How far is Billings, MT from Columbus, MT?
The driving distance from Billings, MT to Columbus, MT is about 42.2 miles (67.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 37.7 miles (60.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 41m 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 00h 50m.
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.
City in Yellowstone County, Montana, USA
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 Columbus.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Billings and Columbus.
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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
-
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
36.5 mi · 38 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward MT 78: Columbus
1664 ft · 47 sec
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10
Turn left
1.4 km · 2 min
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11
At the end of the road, turn right onto East Pike Avenue
1039 ft · 35 sec · East Pike Avenue
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Pike Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Billings and Columbus.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Butte
Merge slight right
36.5 mi · 00h 38m
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 Columbus.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Billings to Columbus?
The road trip is about 42.2 miles (67.9 km) and usually takes 00h 50m 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?
Laurel is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.1 miles from Billings and 21.1 miles from Columbus.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 37.7 miles (60.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.5 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 4:48 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.80 one way or $11.60 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Billings and Sunny near Columbus.
Stop Ideas Near Laurel
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 Laurel.
Billings, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Billings and Columbus. Straight-line distance: 37.64 mi (60.58 km).
#1 Billings
The most populous city in Montana.
| Population | 117,445 |
| Coordinates | 45.7832900, -108.5006900 |
| Altitude | 952 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Columbus
Town in Stillwater County, Montana, United States
| Population | 2,117 |
| Coordinates | 45.6366100, -109.2521100 |
| Altitude | 1093 |
| Country | United States |
End: Columbus (-109.25211, 45.63661)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 68 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $5.80 | $11.60 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $6.30 | $12.61 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $6.78 | $13.56 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $8.06 | $16.13 |
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.