How Far Is San Francisco From Seattle and How Long Will the Road Trip Take?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re planning a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle, you might be wondering how far apart these two cities are and how long it will take to get there. Well, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think.

Distance between San Francisco and Seattle:
The distance between San Francisco and Seattle is approximately 807 miles (1,299 kilometers) if you take the most direct route along the I-5 North.

Travel time:
The travel time from San Francisco to Seattle largely depends on which mode of transportation you choose. If you’re driving, the total travel time can vary depending on factors such as traffic, weather conditions, and stops along the way. On average, it takes around 12-14 hours to drive from San Francisco to Seattle without factoring in any stops.

If you prefer taking a flight instead of driving, then it only takes around 2 hours to fly directly between the two cities. However, keep in mind that this doesn’t include time spent getting to and from the airport or going through security.

The Best Time for Road Trip
The best time for a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle is during the summer months when the weather is mild and dry. This makes driving conditions more favorable; however, keep in mind that summer months are considered peak tourist season which means more crowds at popular attractions along your route.

Scenic Route

If you have some extra time on your hands and want to make your road trip more scenic than just taking I-5 North all the way through, consider taking a detour through some of America’s most beautiful national parks such as Crater Lake National Park or Mount Rainier National Park.

What To Bring Along?

Since this is quite a long drive, make sure to pack plenty of snacks and water for the ride. You should also bring along some entertainment such as music or audiobooks to help pass the time. Don’t forget to keep your phone charged and have a car charger handy in case you need to make an emergency call.

  • Snacks
  • Water
  • Entertainment (music, audiobooks)
  • Phone charger

In conclusion,

The distance between San Francisco and Seattle is around 807 miles if you take the most direct route along I-5 North. The travel time can vary depending on the mode of transportation, but on average, it takes around 12-14 hours to drive without factoring in any stops. If you’re planning a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle, make sure to pack plenty of snacks and water for the ride, bring some entertainment along, and consider taking a detour through some of America’s most beautiful national parks.