How Long Does It Take To Drive from Bellevue to Spokane, Washington?

If you're planning a road trip from Bellevue, Washington, to Spokane, Washington, one of the first things you'll want to know is how long it will take you to get there. The answer, of course, depends on the route you choose and the traffic patterns at the time of your trip. Here's what you need to know based on our experience.

The Fastest Route

The fastest driving route from Bellevue to Spokane is via I-90 E, which covers a total distance of 281 miles. If you hit the road in low-traffic hours, the total driving time is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, assuming you don’t stop or take any detours. But during peak traffic times, most likely you will encounter some jams which could add a considerable amount of time to your journey. On a busy day, it can take up to six hours to reach Spokane.

The Scenic Route

If you have a little more time and want to take the scenic route, consider driving along US-2 E that takes you through the Cascade Mountains. This route covers a total distance of approximately 300 miles and heads over Stevens Pass, which is covered in snow during the winter months. If the weather is good and the traffic is light, driving along US-2 E makes for an enjoyable trip, but expect to add an hour or two to your driving time.

The Slowest Route

The slowest possible driving route from Bellevue to Spokane is via I-90 W, which covers a total distance of 330 miles. This route takes you through the heart of Seattle and onwards towards the western slope of the Cascades. On most days, there is heavy traffic around Seattle, which could add significant time to your journey. You will also experience a lot of ups and downs along the way, which could make the journey even slower.

Final Thoughts

In short, the fastest route from Bellevue to Spokane is via I-90 E, which will take you around 4.5 hours in light traffic. If you don't mind the winding roads, taking US-2 E could be a more scenic option that takes approximately 5.5 hours. On the other hand, you could end up stuck in traffic taking I-90 W, and that could take you as long as seven hours. It’s best to plan your trip ahead of time, allow for plenty of time and flexibility for those unexpected delays, and make sure your vehicle is in good shape before hitting the road. Safe travels!