How far is Billings, MT from Colstrip, MT?
The driving distance from Billings, MT to Colstrip, MT is about 125.6 miles (202.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 90.7 miles (145.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 51m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 25m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Billings and Colstrip.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Billings and Colstrip.
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1
Start on Montana Avenue
2446 ft · 1 min · Montana Avenue
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2
Turn left onto North 18th Street
128 m · 9 sec · North 18th Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto 1st Avenue North
1.1 km · 1 min · 1st Avenue North
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4
Continue on 1st Avenue North
84 m · 8 sec · 1st Avenue North
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5
Turn right onto US Highway 87 East
1.3 mi · 2 min · US Highway 87 East
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6
Turn left
1595 ft · 41 sec
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7
Continue straight
3.1 mi · 4 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 90 East: Sheridan
54 mi · 51 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 212 East: Little Bighorn Battlefield, Broadus
2032 ft · 54 sec
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10
Turn left
42.1 mi · 50 min
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11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Cheyenne Avenue
100 m · 6 sec · Cheyenne Avenue
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12
Exit the roundabout onto Cheyenne Avenue
2522 ft · 43 sec · Cheyenne Avenue
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13
Continue on State Highway 39
22.2 mi · 33 min · State Highway 39
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14
Turn right onto Box Elder Avenue
2176 ft · 2 min · Box Elder Avenue
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Park Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Billings and Colstrip.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 90 East
Keep slight right to continue on I 90 East: Sheridan
54 mi · 00h 51m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Billings and Sunny near Colstrip.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Billings to Colstrip?
The road trip is about 125.6 miles (202.2 km) and usually takes 02h 25m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Crow Agency is a useful midpoint, sitting about 62.7 miles from Billings and 62.9 miles from Colstrip.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 90.7 miles (145.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.9 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:38 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.25 one way or $34.49 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 39.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Billings and Sunny near Colstrip.
Stop Ideas Near Crow Agency
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Crow Agency.
Billings, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Billings and Colstrip. Straight-line distance: 90.63 mi (145.85 km).
#1 Billings
The most populous city in Montana.
| Population | 117,445 |
| Coordinates | 45.7832900, -108.5006900 |
| Altitude | 952 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Colstrip
Town focused on coal mining and electricity production
| Population | 2,217 |
| Coordinates | 45.8841600, -106.6236400 |
| Altitude | 982 |
| Country | United States |
End: Colstrip (-106.62364, 45.88416)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 202 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $17.25 | $34.49 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $18.74 | $37.49 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $20.15 | $40.30 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $23.98 | $47.95 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.