You're standing in downtown Tacoma, looking at the Glass Bridge, and you've got a dinner reservation in Seattle. Or maybe you're a fresh transplant trying to figure out if that "affordable" house in Pierce County is worth the commute. The big question is always the same: how far is Tacoma WA from Seattle WA?
On paper, it’s a breeze. On the pavement? Well, that’s a different story.
The Raw Numbers: Distance vs. Reality
If you were a seagull flying over the Puget Sound, the distance is roughly 25 miles. But unless you have wings or a very expensive private boat, that number is useless to you.
For the rest of us on the ground, the driving distance is about 34 miles via Interstate 5.
If the roads were empty—say, at 3:00 a.m. on a Tuesday—you could zip between the two cities in about 35 to 40 minutes. But honestly, those moments are rare. Most days, I-5 behaves more like a parking lot than a freeway. You're not just traveling 34 miles; you're navigating one of the most notorious traffic corridors in the United States.
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The Commuter’s Gamble: Timing the Drive
Traffic in the Pacific Northwest isn't just "heavy." It's moody.
During a standard morning rush (roughly 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.), that 34-mile trek from Tacoma to Seattle can easily balloon to 90 minutes. If there’s a stalled semi-truck near the Tacoma Dome or an accident by the Fife curve, you might as well pack a lunch. You’re looking at two hours of your life gone.
The evening rush is even weirder. Heading south from Seattle back to Tacoma starts getting ugly around 3:00 p.m. and doesn't really let up until 7:00 p.m.
- Mid-day (11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.): Usually 45-55 minutes.
- Peak Morning (Tacoma to Seattle): 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Peak Evening (Seattle to Tacoma): 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours.
- Late Night: 35 minutes (the "dream" run).
Why the "Fife Curve" and "JBLM" Matter
If you’ve lived here for more than a week, you’ve heard people complain about Fife. This tiny city sits right between Tacoma and the Port of Tacoma, and it creates a massive bottleneck. The highway curves, the lanes shift, and everyone hits their brakes for seemingly no reason.
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Then there’s the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) effect. While the base is actually south of Tacoma, the traffic it generates ripples upward. When thousands of people leave the base at the same time, the entire South Sound feels it.
Ditching the Car: Public Transit Options
Kinda hate driving? You're not alone. Most veterans of this route eventually give up on the I-5 slog and look for alternatives. Luckily, by 2026, the options have gotten a bit more robust.
The Sounder Train (S Line)
This is the gold standard. It runs from the Tacoma Dome Station straight into King Street Station in Seattle. It takes about 60 minutes.
The best part? You don't have to look at brake lights. You can actually use the Wi-Fi or stare at the water. It’s a commuter rail, though, so it mostly runs during peak hours. If you’re trying to head to Seattle for a late-night concert, the Sounder probably won't be there to take you home.
ST Express Buses (590/594)
The 590 is the workhorse of the Sound Transit fleet. It leaves from downtown Tacoma and the Tacoma Dome every few minutes during peak times. It’s faster than the train when traffic is light, but since it doesn't have its own dedicated "bus-only" lane for the entire trip, it still gets stuck in the same mess as the cars. Expect 50 to 70 minutes on average.
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The Light Rail Expansion
As of early 2026, the Link Light Rail has pushed further south. While the full "Tacoma Dome Link Extension" is the long-term goal, the current connections through Federal Way have changed the game. You can now take a quick bus or drive to the Federal Way Downtown Station and hop on the 1 Line. It’s not the fastest way to get from Tacoma to Seattle yet, but it’s the most reliable if you want to avoid I-5 entirely.
Costs: It’s Not Just Gas
When people ask how far is Tacoma WA from Seattle WA, they’re usually thinking about time. But you should think about your wallet, too.
- Gas and Maintenance: 68 miles round trip every day adds up to about 17,000 miles a year just for work. That’s an extra oil change and a set of tires way sooner than you’d like.
- Parking in Seattle: Unless your job pays for it, expect to fork over $25–$45 a day for a spot in a downtown garage.
- The Transit Fare: An ORCA card trip on the Sounder costs around $5.75, which is a steal compared to the cost of wear and tear on a car.
Is It Worth the Commute?
Living in Tacoma while working in Seattle is a lifestyle choice. Tacoma (the "City of Destiny") has a grittier, more artsy vibe, and the rent is generally lower than the eye-watering prices in Seattle’s Capitol Hill or Queen Anne neighborhoods.
But you’re paying for that lower rent with your time. If you work a 9-to-5, you’re looking at roughly 12 to 15 hours a week inside a vehicle. That’s almost two full workdays spent on I-5.
Pro-Tips for the Journey
- Use WSDOT Cameras: Before you leave the house, check the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) app. If you see a sea of red near the Milton/Edgewood exits, stay home for another 20 minutes and have another coffee.
- The SR-167 Alternative: Sometimes I-5 is so backed up that taking SR-167 through Puyallup and Kent is actually faster, even though it's technically more miles.
- HOV Lanes: If you can carpool, do it. The HOV lanes between Tacoma and Seattle can save you 20-30 minutes during the worst parts of the day.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a trip or a move, don't just trust a static map.
- Download the Transit GO Ticket app: This lets you buy tickets for the Sounder or the Express bus on your phone so you aren't fumbling at a kiosk.
- Check the Sounder Schedule: Remember that the train has very specific windows. If you miss the last Northbound morning train, you're stuck with the bus or your car.
- Do a "Test Run": If you're moving, drive the route on a Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. Don't do it on a Sunday and assume that's what it's always like. You need to see the "Fife Grind" in person to know if you can handle it.
Understanding how far is Tacoma WA from Seattle WA is less about the miles and more about your tolerance for the unpredictable nature of the Pacific Northwest's busiest highway.