Denver, CO to Olympia, WA

State capital to state capital route

24h 16m
Drive Time
1335
Miles
$155
Gas Cost
11
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Denver Co to Olympia Wa?

The drive from Denver Co to Olympia Wa takes approximately 24h 16m, covering 1335 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $155 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 38m
🔵 Typical
24h 16m
🔴 Heavy traffic
35h 11m

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

Route Details

Distance1335 miles
Drive Time24h 16min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$155
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$170-$205

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 Denver Co to Olympia Wa

For a long drive like Denver Co 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 16m
~$155 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 10m
~$200–$467 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 40m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
24h 16m
~$155
🚌 Bus
29h 40m
~$107–$240
🚂 Train
24h 16m
~$160–$400

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 Denver, CO to Olympia, WA?
The drive takes approximately 24 hours and 16 minutes covering 1335 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 44 gallons of gas, costing approximately $155 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.