Getting from Seattle to Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier looks close from Seattle, about 60 miles (95 km) in a straight line, but the roads wind around it. There are really only two ways to get there: drive, or join a tour with pickup. Here is how each works in 2026.

How far is it?

*Without traffic. Add 30 to 60 minutes for a Friday afternoon or a sunny summer Saturday. Tacoma is the closest large city. Portland, Oregon is a little farther: about 2 hours 40 minutes from Paradise.

Driving: which entrance?

Use the Nisqually Entrance in the southwest. From Seattle take I-5 south, SR 512 east, SR 7 south to Elbe and SR 706 east through Ashford. It is the only entrance open to cars all year and the road to Longmire, the waterfalls and Paradise. The northeast route over SR 410 to Sunrise is normally a summer-only alternative, but the Sunrise Road was closed to vehicles after the Grand Park 2 fire in August 2026. The Carbon River and Mowich Lake entrances in the northwest have had no public road access since the Fairfax Bridge closed. Entry is $30 per car for 7 days, paid by card. From 1 November to 1 May every vehicle must carry chains.

Is there a bus or train?

No. There is no public bus, train or park shuttle from Seattle, Tacoma or Sea-Tac Airport to any entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. Without a car, the practical option is a guided day tour. Most pick up at downtown hotels between about 7 and 8 AM, and several also collect from hotels near the airport, which suits cruise passengers and anyone on a late flight home.

Tours with pickup

The three tours on our homepage cover the range: a $148 small-group day (maximum 12 travelers), the $175 Highlights Tour that most people book, and a $344 all-inclusive day with a naturalist guide and picnic lunch. All include the park entrance fee and cancel free up to 24 hours before. For a private group there is also a private tour priced per vehicle.