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

Olympia is one of those cities people fall in love with — slower pace, access to nature, waterfront views, and a strong sense of community.

But when buyers working in Seattle ask me about living in Olympia, I always slow the conversation down and ask a follow-up question:

“How often do you actually need to be in Seattle?”

Because this commute is very doable for some lifestyles — and extremely draining for others.

Let’s talk through what this really looks like.

1. Where Is Olympia in Relation to Seattle?

Olympia is located in Thurston County, roughly 60 miles south of downtown Seattle, sitting at the southern tip of Puget Sound.

Most commuters rely on:

• I-5 North

• Limited bus options

• Occasional park-and-ride strategies

Unlike Tacoma, Lakewood, or Puyallup, Olympia does not have Sounder train access — which significantly impacts commute planning.

2. Average Commute Time From Olympia to Seattle

Here’s what my clients typically experience:

Driving (I-5 North)

• Early Morning (4:30–5:30 AM):
  ⏱️ 65–75 minutes

• Peak Morning (5:30–9:00 AM):
  ⏱️ 90–120+ minutes

• Afternoon Return (3:00–7:00 PM):
  ⏱️ 100–140 minutes

This is one of the longest daily commutes in the South Sound region.

3. Why This Commute Feels Harder Than the Miles Suggest

Olympia to Seattle isn’t just long — it’s compounded.

Common pressure points include:

• JBLM congestion

• Tacoma Dome bottleneck

• Fife curves

• Federal Way slowdowns

• Seattle core traffic

One accident anywhere along I-5 can add 30–60 minutes quickly.

4. Olympia vs Other Seattle Commute Cities

Here’s how Olympia compares realistically:

City

Avg Peak Commute to Seattle

Tacoma 60–90 min

Lakewood 75–100 min

Puyallup 90–120 min

Olympia 90–140+ min

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

5. Why Buyers Still Choose Olympia Anyway

Despite the commute, Olympia attracts buyers because of:

• Slower pace of life

• Government and healthcare job base

• Proximity to water, trails, and forests

• Strong sense of community

• More space for the price

For many buyers, Olympia is a lifestyle decision first — commute second.

6. Who This Commute Works Best For

Olympia → Seattle works best for:

• Hybrid workers (1–2 days/week in Seattle)

• Fully remote professionals

• Buyers prioritizing lifestyle over proximity

• Households where only one partner commutes north occasionally

Daily peak-hour commuters tend to struggle long-term.

7. Weather & Seasonal Impacts

Olympia commuters should plan for:

• Heavy rain visibility issues

• Increased congestion during winter storms

• Slower travel through JBLM during weather events

This commute requires flexibility and buffer time year-round.

8. Safety, Lifestyle & Long-Term Planning

Many Olympia buyers are also thinking long-term — schools, safety, and community stability.

This guide is helpful when weighing Olympia against Pierce County cities:
Which Cities Near JBLM Are Considered the Safest? 2025 Washington Guide for Military Families
 

9. Selling, Buying & Timing the Move

Because this move often involves trading proximity for affordability, many buyers are:

• Selling closer-in homes

• Upsizing

• Coordinating longer timelines

This step-by-step guide helps keep that process smooth:
The Step-by-Step Move-Up Buyer Plan: How to Sell Your Current Home & Buy Your Next One Smoothly in Washington (2025 Guide)
 

10. My Honest Take as a Local Washington Realtor

Olympia to Seattle is not a daily commute I recommend lightly.

But for the right buyer — especially those with flexible or hybrid schedules — it can be an incredible lifestyle upgrade.

The mistake I see most often is choosing Olympia before fully understanding the commute reality.

11. Final Thoughts: Is the Olympia to Seattle Commute Worth It?

If:

• You’re in Seattle occasionally, not daily

• You value space, nature, and community

• Your work schedule allows flexibility

Then yes — Olympia can absolutely make sense.

If you need to be in Seattle five days a week during peak hours, it’s a tough road long-term.

Want Help Deciding If This Commute Fits Your Life?

If you’re choosing between Olympia, Tacoma, Puyallup, or Lakewood for a Seattle-based job, I’m happy to help you weigh the trade-offs honestly — not just on paper.

If you're planning a move in Washington, I’d love to help you build a plan that actually supports your lifestyle and schedule.

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