How far is Butte, MT from Polson, MT?
The driving distance from Butte, MT to Polson, MT is about 187 miles (301 km), with a travel time of about 02h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 139.8 miles (225 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 54m 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 57m.
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.
Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Butte and Polson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Butte and Polson.
-
1
Start on West Iron Street
1.9 mi · 3 min · West Iron Street
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2
Merge slight right
2.7 mi · 3 min
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3
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 West: Missoula
121.8 mi · 1 hr 57 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward US 93 North, MT 200 West: Kalispell
1009 ft · 25 sec
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5
Keep slight right to continue on US 93 North, MT 200 West: Kalispell
60.4 mi · 1 hr 15 min
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6
Turn left onto Main Street
94 m · 6 sec · Main Street
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7
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Butte and Polson.
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 West
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 West: Missoula
122 mi · 01h 57m
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.
Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Butte and Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms near Polson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Butte to Polson?
The road trip is about 187 miles (301 km) and usually takes 02h 57m 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?
East Missoula is a useful midpoint, sitting about 93.5 miles from Butte and 93.6 miles from Polson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 139.8 miles (225 km), while the road route adds roughly 47.2 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 12:36 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.69 one way or $51.39 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 58.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms around Butte and Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms near Polson.
Stop Ideas Near East Missoula
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 East Missoula.
Missoula, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Butte and Polson. Straight-line distance: 139.82 mi (225.02 km).
#1 Butte
Consolidated city-county in Montana, United States
| Population | 34,190 |
| Coordinates | 46.0038200, -112.5347400 |
| Altitude | 1688 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Polson
City in Lake County, Montana, United States
| Population | 5,181 |
| Coordinates | 47.6935500, -114.1631700 |
| Altitude | 892 |
| Country | United States |
End: Main Street (-114.163409, 47.69355)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 301 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $25.69 | $51.39 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $27.92 | $55.85 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $30.02 | $60.05 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $35.72 | $71.44 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.