How far is Big Sky, MT from Missoula, MT?
The driving distance from Big Sky, MT to Missoula, MT is about 240.2 miles (386.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 166.9 miles (268.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 39m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 49m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Consolidated city-county in Montana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Snow Showers
Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Big Sky and Missoula.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Big Sky and Missoula.
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1
Start on Access
714 ft · 33 sec · Access
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2
Turn right onto Lone Mountain Trail
7.1 mi · 11 min · Lone Mountain Trail
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto Gallatin Road
33.9 mi · 41 min · Gallatin Road
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4
Continue on Jackrabbit Lane
6.8 mi · 8 min · Jackrabbit Lane
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5
Turn left
1147 ft · 30 sec
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6
Merge slight left
78.6 mi · 1 hr 18 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 West: Missoula
112.5 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 12 West, I 90 Business
1037 ft · 25 sec
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9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Van Buren Street
63 m · 3 sec · Van Buren Street
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10
Exit the roundabout onto Van Buren Street
65 m · 3 sec · Van Buren Street
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11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Van Buren Street
28 m · 1 sec · Van Buren Street
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12
Exit the roundabout onto Van Buren Street
583 ft · 11 sec · Van Buren Street
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13
Turn right onto East Broadway Street
3078 ft · 55 sec · East Broadway Street
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14
Turn right onto North Higgins Avenue
6 m · 1 sec · North Higgins Avenue
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Higgins Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Big Sky and Missoula.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
I 90 West
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 West: Missoula
113 mi · 01h 47m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Snow Showers leaving Big Sky and Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny near Missoula.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Big Sky to Missoula?
The road trip is about 240.2 miles (386.5 km) and usually takes 03h 49m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Butte is a useful midpoint, sitting about 120 miles from Big Sky and 120.2 miles from Missoula.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 166.9 miles (268.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 73.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:20 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.97 one way or $65.95 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 75.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Snow Showers around Big Sky and Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny near Missoula.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Big Sky and Missoula. Straight-line distance: 166.92 mi (268.63 km).
#1 Big Sky
Census designated place
| Population | 2,308 |
| Coordinates | 45.2846500, -111.3682900 |
| Altitude | 2200 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Missoula
The most populous city in Missoula County, Montana.
| Population | 76,848 |
| Coordinates | 46.8721500, -113.9940000 |
| Altitude | 978 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Higgins Avenue (-113.994022, 46.872156)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 387 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $32.97 | $65.95 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $35.84 | $71.67 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $38.53 | $77.06 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $45.84 | $91.68 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Montana · Apr 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.