Bismarck, ND to Olympia, WA

State capital to state capital route

24h 34m
Drive Time
1352
Miles
$157
Gas Cost
11
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Bismarck Nd to Olympia Wa?

The drive from Bismarck Nd to Olympia Wa takes approximately 24h 34m, covering 1352 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $157 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 34–35+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
20h 53m
🔵 Typical
24h 34m
🔴 Heavy traffic
35h 37m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance1352 miles
Drive Time24h 34min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$157
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$172-$207

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 3 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Bismarck Nd to Olympia Wa

For a long drive like Bismarck Nd to Olympia Wa, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Approximate route shown. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions.

Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
24h 34m
~$157 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 12m
~$203–$473 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 42m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
24h 34m
~$157
🚌 Bus
30h 3m
~$108–$243
🚂 Train
24h 35m
~$162–$406

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Bismarck, ND to Olympia, WA?
The drive takes approximately 24 hours and 34 minutes covering 1352 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 45 gallons of gas, costing approximately $157 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic in both cities.