Origin
Tacoma, WA
Late night in Tacoma on Sunday
Local time
1:51 AM
PDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Tacoma, WA to Anacortes, WA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 24m
Distance
111.1 mi
179 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 15m
★
6 AM
2h 24m
8 AM
2h 44m
10 AM
2h 31m
12 PM
2h 29m
3 PM
2h 32m
5 PM
2h 43m
8 PM
2h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Anacortes, WA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Tacoma to Anacortes is 111.1 miles and takes about 2h 24m via I 5 and State Route 20, with a fuel budget near $23 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Washington State, moving from the Pacific Coast region to another part of the Pacific Coast. It's a straightforward, highway-focused drive with a high percentage of time spent on major roads. If you're looking for a relatively quick journey with minimal fuss, this route is a solid option.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
55.6 miles from Tacoma, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 9m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 5 | 92.2 mi | 1h 52m |
| State Route 20 | 7 mi | 9m |
| Memorial Highway | 4 mi | 6m |
| State Route 20 Spur | 2.6 mi | 3m |
| R Avenue | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| I 705 | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| West Division Street | 0.8 mi | 2m |
| Commercial Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 5
— 92.2 mi, about 1h 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tacoma, WA and Anacortes, WA.
1
Start on South 11th Street
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
·
South 11th Street
2
Turn right onto Market Street
0.1 mi
·
31 sec
·
Market Street
3
Turn left onto South 13th Street
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
South 13th Street
4
Turn right onto I 705 SB Ramp
213 ft
·
11 sec
·
I 705 SB Ramp
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward Port of Tacoma
6
Merge onto I 705
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
I 705
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward I 5 North: Seattle
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward I 5 North: Seattle
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 5
92 mi
·
1 hr 52 min
·
I 5
Use the slight right lane.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
Toward WA 536 West: Kincaid Street
11
Turn left onto WA 536
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
East Kincaid Street
12
Turn right onto WA 536
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
South 3rd Street
13
Continue on WA 536
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
West Division Street
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on WA 536
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
Memorial Highway
15
Take the ramp onto WA 536
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
WA 536
16
Merge onto WA 20
7.0 mi
·
9 min
·
State Route 20
17
Keep slight right at fork onto State Route 20 Spur
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
State Route 20 Spur
Toward Anacortes, San Juans Ferry
18
Turn right onto R Avenue
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
R Avenue
19
Keep slight left at fork onto R Avenue
90 ft
·
5 sec
·
R Avenue
20
Keep slight right at fork onto R Avenue
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
·
R Avenue
21
Enter roundabout onto R Avenue
101 ft
·
5 sec
·
R Avenue
22
Continue on R Avenue
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
R Avenue
23
Turn left onto 20th Street
0.1 mi
·
25 sec
·
20th Street
24
Turn right onto WA 20 SPUR
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Commercial Avenue
25
Turn left onto WA 20 SPUR
11 ft
·
0 sec
·
12th Street
26
Arrive at destination
WA 20 SPUR
Trip Plan
Given the 2h 24m duration, this is a perfect one-day trip, so you have flexibility with your departure time. Aim to leave Tacoma in the morning to maximize your daylight hours. With only 0 designated stops in the data, plan your own breaks as needed, especially during the 92.2-mile stretch on I 5. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $23, and it's always wise to top off before heading into potentially less populated areas. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the highway driving.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 55.6 miles from Tacoma, WA, or about 1h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92.2 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 24 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 55.6 miles or 1h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Anacortes, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Tacoma, 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 Tacoma, WA
This is one driving day of about 111.1 miles and 2h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Tacoma, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 5 for about 92.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
56 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 24 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 55.6 miles from Tacoma, 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 92.2 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 195 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 107 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Market Street
Turn right onto Market Street
Navigation decision point
5
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
South 13th Street
Turn left onto South 13th Street
Navigation decision point
7
1.5 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 5 North: Seattle
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 5 North: Seattle
7
1.8 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 5 North: Seattle
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 5 North: Seattle
6
107 mi into trip
|
~2h 16m in
|
State Route 20 Spur
Keep slight right at fork onto State Route 20 Spur toward Anacortes, San Juans Ferry
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Anacortes, San Juans Ferry
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.25 one way
$46.50 round trip
$5.32/gal
25.4 MPG avg
39 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.58 | $24.39 | $48.77 |
| premium | $5.77 | $25.23 | $50.46 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $24.53 | $49.06 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 38.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 33.3 | 0 | $11.67 | $5.33 |
| Efficient EV | 27.8 | 0 | $9.72 | $4.44 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 44.4 | 0 | $15.55 | $7.11 |
Gas CO2
39 kg
EV CO2
13 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.
Destination
Anacortes, WA
Late night in Anacortes on Sunday
Local time
1:51 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
12 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
2h 24m 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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 34.5
View on nps.gov
San Juan Island National Historical Park
National Historical Park
San Juan Island is well known for its splendid vistas, saltwater shores, quiet woodlands, orca whales and one of the last remaining native prairies in the Puget Sound/Northern Straits region. But it w...
21 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 111.1
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 93% of it on major roads like I 5 and State Route 20. Expect a smooth experience for the majority of your journey, including a significant stretch of 92.2 miles on I 5 without interruption. While the initial part of the drive is on the interstate, you'll transition to State Route 20, which offers a different feel as you approach your destination. The overall character is one of efficiency and direct travel.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 92.2 mi on I 5.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and State Route 20. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Market Street.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 111.1 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 0.1 miles (Market Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (South 13th Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 24m. Total distance: 111.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 92.2 miles on I 5. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Anacortes, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Market Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (South 13th Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park and San Juan Island National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Anacortes, WA before heading back.
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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