Origin
Tacoma, WA
Night in Tacoma on Saturday
Local time
9:19 PM
PDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Tacoma, 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
3h 40m
Distance
180.5 mi
290 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$38
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 28m
★
6 AM
3h 41m
8 AM
4h 6m
10 AM
3h 49m
12 PM
3h 47m
3 PM
3h 51m
5 PM
4h 5m
8 PM
3h 33m
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 180.5-mile drive from Tacoma, WA, to Carson, WA, is easily manageable as a single-day adventure, taking approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes. You'll spend about 75% of your time on highways, making it a highway-focused experience. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $38, so it's quite budget-friendly. This route is a good option if you're looking for a straightforward journey between two points within the Pacific Coast region. With only one recommended stop, you can complete this drive with minimal disruption, making it an efficient option for a day trip.
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
90.2 miles from Tacoma, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 44m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 5 | 125.2 mi | 2h 21m |
| 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 |
| Wind River Road | 1 mi | 1m |
| I 705 | 0.8 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 5
— 125.2 mi, about 2h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tacoma, WA and Carson, 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 left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 5 South: Portland
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 5
125 mi
·
2 hr 21 min
·
I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
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.
10
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Exit 27
Toward WA 14: Camas, City Center
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward WA 14 East: Camas
Use the slight left lane.
12
Merge onto WA 14
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Southeast Lewis and Clark Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on WA 14
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Lewis and Clark Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Enter roundabout onto WA 14
85 ft
·
1 sec
·
Lewis and Clark Highway
15
Continue on WA 14
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Lewis and Clark Highway
16
Enter roundabout onto WA 14
102 ft
·
1 sec
·
Southeast Lewis and Clark Highway
17
Continue on WA 14
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Southeast Lewis and Clark Highway
18
Continue on WA 14
22 mi
·
31 min
·
Evergreen Highway
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on WA 14
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
2nd Street
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on WA 14
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
21
Enter roundabout onto Wind River Road
196 ft
·
8 sec
·
Wind River Road
Toward Carson
22
Continue on Wind River Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Wind River Road
Toward Carson
23
Turn right onto Hot Springs Avenue
270 ft
·
9 sec
·
Hot Springs Avenue
24
Turn right onto 1st Street
196 ft
·
8 sec
·
1st Street
25
Arrive at destination
1st Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 40-minute duration, starting your drive in Tacoma earlier in the day is advisable to maximize daylight and avoid potential traffic. With a fuel cost estimate of $38, you can plan your stops accordingly, though the 125.2-mile stretch on I-5 means you'll likely want to fuel up before embarking on that segment. While this is a single-day trip, consider that the route includes local highways like Evergreen Highway, which might offer opportunities for spontaneous breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition off I-5 onto the Southeast Lewis and Clark Highway.
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 90.2 miles from Tacoma, WA, or about 1h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 125.2 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 40 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 90.2 miles or 1h 44m 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 53m
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 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 180.5 miles and 3h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Tacoma, 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 125.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
90 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 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 90.2 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 125.2 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 165 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 137.7 — 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
7
1.5 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 5 South: Portland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 5 South: Portland
7
127.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 26m 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
137.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 39m 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
137.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 39m 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
$37.78 one way
$75.55 round trip
$5.32/gal
25.4 MPG avg
63 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.58 | $39.62 | $79.24 |
| premium | $5.77 | $40.99 | $81.98 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $39.85 | $79.70 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 63.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 54.2 | 0 | $18.95 | $8.66 |
| Efficient EV | 45.1 | 0 | $15.79 | $7.22 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 72.2 | 0 | $25.27 | $11.55 |
Gas CO2
63 kg
EV CO2
21 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
Carson, WA
Night in Carson on Saturday
Local time
9:19 PM
PDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Vancouver, WA
90 mi in
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
3 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 40m 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...
25 mi from route
~61 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?
The majority of this 180.5-mile route, approximately 75%, is highway driving, meaning you'll encounter faster speeds and more direct travel. You'll experience a significant stretch of 125.2 miles on I-5, offering a consistent pace for a substantial portion of your journey. While primarily highway, the inclusion of Evergreen Highway and Southeast Lewis and Clark Highway suggests a transition to more local roads as you approach your destination. This blend offers a mix of efficient travel and a gradual shift in scenery as you move from major interstate to potentially more scenic byways.
75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 125.2 mi on I 5.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and Evergreen Highway. 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 16 significant decision points across 180.5 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 0.1 miles (Market Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 127.5 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 Tacoma, WA to Carson, WA, road signs begin pointing toward City Center along the way.
City Center
137.6 mi in
|
~2h 39m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 40m. Total distance: 180.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 125.2 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 0.1 miles (Market Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 127.5 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 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.4 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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
More trips to Carson, WA
Explore more options from Tacoma, WA or browse trips ending in Carson, WA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse WA road trips.