The Fastest and Slowest Routes for Driving from Arlington to Federal Way

If you're planning a road trip from Arlington, Washington to Federal Way, Washington, you might be wondering how long it's going to take you. The time it takes to drive from one place to another depends on a variety of factors, including the route you take, the time of day, and the traffic patterns. In this blog post, we'll explore the fastest and slowest routes for driving from Arlington to Federal Way and give you an estimate of how long each one will take.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route for driving from Arlington to Federal Way is via I-5 S. This route covers a distance of approximately 46 miles and takes about 47 minutes to drive in low traffic. If you're driving during peak traffic times, like during rush hour on weekdays, it can take up to an hour and 15 minutes. Despite the longer drive time during peak traffic, this route is still the fastest option available.

The Most Scenic Route

If you're looking for a more scenic drive, you might want to take the WA-9 S and WA-167 S route. While this route is slightly longer than the I-5 S route, coming in at around 54 miles total, it offers some stunning views of the surrounding countryside. With low traffic, you can expect to spend around an hour and five minutes on this drive but during peak traffic, it can get up to two hours.

The Slowest Route

The slowest route for driving from Arlington to Federal Way is via WA-530 W and WA-161 S. This route covers a distance of around 67 miles, and it takes about an hour and 25 minutes in low traffic. During peak traffic, it can take up to two and a half or even three hours to arrive at your destination. This route, although slow, can be a good scenic option if you have a lot of time on your hands.

Other Factors

Remember that the time it takes to drive from Arlington to Federal Way isn't just dependent on the route you take and traffic — there are other factors to consider as well. For example, if you make stops along the way to get gas, food, or use the restroom, that will add additional time to your journey. Also, consider time for unexpected events like accidents or road closures along your desired route, which may require detours and increase your travel time.

Conclusion

There are several routes you can take for driving from Arlington to Federal Way, each with its own unique characteristics. While the I-5 S route is the fastest option available, you can also take a more scenic route along WA-9 S and WA-167 S. Alternatively, you could choose to travel along WA-530 W and WA-161 S if you have time to spare. Whatever route you take, make sure to account for traffic, travel time, and other factors before you hit the road. Safe driving!