This 145.7-mile drive from Vancouver, WA, to Purdy, WA, is a straightforward 2-hour and 48-minute journey. Primarily utilizing I-5 and WA-16, it's a route that can easily be completed in a single day, making it ideal for a quick trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $30, this Pacific Coast to Pacific Coast drive is budget-friendly. The overall feel is one of efficient travel, with a focus on getting you to your destination smoothly. You'll spend most of your time on well-maintained highways, so it’s a practical choice for those prioritizing time and ease.
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
72.9 miles from Vancouver, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 22m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 5
129.6 mi
2h 26m
WA 16
13.5 mi
17m
Purdy Drive Northwest
1.1 mi
1m
144th Street Northwest
<0.1 mi
<1m
East Fourth Plain Boulevard
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 5
— 129.6 mi, about 2h 26m
Traffic on I-5
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 161 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,907 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~375 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.4×
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 Vancouver, WA and Purdy, 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 132Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton, South 38th StreetUse 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 MallUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·28 sec
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, BremertonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto WA 16
13 mi·17 min·WA 16
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, BremertonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward WA 302 West: Purdy Key CenterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Turn straight onto WA 302
1.1 mi·1 min·Purdy Drive Northwest
10
Turn right onto 144th Street Northwest
164 ft·3 sec·144th Street Northwest
11
Arrive at destination
144th Street Northwest
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour and 48-minute duration, leaving Vancouver, WA, in the morning will get you to Purdy, WA, with plenty of daylight. This is a single-day trip, so you have flexibility with your schedule and can choose your departure time. Plan for one stop along the way, perhaps around the halfway point, to stretch your legs and refuel if needed. The longest stretch on I-5 is substantial, so ensure your vehicle is ready before you depart. Keep an eye on traffic conditions, especially if traveling during peak commute hours.
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 72.9 miles from Vancouver, WA, or about 1h 22m 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 32 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 72.9 miles or 1h 22m 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 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Purdy, 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 145.7 miles and 2h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 8
5 decision points cluster between mile 129.8 and 144 — 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
144 mi into trip|~2h 45m in
Take the exit toward WA 302 West: Purdy Key Center
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward WA 302 West: Purdy Key Center
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.28 one way
$64.57 round trip
$5.63/gal25.4 MPG avg51 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.91
$33.87
$67.74
premium
$6.08
$34.88
$69.75
diesel
$5.35
$30.69
$61.38
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: 51 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
43.7
0
$15.30
$6.99
Efficient EV
36.4
0
$12.75
$5.83
EV Truck/SUV
58.3
0
$20.40
$9.32
Gas CO2
51 kg
EV CO2
17 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.
Forecast as of Jun 2, 2026
Origin
Vancouver, WA
Afternoon
in Vancouver on Wednesday
Local time
1:54 PM
PDT
Current temp
56°F
Clear
NNW 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued June 1 at 12:21PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Destination
Purdy, WA
Afternoon
in Purdy on Wednesday
Local time
1:54 PM
PDT
Current temp
52°F
Partly Cloudy
NNE 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued June 1 at 12:21PM 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
4 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 48m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
20 mi from route
~50 min detour
Free
near mile 145.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive with 98% of the route on major roads like I-5 and WA-16. The majority of your time will be spent on I-5 during the longest continuous stretch of 129.6 miles. This section offers a consistent driving experience, allowing for steady progress. As you transition to WA-16 and then Purdy Drive Northwest, the road character remains primarily highway-based, ensuring a predictable and efficient journey. The route is designed for speed and directness rather than winding scenic byways.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
11 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 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 8 significant decision points across 145.7 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
421 ft30 ft
Total Climb
727 ft
Total Descent
885 ft
Highest Point
421 ft
~62.5 mi in
Elevation Range
392 ft
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 Purdy, 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
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
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
Purdy is located on the Kitsap Peninsula in the Puget Sound region of Washington state.
Purdy is a small unincorporated community north of the city of Gig Harbor, on the northern boundary of Pierce County, Washington. It is located on the shores of Burley Lagoon and Henderson Bay of the Carr Inlet. The two bodies of water are separated by a sandspit and the Purdy Bridge. Purdy is the gateway to the beautiful Key Peninsula and is known for its warm, friendly people.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 48m. Total distance: 145.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 48m 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.
Yes — we found about 11 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 Purdy, 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 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 — Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit 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 Purdy, WA before heading back.
