Origin
Vancouver, WA
Late night in Vancouver on Sunday
Local time
1:03 AM
PDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Vancouver, WA to Bethel, 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 59m
Distance
153.4 mi
247 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$32
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 48m
★
6 AM
2h 59m
8 AM
3h 22m
10 AM
3h 7m
12 PM
3h 5m
3 PM
3h 8m
5 PM
3h 21m
8 PM
2h 52m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bethel, WA
cottonbro studio
Trip Overview
Vancouver, WA to Bethel, WA is 153.4 miles and takes about 2h 59m via I 5 and WA 16, with a fuel budget near $32 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Washington, traversing the Pacific Coast region for its entirety. Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience that should be manageable for a single day of travel. Given the relatively short duration, you'll have ample flexibility for departure times and potential brief stops along the way. It’s a straightforward journey that gets you from point A to point B efficiently.
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
76.7 miles from Vancouver, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 27m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 5 | 129.6 mi | 2h 26m |
| WA 16 | 20.4 mi | 25m |
| Bethel Burley Road Southeast | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Bethel Road Southeast | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Southeast Mullenix Road | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Southeast Cedar Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| East Fourth Plain Boulevard | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 5
— 129.6 mi, about 2h 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Vancouver, WA and Bethel, WA.
1
Start on East Fourth Plain Boulevard
100 ft
·
9 sec
·
East Fourth Plain Boulevard
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward I 5 North: Seattle
3
Merge onto I 5
130 mi
·
2 hr 26 min
·
I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Exit 132
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street West, Tacoma Mall
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto WA 16
20 mi
·
25 min
·
WA 16
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
Toward Mullenix Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Turn left onto Southeast Mullenix Road
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
Southeast Mullenix Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
10
At end of road, turn right onto Bethel Burley Road Southeast
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Bethel Burley Road Southeast
11
Continue on Bethel Road Southeast
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Bethel Road Southeast
12
Turn right onto Southeast Cedar Road
129 ft
·
3 sec
·
Southeast Cedar Road
13
Arrive at destination
Southeast Cedar Road
Trip Plan
With a drive time under 3 hours, this is a perfect same-day trip, so you can leave whenever is most convenient. Plan to depart early if you prefer to avoid potential midday traffic on I 5. You'll have plenty of daylight to complete the 153.4 miles, and with only one recommended stop, you can make it in one go. Keep an eye on your fuel; the estimated cost is $32, and it’s wise to fill up before heading out, especially considering the 129.6-mile stretch on I 5 where services might be less frequent than you'd expect. The most practical tip is to check traffic conditions for I 5 before you leave, as it's the dominant part of your journey.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 76.7 miles from Vancouver, WA, or about 1h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 129.6 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 34 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.7 miles or 1h 27m 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 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bethel, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Vancouver, 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 Vancouver, WA
This is one driving day of about 153.4 miles and 2h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Vancouver, 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 129.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
77 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 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 76.7 miles from Vancouver, 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 129.6 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 105 decision points cluster between mile 129.8 and 150.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
129.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 27m in
Take the exit toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street
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 132
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South...
9
130 mi into trip
|
~2h 27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th Street West, Tacoma Mall
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South...
8
130.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 28m in
Keep slight left at fork toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
8
130.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 28m in
|
WA 16
Keep slight left at fork onto WA 16 toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
6
150.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 54m in
Take the exit toward Mullenix Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Mullenix Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.11 one way
$64.21 round trip
$5.32/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.58 | $33.67 | $67.34 |
| premium | $5.77 | $34.84 | $69.67 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $33.87 | $67.74 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46 | 0 | $16.11 | $7.36 |
| Efficient EV | 38.4 | 0 | $13.42 | $6.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 61.4 | 0 | $21.48 | $9.82 |
Gas CO2
54 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.
Destination
Bethel, WA
Late night in Bethel on Sunday
Local time
1:03 AM
PDT
Current temp
65°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
16 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
2h 59m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is almost entirely highway, with 98% of it on major roads like I 5 and WA 16. You'll encounter a long, uninterrupted stretch of 129.6 miles on I 5, which will likely feel like the main event of the drive. The character is primarily that of a highway-focused journey, meaning you can expect consistent speeds and straightforward navigation for most of the trip. While the bulk is interstate, the inclusion of WA 16 and Bethel Burley Road Southeast suggests a slight shift in scenery and pace as you approach your destination.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 129.6 mi on I 5.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and WA 16. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 129.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 153.4 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 129.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 130 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 130.2 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Vancouver, WA and Bethel, WA, road signs point toward Bremerton, 38Th Street West and Tacoma Mall.
Bremerton
129.8 mi in
|
~2h 27m
38Th Street West
130 mi in
|
~2h 27m
Tacoma Mall
130 mi in
|
~2h 27m
About the Cities
Starting in Vancouver, WA
Full guide →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.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 59m. Total distance: 153.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 129.6 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 Bethel, 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 129.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 130 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 130.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Bethel, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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