Driving
Kirkland to Olympia
Updated: 28 May 2026
The drive from Kirkland to Olympia is a 100-kilometer trip south through the Puget Sound region. It typically takes 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. You will travel via I-405 and I-5. Olympia is the state capital and offers a more relaxed pace than the Seattle metro area. Plan your travel to avoid the morning and evening rush hours in the Seattle-Tacoma corridor.
Total Distance: 100 km driving distance, 80 km air distance.
Fastest Way
Driving outside of rush hour, taking 1.5 hours.
Cheapest Way
Driving is the most practical and cost-effective.
Compare Kirkland to Olympia Routes
Driving
Direct
Duration
1 hour 30 mins
Avg Price
$15 - $25 in fuel
Operator
Personal Vehicle
Route
I-405 S to I-5 S
Traffic is heavy near Seattle and Tacoma.
Travel Tips
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TrafficUse apps like Waze to monitor traffic in real-time.
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DiningTry the local restaurants in downtown Olympia.
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WeatherOlympia has a similar climate to Kirkland.
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ParkingDowntown Olympia has plenty of street parking.
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EventsCheck the city calendar for local festivals.
Safety Tips
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Driver AwarenessStay alert in heavy traffic on I-5.
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Personal SafetyStick to well-lit areas in downtown Olympia at night.
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Emergency PrepKeep your phone charged for navigation.
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Road ConditionsCheck for accidents on I-5 before you leave.
People Also Ask
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Is the drive difficult?No, but traffic can be very heavy.
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How long is the drive?The drive is approximately 1.5 hours.
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Is I-5 safe?Yes, it is a major interstate, but be cautious of traffic.
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Are there tolls?No, there are no tolls on this route.
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Can I take a train?Yes, Amtrak Cascades stops in Olympia (via nearby Lacey).
Quick Info
- From Kirkland, Washington, United States
- To Olympia, Washington, United States
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Modes
Best Time to Travel
Mid-day to avoid heavy traffic.
Things to Do in Olympia
1
Washington State Capitol
Tour the beautiful capitol building and its surrounding grounds.
2
Percival Landing
Walk along the waterfront and enjoy the views of the bay.
3
Hands On Children's Museum
A great place for families with young children.
4
Capitol Lake
Enjoy a walk around the lake with views of the capitol building.
Tags
Kirkland to Olympia drive
driving I-5 to Olympia
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Kirkland travel
Olympia tourism
road trip WA
driving guide
Pacific Northwest travel
Washington state travel
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