Commute from Tacoma to Downtown Seattle
Driving wins at 8 AM: about 69 minutes versus 85 by transit.
| Mode | Time at 8 AM | Distance | Typical route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving | 1h 9m | 33.8 mi | I-5 N |
| Transit | 1h 25m | 33.8 mi | — |
Weekday morning peak (Tuesday 8 AM departure), Google Maps traffic data. Times checked August 2026.
See how Tacoma ranks against 9 other areas — best areas for commuting to Downtown Seattle →
Tacoma is the deep-value play 33 miles south: Sounder trains and the 590-series express buses beat I-5's worst, but an 8 AM drive to Seattle is honest work.
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