The Cost of Driving From Arlington, Washington to Federal Way, Washington Based on Current Gas Prices

If you're planning a road trip from Arlington to Federal Way, you might be wondering what it will cost you in terms of gas and tolls. In this post, we've broken down several different routes you could take from Arlington to Federal Way, along with the distance, time, and cost of each.

The I-5 Route

This is the most direct route and spans a distance of about 53 miles. Assuming you're driving on a weekday with some traffic, it should take you about 1hr 5mins. According to AAA's fuel cost calculator, gas prices are currently averaging around $3.20 per gallon in Washington state. If your car gets 25 miles to the gallon, then you'll need a little over two gallons of gas for this trip, which will run you around $6.50.

The SR-9 and I-405 Route

If you're looking for a slightly less direct route, you could take SR-9 South to I-405. This route spans a distance of about 57 miles and would take around 1hr 15mins in traffic. This route has the added cost of a toll, which varies based on the time of day. During peak traffic hours, the toll is $2.50, and outside of those hours, it's $1.25. At current gas prices, the total cost of this route would be around $11.75, including the toll.

The Scenic Route

If you're not in a rush, you could take the scenic route via Mountain Loop Highway, which offers some stunning views of the Cascade Mountains. This route spans a distance of about 85 miles and can take between 1hr 45mins to 2hrs, depending on traffic and the speed you're driving. This route has no tolls, and assuming you're getting 25 miles to the gallon, it will take around 3.5 gallons of gas, which works out to around $11.20 in fuel costs.

The Conclusion

So there you have it: three different routes from Arlington to Federal Way, each with its own benefits and costs. If you're looking to minimize costs, the I-5 route is your best bet. If you're in a rush and don't mind the added toll expense, the SR-9 and I-405 route might be your best bet. And if you're in the mood for a leisurely road trip and some stunning mountain views, take the scenic route. Whatever you choose, make sure to factor in the time, distance, and cost to make the best decision for your needs.