Find yourself needing to travel between Seattle and Spokane, WA? Chances are you may wonder how far is Seattle from Spokane Washington.
If you’re wondering how far is Seattle from Spokane, Washington, it’s about 280 miles via I-90 driving route, or about 4.5 hours. Other options include flying, Amtrak, FlixBus, Greyhound or carpooling app, such as BlaBla Car.
In this post, we explore the distance, and ways you can travel to and from Spokane and Washington. Let’s go.
Distance Between Seattle and Spokane, WA
| Travel Option | Distance (Miles) | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving | 280 miles | 4.5 hours | $40 – $60 (gas) |
| Flying | 223 miles (straight line) | Approximately 3 hours (including airport time) | $100 – $200 (round trip) |
| Amtrak Train | 280 miles (by train) | 8 hours | $30 – $90 |
| FlixBus | 280 miles | 5 hours | $25 |
| Greyhound Bus | 280 miles | 5.5 to 6 hours | $35 – $60 |
| Carpool App | 280 miles | 4 to 4.5 hours | $20 – $40 |
| Private Shuttle | 280 miles | Varies (typically 4.5 to 5 hours) | Starts at $300 |
Table of Contents
Distance From Seattle To Spokane, WA
If you’re wondering how far is Seattle from Spokane Washington, it’s about 280 miles via I-90 driving route.
That’s plenty of time to rethink your life choices if you’re driving solo. The trip takes around four and a half hours without major traffic or spontaneous donut stops.
Driving from Seattle to Spokane feels like a scenic movie montage—think pine trees, open stretches, and a suspicious number of small towns claiming to have the “best” pie.
If you’re mapping the shortest distance on a road trip app, you’ll see a route planner showing multiple pit-stop-worthy attractions.
For the non-drivers, there’s a direct train that takes about 8 hours—great if you enjoy leisurely watching the world go by. Or…
you can hop on a FlixBus, which takes about five hours. Budget travelers, take note: this option can save you some serious cash.
7 Ways To Get To Spokane To Seattle
Now that you know how far is Seattle from Spokane Washington, the next step would be see what travelling options do you have.
Aside from driving, there are many other ways to actually travel between Spokane and Seattle. Here’s a couple more for you to check out.
We also include likely costs, as well as the travel time needed.
Driving
The drive from Spokane to Seattle covers about 280 miles along I-90. You’ll cruise through:
- pine-covered hills,
- mountain passes, and
- coffee stand-lined small towns.
It takes around 4.5 hours if you’re lucky with traffic.
Gas will run you around $40 to $60 depending on your ride and gas prices.
Pro tip: Stop in Ellensburg for a burger at The Red Horse Diner. It’s retro heaven.
Flying – Spokane International Airport (GEG) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
If you’re asking, how far is Seattle from Spokane Washington by air? The flying distance is about 223 miles in a straight line.
A flight from Spokane International Airport (GEG) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) takes about 50 minutes.
But with TSA lines, boarding, and baggage claims, you’ll need at least three hours door-to-door.
Alaska Airlines and Delta both operate daily flights, with prices usually between $100 to $200 round trip. Keep an eye on sales—sometimes it’s cheaper than driving.
Amtrak Train
If you want a laid-back ride with mountain views, the Amtrak Empire Builder is a fun option.
The train takes about 8 hours and costs $30 to $90 depending on when you book. It leaves Spokane Station twice daily, so plan your timing carefully.
The best part? No traffic. You can sip coffee while watching the scenery fly by.
FlixBus
Budget travelers—this is for you. FlixBus USA operates a bus that travels direct from Spokane to Seattle for as low as $25.
The trip takes about 5 hours, but the seats are comfy, and there’s free Wi-Fi.
Pro tip: Pack snacks. The bus route doesn’t have many stops, and vending machine pretzels at rest areas aren’t the vibe.
Greyhound Bus
Yes, the Greyhound still runs! The trip takes around 5.5 to 6 hours and costs between $35 and $60.
Buses leave from Spokane Station and arrive at the Seattle Bus Station near downtown.
Is it glamorous? No. But it’s reliable. Expect a couple of rest stops and fellow travelers with interesting stories to share.
Driving With a Carpool App
If you’re adventurous (or on a tight budget), try carpool apps like BlaBlaCar. You can split gas costs and maybe make a new friend.
Prices usually range between $20 and $40, depending on the driver.
You’ll want to agree on the music beforehand, though—four hours of mismatched playlists can make the driving distance feel like forever.
Ride a Private Shuttle
For groups or those who like a little luxury, there are private shuttle services between Spokane and Seattle.
Prices start around $300 for a van, but if you’re splitting it between six people, it’s not too bad.
This is the “best way to get there” option if you’re traveling for a wedding or special event and want door-to-door service.
How Far Is Seattle From Spokane Washington? Answered
There you go, information about the distance between Spokane to Seattle. Regardless of which path you took to travel, enjoy the trip, and have fun!
If you made it to Spokane and have finished your business, what about checking out the best of city? Drop by ones of its beautiful golf courses, friendly bars, amazingly good pizzas, or work out at one of its best gyms.