How far is Billings, MT from Columbia Falls, MT?
The driving distance from Billings, MT to Columbia Falls, MT is about 430.5 miles (692.8 km), with a travel time of about 07h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 321.5 miles (517.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 14h 52m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 7:30 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 07h 26m.
Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Widespread Frost then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Billings and Columbia Falls.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Billings and Columbia Falls.
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1
Start on Montana Avenue
589 ft · 25 sec · Montana Avenue
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2
Turn left onto North 23rd Street
114 m · 22 sec · North 23rd Street
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3
Turn left onto 1st Avenue North
1.5 km · 3 min · 1st Avenue North
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4
Turn left onto Division Street
136 m · 10 sec · Division Street
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5
Continue on Montana Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · Montana Avenue
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6
Continue on Laurel Road
1.4 mi · 2 min · Laurel Road
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7
Keep slight right to continue on Butte, I 90 West
1963 ft · 48 sec
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8
Merge slight right
105.4 mi · 1 hr 43 min
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9
Continue straight
7 mi · 7 min
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10
Continue straight
113.4 mi · 1 hr 54 min
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 West: Missoula
42.6 mi · 40 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward US 12 East: Helena, Garrison
1.2 mi · 2 min
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13
At the end of the road, turn right
12.9 mi · 14 min
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14
Turn sharp left
32.5 mi · 35 min
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15
At the end of the road, turn left
23.8 mi · 26 min
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16
Turn right
91.1 mi · 1 hr 44 min
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17
At the end of the road, turn right
11.4 mi · 13 min
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18
Continue straight
61 m · 7 sec
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19
Turn right
9.7 mi · 12 min
-
20
At the end of the road, turn left onto US 2
1.3 mi · 2 min · US 2
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21
Continue on 9th Street
1603 ft · 53 sec · 9th Street
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22
Turn right onto Nucleus Avenue
784 ft · 32 sec · Nucleus Avenue
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23
Turn left onto 7th Street West
31 m · 4 sec · 7th Street West
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 7th Street West
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Billings and Columbia Falls.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
Butte
Continue straight
113 mi · 01h 54m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
Better with a longer stop
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Billings and Widespread Frost then Sunny near Columbia Falls.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Billings to Columbia Falls?
The road trip is about 430.5 miles (692.8 km) and usually takes 07h 26m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Butte is a useful midpoint, sitting about 228.3 miles from Billings and 202.2 miles from Columbia Falls.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 321.5 miles (517.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 109 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 7:30 AM MDT. Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $59.13 one way or $118.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 135 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Billings and Widespread Frost then Sunny near Columbia Falls.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Billings and Columbia Falls. Straight-line distance: 321.5 mi (517.41 km).
#1 Billings
The most populous city in Montana.
| Population | 117,445 |
| Coordinates | 45.7832900, -108.5006900 |
| Altitude | 952 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Columbia Falls
Town in Montana, United States
| Population | 6,209 |
| Coordinates | 48.3724600, -114.1815200 |
| Altitude | 941 |
| Country | United States |
End: 7th Street West (-114.18152, 48.372459)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 693 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 14h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 10h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 08h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 07h 10m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 06h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 05h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $59.13 | $118.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $64.27 | $128.54 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $69.10 | $138.20 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $82.21 | $164.42 |
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 · May 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.