PDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Salem, OR to Williams, OR
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 36m
Distance
222 mi
357 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 24m
★
6 AM
4h 37m
8 AM
5h 4m
10 AM
4h 46m
12 PM
4h 44m
3 PM
4h 48m
5 PM
5h 2m
8 PM
4h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Salem, OR
Wikimedia Commons
Williams, OR
Abhishek Navlakha
Trip Overview
Embark on a 222-mile journey from Salem, Oregon, to Williams, Oregon, a trip that will take approximately 4 hours and 36 minutes. This drive is primarily on I-5, making it a straightforward, highway-focused experience. With a fuel cost estimated at $44, it's an economical option for a single day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. The route stays within the Pacific Coast region, offering a consistent feel throughout your travel. Consider this an efficient way to cover ground within the state.
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 miles from Salem, OR
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 13m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 5 | 197.7 mi | 3h 51m |
| Williams Highway | 13.3 mi | 21m |
| Water Gap Road | 4.4 mi | 10m |
| Grants Pass Parkway | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| 12th Street Southeast | 2.1 mi | 4m |
| Highway #001CQ - East Grants Pass Connection #2 | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Watergap Road | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| Bellevue Street Southeast | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 5
— 197.7 mi, about 3h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salem, OR and Williams, OR.
1
Start on High Street Northeast
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
High Street Northeast
2
Continue on High Street Southeast
0.1 mi
·
31 sec
·
High Street Southeast
3
Turn left onto OR 22; OR 99E Bus
446 ft
·
14 sec
·
Trade Street Southeast
4
Continue on OR 22; OR 99E Bus
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
Pringle Parkway Southeast
5
Continue on OR 22; OR 99E Bus
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
·
Bellevue Street Southeast
6
Turn right onto OR 22; OR 99E Bus
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
12th Street Southeast
7
Continue on OR 22; OR 99E Bus
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
North Santiam Highway
8
Take the exit onto I 5; OR 99E
198 mi
·
3 hr 51 min
·
I 5; OR 99E
Exit 1A
Toward I 5 South: Eugene
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit onto Highway #001CQ - East Grants Pass Connection #2
0.5 mi
·
44 sec
·
Highway #001CQ - East Grants Pass Connection #2
Toward US 199: Redwood Highway, Ocean Beaches, Crescent City
10
Keep slight right at fork onto Highway #001CQ - East Grants Pass Connection #2
296 ft
·
5 sec
·
Highway #001CQ - East Grants Pass Connection #2
Toward US 199: Redwood Highway, Ocean Beaches, Crescent City
11
Merge onto US 199
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Grants Pass Parkway
12
Turn left onto OR 238
12 mi
·
18 min
·
Williams Highway
Use the left lane.
13
Turn slight right onto Watergap Road
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Watergap Road
14
Continue on Water Gap Road
4.4 mi
·
10 min
·
Water Gap Road
15
At end of road, turn right onto Williams Highway
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Williams Highway
16
Arrive at destination
Williams Highway
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 36-minute duration, this 222-mile trip is perfectly suited for a single day. Leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach Williams, OR, with flexibility for any brief stops you might need. The longest continuous driving segment is nearly 200 miles on I-5, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly before you get too far into that stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $44, and it's always wise to top off before embarking on longer highway stretches to avoid potential delays.
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 miles from Salem, OR, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 197.7 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 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111 miles or 2h 13m 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 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Williams, OR than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Salem, OR 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 Salem, OR
This is one driving day of about 222 miles and 4h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Salem, OR.
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 197.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
111 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 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 111 miles from Salem, OR, 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 197.7 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 85 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 203.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0.4 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
OR 22; OR 99E Bus / Trade Street Southeast
Turn left onto OR 22; OR 99E Bus / Trade Street Southeast
Navigation decision point
7
3.3 mi into trip
|
~7m in
|
I 5; OR 99E
Take the exit onto I 5; OR 99E toward I 5 South: Eugene
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 1A
Toward I 5 South: Eugene
5
201.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 58m in
|
Highway #001CQ - East Grants Pass Connection #2
Take the exit onto Highway #001CQ - East Grants Pass Connection #2 toward US 199: Redwood Highway, Ocean Beaches, Crescent City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 199: Redwood Highway, Ocean Beaches,...
6
201.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 59m in
|
Highway #001CQ - East Grants Pass Connection #2
Keep slight right at fork onto Highway #001CQ - East Grants Pass Connection #2 toward US 199: Redwood Highway, Ocean Beaches, Crescent City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 199: Redwood Highway, Ocean Beaches,...
5
203.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 3m in
|
OR 238 / Williams Highway
Turn left onto OR 238 / Williams Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.23 one way
$88.45 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
78 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.36 | $46.80 | $93.61 |
| premium | $5.59 | $48.87 | $97.73 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $49.01 | $98.03 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 66.6 | 0 | $23.31 | $10.66 |
| Efficient EV | 55.5 | 0 | $19.42 | $8.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 88.8 | 1 | $31.08 | $14.21 |
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.
Destination
Williams, OR
Evening in Williams on Saturday
Local time
7:46 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
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
4h 36m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is a highway-focused drive, with 90% of your travel occurring on major roadways like I-5. You'll encounter one significant stretch of 197.7 miles on I-5, which means prolonged periods of consistent driving. While the majority is interstate, the final leg involves Williams Highway and Water Gap Road, offering a slight shift in scenery as you transition to more local roads. Expect a driving experience that prioritizes getting you to your destination efficiently, with the bulk of the miles spent on high-speed travel.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 197.7 mi on I 5.
How Hard Is This Drive?
3/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and Williams Highway. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near OR 22; OR 99E Bus / Trade Street Southeast.
Driving Effort
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 4h 36m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (OR 22; OR 99E Bus / Trade Street Southeast): Navigation decision point; at 3.3 miles (I 5; OR 99E): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 201.1 miles (Highway #001CQ - East Grants Pass Connection #2): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Salem, OR and Williams, OR, road signs point toward Ocean Beaches and Crescent City.
Ocean Beaches
201.1 mi in
|
~3h 58m
|
via Highway #001CQ - East Grants Pass Connection #2
Crescent City
201.1 mi in
|
~3h 58m
|
via Highway #001CQ - East Grants Pass Connection #2
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 36m. Total distance: 222 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 197.7 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (OR 22; OR 99E Bus / Trade Street Southeast): Navigation decision point; at 3.3 miles (I 5; OR 99E): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 201.1 miles (Highway #001CQ - East Grants Pass Connection #2): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Williams, OR, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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