Road Tripping from Auburn to Olympia: The Ultimate Guide
Are you planning a trip from Auburn to Olympia, Washington but aren't sure of the best route to take? Look no further! Here's everything you need to know about the different routes and driving times.
Fastest and Slowest Routes
The fastest route from Auburn to Olympia is taking Highway 167 S and then merging onto I-5 S. This route is approximately 36 miles long and should take around 45 minutes with light traffic. However, during peak hours, this route can take up to an hour and a half to two hours.
On the other hand, the slowest route is taking back roads, which can take longer than two hours. Although this route might avoid heavy traffic, it requires many turns and can become confusing. We do not recommend taking the back roads to Olympia from Auburn.
Distance and Driving Time
As mentioned earlier, the fastest route along with I-5 S takes around 45-60 minutes with light traffic. In contrast, the back roads are approximately 46 miles long, which will take about two hours or longer depending on traffic.
To get a better understanding of drive times, refer to the table below.
| Route | Distance | Time with Light Traffic | Time with Heavy Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-5 S | 36 miles | 45-60 minutes | 1.5-2 hours |
| Back roads | 46 miles | 2+ hours | 2.5-3+ hours |
Best Time to Travel
The best time to travel from Auburn to Olympia is during non-peak hours. On average, traffic on I-5 S picks up around 6:30 am and lasts until 9:30 am and gets congested again from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm. We recommend either traveling before or after these time frames to avoid traffic.
Keep in mind, back roads may seem quiet, but traffic through small towns can take longer than expected and may have traffic lights that force you to stop. So, it is best to re-route your back road journey to avoid areas with high traffic flow.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have a better understanding of the different routes to take from Auburn to Olympia, your decision process on which route to take should be smoother. Remember, taking I-5 S offers the fastest and most direct route, and if possible, avoid peak traffic hours. But never discount other routes just because you don't want to sit through heavy traffic, as you might end up getting lost or delaying your trip.
Safe travels!