So, you're planning a trip between the two crown jewels of the Pacific Northwest. Maybe you're chasing a specific roast of coffee in Seattle or headed down to Portland to finally see if the dream of the 90s is actually alive. Whatever the reason, you’ve probably pulled up a map and thought, "Oh, they're right next to each other."
Technically, they are. But "how far" is a loaded question in this part of the country.
On paper, the distance from Seattle to Portland is roughly 173 to 175 miles depending on exactly where you start in the city centers. If you were a bird (or a drone with a very impressive battery), it’s about 130 to 150 miles across the sky. But you aren't a bird. You’re likely a person in a car, on a train, or sitting in a cramped middle seat on a 50-minute flight.
The reality of the Pacific Northwest is that miles don't matter. Minutes do.
The Drive: A Tale of Two Bottlenecks
If you’re driving, you’re taking I-5. There is basically no other way unless you want to spend seven hours hugging the coastline on Highway 101—which is gorgeous, by the way, but definitely not "efficient."
Under perfect conditions? You can knock out the drive in about 2 hours and 50 minutes. I’ve done it. It feels like a breeze when the road is open and the Evergreen trees are blurring past.
But "perfect conditions" are a myth.
Most people get the timing wrong because they don't account for the "I-5 Sandwich." Seattle's traffic is legendary in a bad way, and Portland's isn't far behind. You’ll hit a wall of brake lights in Tacoma. Then you’ll get a nice stretch of freedom near Olympia, only to slam into a standstill at the Columbia River Crossing between Vancouver, Washington, and Portland.
Honestly, if you leave at 4:00 PM on a Friday, that 175-mile trip can easily turn into a five-hour endurance test.
Why the Columbia River Bridge is the Boss Fight
The bridge is the real kicker. It’s a pair of vertical-lift bridges. If a tall ship needs to pass, the bridge goes up. Traffic stops. Everything stops. Even without a lift, it's a massive bottleneck. Local planners have been arguing about replacing it for decades, and while 2026 sees more progress on that front, the orange cones and narrow lanes are still very much a part of the experience.
🔗 Read more: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius: What Most People Get Wrong About the 79 AD Disaster
Taking the Scenic Route: The Amtrak Cascades
If you want to actually enjoy the view without worrying about some guy in a Subaru cutting you off, the train is the move.
The Amtrak Cascades is arguably the best way to travel between these cities. It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. It’s not necessarily faster than a car, but you get a bistro car with local IPA and a view of the Puget Sound that you can't see from the freeway.
What to Expect on the Rails in 2026
We’re currently seeing the rollout of the brand-new Siemens Venture trainsets. They’re sleek, they’ve got better Wi-Fi, and the windows are huge.
- Depart from: King Street Station (Seattle)
- Arrive at: Union Station (Portland)
- Stops: Usually around six, including Tacoma, Olympia-Lacey, and Centralia.
If you take the Coast Starlight (the long-haul train that goes all the way to LA), it’s usually a bit slower and more prone to delays. Stick to the Cascades if you're on a schedule.
Is Flying Actually Worth It?
People ask "how far is Seattle from Portland" because they’re trying to decide if the airport is worth the hassle.
The flight itself is a joke. You’re in the air for maybe 45 to 55 minutes. By the time the flight attendant hands you a tiny bag of pretzels, the pilot is already announcing the descent.
But consider the math:
- Drive 30 minutes to Sea-Tac.
- Arrive 90 minutes early for security.
- Fly for 50 minutes.
- Spend 20 minutes getting off the plane.
- Spend 30 minutes getting a rideshare into downtown Portland.
That’s nearly four hours. You could have driven or taken the train and saved the $150 airfare. Unless you’re connecting to a flight to Europe, flying between PDX and SEA is mostly for business travelers with company credit cards.
Breaking Down the Costs
Travel isn't just about distance; it's about the wallet. Here’s a quick look at what you’re likely to pay this year.
Bus (FlixBus or Greyhound):
This is the budget king. You can often find tickets for $25 to $40. It takes about the same time as a car, though they sometimes make a stop in Tacoma. It’s basic, it’s cheap, and it works.
The Train:
Expect to pay between $30 and $70 for a coach seat. If you want Business Class (which gets you a coupon for the bistro and more legroom), you’re looking at closer to $90.
Driving:
At 175 miles, even a gas-guzzler won't kill you on fuel, but parking in either downtown is the hidden killer. Expect to pay $40+ a night for hotel parking in Seattle or Portland.
Surprising Stops You Should Actually Make
Most people just hammer through the drive. Don't do that. If you have the time, there are a few spots that make the "how far" question feel much shorter.
🔗 Read more: East Coast US States: What Most People Get Wrong About the Atlantic Seaboard
Centralia/Chehalis:
About halfway through, these twin cities are the perfect pit stop. Check out the McMenamins Olympic Club in Centralia for a quick burger in a refurbished 1908 hotel. It feels like stepping into a movie set.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge:
Just north of Olympia. If your legs are cramping, the boardwalk here is incredible. You can walk out over the salt marshes and see Mount Rainier reflecting in the water on a clear day.
Mount St. Helens:
This is a detour. A big one. But if you've never seen the blast zone, it’s worth the extra hour of driving. Just check the road conditions first—Johnston Ridge is the spot you want, though check for current access as some areas have had landslide closures in recent years.
Practical Advice for Your Trip
If you’re going to make this trip, here is the "insider" way to do it.
Check the WSDOT app. I’m serious. The Washington State Department of Transportation has live cameras. If the I-5 looks like a parking lot in Tacoma, stay in Seattle for another hour and grab dinner. Better to wait it out at a restaurant than in a sea of exhaust fumes.
Time your departure.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday are your friends. If you must travel on a Friday or Sunday, leave before 10:00 AM or after 7:00 PM. Anything in between is a gamble you will probably lose.
The "Vancouver Trap."
Remember that Vancouver, Washington is not Vancouver, Canada. It’s right across the river from Portland. If your GPS says "Arriving in Vancouver," don't get excited—you’ve still got the bridge to cross, and that last mile can sometimes take 20 minutes.
🔗 Read more: Why Pictures of the Wreckage of the Titanic Still Look So Haunting After a Century
Your Next Move
Check the Amtrak Cascades schedule first. Even if you love driving, the stress of I-5 has reached a point where letting someone else "drive" the train while you look at the water is a massive upgrade. If you do drive, make sure your toll pass is active if you plan on using the express lanes in Seattle to bypass the downtown core.