Yosemite National Park to Seattle

16h 15m
Drive Time
894
Miles
$104
Gas Cost
7
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Yosemite to Seattle?

The drive from Yosemite to Seattle takes approximately 16h 15m, covering 894 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $104 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 22–23+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
13h 49m
🔵 Typical
16h 15m
🔴 Heavy traffic
23h 34m

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

Route Details

Distance894 mi
Drive Time16h 15min
Avg Speed55 mph

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$104
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Total$119-$154

Route Tips: I-5

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 1 fuel stop along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Yosemite to Seattle

For a long drive like Yosemite to Seattle, 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)

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
16h 15m
~$104 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 17m
~$134–$313 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 47m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
16h 15m
~$104
🚌 Bus
19h 52m
~$72–$161
🚂 Train
16h 15m
~$107–$268

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

Suggested Stops

Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:

📍 Crater Lake
📍 Redwood
📍 Portland

FAQ

How long is the drive from Yosemite National Park to Seattle?
The drive takes approximately 16 hours and 15 minutes covering 894 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 29 gallons of gas, costing approximately $104 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic.