What Is the Commute From Lakewood to Seattle? (2025 Guide)

If you work in Seattle but want Pierce County prices, Lakewood often ends up on the shortlist — especially for buyers who still need access to JBLM, Tacoma, or Sounder rail.

But the real question isn’t can you commute from Lakewood to Seattle — it’s should you, and under what conditions.

Let’s talk about what this commute actually looks like day to day.

1. Where Is Lakewood in Relation to Seattle?

Lakewood sits just south of Tacoma in western Pierce County, with direct access to:

• I-5 North

• Sounder Train (Lakewood Station)

• SR-512

It’s closer to Seattle than many people expect, especially compared to cities farther east like Bonney Lake or Puyallup.

2. Average Commute Time From Lakewood to Seattle

Here’s what most of my clients experience:

Driving (I-5 North)

• Early Morning (5:00–6:00 AM):
  ⏱️ 55–65 minutes

• Peak Morning (6:00–9:00 AM):
  ⏱️ 75–100+ minutes

• Afternoon Return (3:00–6:30 PM):
  ⏱️ 90–120 minutes

Sounder Train

• Lakewood → King Street Station:
  ⏱️ ~75 minutes

• Highly predictable

• Limited schedule (weekday commuter-focused)

This is one of the most important decision points for Lakewood buyers.

3. Driving vs Sounder Train: Which Is Better?

For most Seattle commuters, Sounder wins if your job allows it.

Driving Pros

• Flexible schedule

• Direct access to Eastside or North Seattle

• No fixed timetable

Driving Cons

• I-5 bottlenecks through Tacoma, Fife, Federal Way

• Accidents cause cascading delays

• Stress adds up quickly

Sounder Pros

• Predictable arrival times

• No traffic stress

• Easier work-life balance

Sounder Cons

• Limited departures

• Requires schedule alignment

• Less flexibility for overtime

4. How This Commute Compares to Nearby Cities

Here’s a realistic comparison:

City Avg Peak Commute to Seattle

Tacoma 60–90 min

Lakewood 75–100 min

Puyallup 85–120 min

Bonney Lake 95–130 min

Olympia 90–120+ min

If you want a deeper breakdown on Tacoma specifically, this guide pairs well:
What Is the Commute From Tacoma to Seattle?
 

5. Why Buyers Still Choose Lakewood Despite the Commute

Lakewood continues to attract buyers because it offers:

• More affordable pricing than King County

• Proximity to JBLM and Tacoma

• Established neighborhoods with mature trees

• Access to Sounder rail (huge advantage)

For military or dual-career households, Lakewood often acts as a middle ground city.

If safety is part of your decision-making, this is a helpful reference:
Which Cities Near JBLM Are Considered the Safest? 2025 Washington Guide for Military Families
 

6. Traffic Patterns You Need to Be Prepared For

This commute is affected by:

• Tacoma Dome bottleneck

• Fife curves

• Federal Way construction zones

• Rain-related slowdowns

There is very little margin during peak hours — flexibility matters.

7. Is This Commute Sustainable Long-Term?

In my experience:

• 2–3 days per week in Seattle: manageable

• Daily peak-hour driving: burnout risk

• Sounder-based schedules: most sustainable

Buyers who succeed with this commute usually plan for it before they buy — not after.

8. Who This Commute Works Best For

Lakewood → Seattle works well for:

• Hybrid or remote professionals

• Sounder train commuters

• Dual-income households working different directions

• Buyers prioritizing affordability over proximity

If you’re selling and buying to make this move happen, this step-by-step guide helps keep timelines aligned:
The Step-by-Step Move-Up Buyer Plan: How to Sell Your Current Home & Buy Your Next One Smoothly in Washington (2025 Guide)

 9. My Honest Take as a Local Pierce County Realtor

Lakewood to Seattle is not an easy daily drive, but it can be a smart move with the right expectations and commute strategy.

Sounder access is the deciding factor for many buyers — and when used intentionally, it changes the entire experience.

10. Final Thoughts: Is the Lakewood to Seattle Commute Worth It?

It depends on:

• Your schedule flexibility

• Your tolerance for traffic

• Whether Sounder fits your workday

For many buyers, Lakewood offers the price relief they need — with a commute they can manage if planned correctly.

Want Help Comparing Commute Cities Honestly?

If you’re deciding between Lakewood, Tacoma, Puyallup, or Olympia for a Seattle commute, I’m happy to walk through the pros, cons, and real-world timelines with you.

If you're planning a move in Washington, I’d love to help you build a plan that truly works for your day-to-day life.

 Written by: Lani Fisher — Washington Realtor Helping Everyday Buyers & Sellers With Confidence