Seattle, WA → Port Townsend, WA
40 mi · 48m (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
Gale Warning in effect along your route
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Seattle
49°
Port Townsend
50°
Wind gusts up to 25 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
1 segment · 40 mi · 49 min
Weather
⛅ Partly cloudy
49°F, wind 12 mph
Cameras
12 live
Clear driving conditions expected
+ 1 more alert
Weather May Slow Traffic
Active weather advisory — expect slower travel · 2 construction zones on route
2 Construction Zones on Route
The southbound SR 527 on-ramp to northbound I-405 will be close from 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 to 4 a.m. Monday, Nov 16.
Sound Transit contractor crews will close the right lane on westbound SR 522 at 73rd Avenue Northeast daily and nightly through the next several weeks.
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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Selected Route
Via I-5 North
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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I-5 at MP 162.9: Spokane St
WA ·
I-5 at MP 163.9: S Holgate St
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I-5 at MP 166.3: Howell St
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I-5 at MP 166.4: Stewart/Eastlake Ramp
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I-5 at MP 166.8: Mercer St NB Ramp
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I-5 at MP 167: Mercer St
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I-5 at MP 167: Lakeview Express Lanes
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I-5 at MP 167.6: Boylston Ave
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I-5 at MP 168: Roanoke St Express Lanes
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I-5 at MP 168: Roanoke St
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I-5 at MP 171: NE 77th St
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I-5 at MP 177.2: NE 195th St
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Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 12: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 10: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 7: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
The 40-mile short drive from Seattle to Port Townsend stays within WA and takes about 48m without stops. We track 12 live traffic cameras and 4 active weather alerts along this corridor so you can plan around them. A trip this short usually fits in a single morning or afternoon — check the live conditions just before you head out.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 14
57° / 49°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 15
57° / 51°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
52° / 44°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
51° / 43°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
48° / 46°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
50° / 40°
No precip
Fri
Nov 20
48° / 40°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌦️ Moderate rain showers at origin, 🌧️ Moderate rain at destination
Sunday
Good to Go🌦️ Moderate rain showers at origin, 🌦️ Slight rain showers at destination
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Current Conditions
Seattle, WA
49°F
Wind: 12 mph
Port Townsend, WA
50°F
Wind: 25 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Seattle, WA to Port Townsend, WA
The 40-mile drive from Seattle, Washington to Port Townsend, Washington takes approximately 48m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially through mountainous terrain where elevation changes can bring sudden weather shifts. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This short route stays within Washington, connecting Seattle and Port Townsend. At under 100 miles, it's a manageable day trip, but weather conditions can still change between your origin and destination — especially across elevation changes or near large bodies of water.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Dense fog, especially during early morning hours
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Mountain passes along this corridor can be treacherous from October through May, with chain requirements, road closures, and whiteout conditions at higher elevations. Summer brings its own challenges — afternoon thunderstorms are common above 7,000 feet, and construction season narrows lanes on key highways. Always check pass conditions before departing, and carry emergency supplies during the colder months.
Best Time to Drive Seattle to Port Townsend
For shorter trips like this 40-mile drive, morning departures typically offer the best conditions with lighter traffic and better visibility. Avoid rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if possible.
Driving Strategy
At 40 miles, the Seattle to Port Townsend drive is short enough to complete in a single stretch. Still, check conditions along the route before you leave — a quick glance at live traffic cameras can confirm road visibility and surface conditions. If bad weather is forecasted for a narrow window, adjusting your departure by even an hour can make a significant difference in safety.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Seattle to Port Townsend?
The drive is approximately 40 miles and takes about 48m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Tuesday, Nov 17 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Seattle to Port Townsend today?
Current conditions show medium risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-5 North. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
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