Portland, United States → Seattle, United States · ✈ 48 min · 🚗 3h 48min
126 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: north
The distance from Portland to Seattle is 234 km (145 miles). The fastest way to travel is by car. A direct flight takes approximately 48 min.
The straight-line distance from Portland, United States to Seattle, United States is approximately 234 kilometers (145 miles or 126 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Seattle is located north of Portland. Portland is in North America, in the Pacific Northwest region of United States, while Seattle is in North America, in Pacific Northwest, United States. Both cities are in North America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 234 km | ~48 min | Quick but may not save time with airport procedures |
| 🚗 Drive | ~304 km | ~3h 48min | Convenient and flexible |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~281 km | ~2h 20min | Budget-friendly option |
Our recommendation: car is typically the best way to travel from Portland to Seattle. At this distance, driving gives you the most flexibility and avoids airport overhead.
Based on an estimated road distance of 304 km, fuel costs for driving from Portland to Seattle are approximately $24–$46 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Portland sits at 45.5152°N, 122.6784°W, while Seattle is located at 47.6062°N, 122.3321°W. The initial compass bearing from Portland to Seattle is 6° (N), so a great-circle flight path leaves Portland heading roughly N. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 2.09° and the longitude difference is 0.35°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Portland and Seattle is approximately 46.5608°N, 122.5086°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 117 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Portland and Seattle share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Portland is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 652,503. Located in the Pacific Northwest region, it is an important hub in North America. Despite its smaller size, Portland plays an important regional role in United States and attracts visitors year-round.
→ See all distances from Portland
Seattle is a notable city in United States with a population of approximately 737,015. Situated in the Pacific Northwest region, it serves as a key destination in North America. Seattle is a popular destination in the Pacific Northwest region of United States, known for its unique character and attractions.
→ See all distances from Seattle
234 km is roughly the distance of a short regional flight or a 3-4 hour drive. For comparison, it's about the distance from London to Paris (344 km). At this range, ground transport often competes with flying when you factor in airport time.
The distance from Portland to Seattle (234 km) is roughly equivalent to 6 marathon distances laid end to end.
At just 234 km within United States, the Portland–Seattle corridor is well-suited for a day trip or weekend getaway. Consider driving for flexibility, or check regional rail connections for a hassle-free journey.
See how the Portland to Seattle distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Portland to Seattle is approximately 234 kilometers (145 miles, 126 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 48 min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 3h 48min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Seattle is approximately Same timezone compared to Portland.
The estimated road distance is approximately 304 km, which is about 30% longer than the 234 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: May 30, 2026.