Route south around Seattle to Olympia

I5 is urban freeway all the way from Marysville to Olympia. WSDOT has good traffic cams and maps, even snapshots from past days and times, so you can identify the spots that are likely to be slow. And there are several reader boards listing current travel times.

I405 serves cities like Bellevue so usually is just as busy as I5. South of Renton there's another option, 167 (I think that's the right number) that can take you around downtown Tacoma. But it too can be busy.

That said, I have often driven from north King Cty to Seatac (airport) in 30 minutes, with a steady 60 mph. But that's been weekends or other non-rush hour times.

mockturtle wrote:
Go through Bellingham but then take SR20 to Fidalgo & Whidbey Islands. From Whidbey, take the Kestone ferry to Port Townsend then 101 south to Olympia. I think you'll like this route.

Yea, I was going to X2 your post as there are three routes, the ferry is not likely to save time, but a lot on the nerves!!!
It is not only Seattle, Everett, and Tacoma are also bad!

Third vote for the Whidby Island Ferry route. As a bonus, the Swinomish Casino on WA-20 just before Anacortes generally has about the lowest fuel prices around.

al

Thank you for the information. The ferry from Victoria sounds like it might be a good alternative.

Wow, two identical posts at the exact same time!

Go through Bellingham but then take SR20 to Fidalgo & Whidbey Islands. From Whidbey, take the Kestone ferry to Port Townsend then 101 south to Olympia. I think you'll like this route.

Yup, the only way around adds more time then just driving through (WA-20 to the Port Townsend-Keystone ferry, continue on WA-20 to US-101 then on to Olympia)

Get close. Take a nap. Go through at night. Or, get in line and do the best you can.

I have to agree with the previous reply. Of course if You have the time and don't mind spending a few dollars,take a ferry across to Vancouver Island have an extended Vacation then cross from Victoria to Port Angeles on the Coho . That will get You past Seattle !

Really only 2 choices...either I5 or 405. Both are horrible.
Best advice is a Sunday if possible fewer big rig trucks.

I5 may have Seahawk and or Mariners traffic for games. Both will have construction areas. If not a Sunday, off commute times would be best.

It's the same old story...big metropolitan area traffic. Good luck with it and have a good trip.