This 204.3-mile journey from Tulalip Bay, WA, to Vancouver, WA, is expected to take around 3 hours and 31 minutes of driving time. With a fuel cost estimated at $43, this route is well-suited for a single-day trip, offering a straightforward drive within the Pacific Coast region. You'll primarily navigate local roads like Mission Beach Road, Mission Avenue, and 64th Street Northwest, so expect a more hands-on driving experience. The route's turn-heavy nature means you'll be actively engaged with the road, making it a good option if you prefer less highway monotony. With just one recommended stop, it's an efficient way to travel between these Washington locations.
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
102.1 miles from Tulalip Bay, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 11m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 5
197.2 mi
3h 51m
Marine Drive
4.4 mi
8m
Mission Beach Road
0.9 mi
3m
Mission Avenue
0.4 mi
1m
64th Street Northwest
0.4 mi
<1m
Marine Drive Northeast
0.3 mi
<1m
East Fourth Plain Boulevard
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 5
— 197.2 mi, about 3h 51m
Traffic on I-5
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 298 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~4,828 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~473 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tulalip Bay, WA and Vancouver, WA.
1
Start on this road
431 ft·33 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto Mission Beach Road
0.9 mi·3 min·Mission Beach Road
3
Turn left onto Mission Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·Mission Avenue
4
Continue on 64th Street Northwest
0.4 mi·54 sec·64th Street Northwest
5
Turn right onto Marine Drive
4.4 mi·8 min·Marine Drive
6
Enter roundabout onto Marine Drive Northeast
137 ft·2 sec·Marine Drive Northeast
7
Continue on Marine Drive Northeast
0.2 mi·34 sec·Marine Drive Northeast
Use the right lane.
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 5 South: SeattleUse the right lane.
9
Merge onto I 5
65 mi·1 hr 21 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 left at fork onto I 5
6.2 mi·7 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 1DToward 4th Plain BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
242 ft·13 sec
Toward 4th Plain Boulevard EastUse the left lane.
14
Turn left onto East Fourth Plain Boulevard
0.2 mi·23 sec·East Fourth Plain Boulevard
Use the left lane.
15
Arrive at destination
East Fourth Plain Boulevard
Trip Plan
Given the 204.3-mile distance and estimated 3-hour, 31-minute drive time, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. The $43 fuel cost is also quite reasonable for a day trip. Consider departing earlier in the day to take advantage of lighter local traffic, especially since this route involves numerous turns and local roads. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself, but be mindful of the frequent turns; they can make the drive feel longer if you're not accustomed to them. A specific tip for this route: pay close attention to signage for Mission Beach Road and Mission Avenue, as these are key connectors that will guide you through much of the drive.
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 102.1 miles from Tulalip Bay, WA, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 197.2 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 45 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.1 miles or 2h 11m 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 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Vancouver, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Tulalip Bay, 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 Tulalip Bay, WA
This is one driving day of about 204.2 miles and 4h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Tulalip Bay, 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 197.2 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 12
5 decision points cluster between mile 6.4 and 204 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
6.4 mi into trip|~15m in
Take the ramp toward I 5 South: Seattle
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 5 South: Seattle
6
71.4 mi into trip|~1h 37m in|I 5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
197.5 mi into trip|~3h 59m in|I 5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
203.8 mi into trip|~4h 7m in
Take the exit toward 4th Plain Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 1D
Toward 4th Plain Boulevard
8
204 mi into trip|~4h 7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward 4th Plain Boulevard East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward 4th Plain Boulevard East
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.78 one way
$79.56 round trip
$4.95/gal25.4 MPG avg71 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.18
$41.68
$83.35
premium
$5.39
$43.34
$86.68
diesel
$4.80
$38.56
$77.11
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61.3
0
$21.44
$9.80
Efficient EV
51.1
0
$17.87
$8.17
EV Truck/SUV
81.7
1
$28.59
$13.07
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.
Forecast as of Jul 19, 2026
Origin
Tulalip Bay, WA
Late night
in Tulalip Bay on Sunday
Local time
4:11 AM
PDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Vancouver, WA
Late night
in Vancouver on Sunday
Local time
4:11 AM
PDT
Current temp
56°F
Clear
NNW 5 to 9 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 18 at 11:42AM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 18 at 11:42AM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
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
17 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
4h 8m 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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a turn-heavy local drive, meaning you'll be navigating a series of roads rather than cruising on a consistent highway. With a 0% highway share, you'll spend your entire 3-hour, 31-minute journey on local streets and avenues. The route is characterized by frequent turns and changes in direction, keeping you engaged behind the wheel. While there's no longest uninterrupted stretch to note, the continuous engagement with local road networks defines the driving experience. Expect a drive that requires constant attention to navigation and road conditions.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 197.2 mi on I 5.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and Marine Drive. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.4 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 204.2 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 6.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 71.4 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 197.5 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Vancouver is a city in southwest Washington State, immediately north of the border with Oregon. The city was established around Fort Vancouver, a fur trading outpost dating back to 1824, making this one of the oldest continuously-inhabited European communities in the Pacific Northwest. Two bridges across the Columbia River connect Vancouver to the rest of the Portland Metropolitan Area.
Top landmarks
•Fort Vancouver National Historic Site — National Historic Site of the United States in Washington (state)
•Interstate Bridge — highway bridge in Oregon and Washington, USA
•Kiggins Theatre — single-screen theatre located in downtown Vancouver, WA
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 8m. Total distance: 204.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 197.2 miles on I 5. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 13 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Vancouver, 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. There are 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 71.4 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 197.5 miles (I 5): 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 4.1 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 Vancouver, WA, but most travelers stay overnight.
