How far is Challis, ID from Caldwell, ID?
The driving distance from Challis, ID to Caldwell, ID is about 202.8 miles (326.4 km), with a travel time of about 04h 14m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 135 miles (217.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 28m 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 04h 14m.
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.
City in Custer County, Idaho, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Snow Showers
Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Challis and Caldwell.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Challis and Caldwell.
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1
Start on the route
41 m · 12 sec
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2
Turn right onto South 7th Street
99 m · 17 sec · South 7th Street
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3
Turn right onto Main Street
2325 ft · 1 min · Main Street
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4
Turn right onto South Salmon River Scenic Byway
2.3 mi · 3 min · South Salmon River Scenic Byway
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5
Continue on Salmon River Scenic Byway
54.9 mi · 1 hr 22 min · Salmon River Scenic Byway
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6
Turn right onto Eva Falls Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · Eva Falls Avenue
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7
Continue on State Highway 21
24.4 mi · 28 min · State Highway 21
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8
Continue on Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route
32.8 mi · 45 min · Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route
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9
Turn right onto Banks Lowman Road
33.3 mi · 59 min · Banks Lowman Road
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10
Turn left onto Horseshoe Bend Road
109 m · 6 sec · Horseshoe Bend Road
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11
Continue on Highway 55
12.6 mi · 17 min · Highway 55
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12
Continue on Horseshoe Bend Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · Horseshoe Bend Road
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13
Continue on ID 55
2 mi · 5 min · ID 55
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14
Continue on Horseshoe Bend Road
2105 ft · 30 sec · Horseshoe Bend Road
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15
Continue on Highway 55
2.4 mi · 3 min · Highway 55
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16
Continue on Payette River Scenic Byway
5.9 mi · 7 min · Payette River Scenic Byway
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17
Continue on North Horseshoe Bend Road
8.8 mi · 12 min · North Horseshoe Bend Road
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18
Turn right onto East State Street
7.2 mi · 10 min · East State Street
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19
Turn left onto Central Valley Expressway
2.1 mi · 3 min · Central Valley Expressway
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20
Turn right onto West Chinden Boulevard
2 mi · 3 min · West Chinden Boulevard
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21
Continue on Idaho Medal of Honor Highway
7 mi · 10 min · Idaho Medal of Honor Highway
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22
Continue on Franklin Road
1.1 km · 1 min · Franklin Road
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23
Continue on North 21st Avenue
3239 ft · 1 min · North 21st Avenue
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24
Turn right onto Blaine Street
1.3 km · 2 min · Blaine Street
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25
Turn left onto South 10th Avenue
51 m · 10 sec · South 10th Avenue
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26
Turn left
21 m · 7 sec
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27
Turn right
24 m · 6 sec
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28
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Challis and Caldwell.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Salmon River Scenic Byway
Continue on Salmon River Scenic Byway
54.9 mi · 01h 22m
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.
Snow Showers leaving Challis and Rain Showers near Caldwell.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Challis to Caldwell?
The road trip is about 202.8 miles (326.4 km) and usually takes 04h 14m 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?
Stanley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 101.5 miles from Challis and 101.3 miles from Caldwell.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 135 miles (217.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 67.8 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 8:32 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.87 one way or $55.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 63.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Snow Showers around Challis and Rain Showers near Caldwell.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Challis and Caldwell. Straight-line distance: 135.03 mi (217.31 km).
#1 Challis
City in Custer County, Idaho, United States
| Population | 1,091 |
| Coordinates | 44.5046400, -114.2317300 |
| Altitude | 1601 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Caldwell
The most populous city in Canyon County, Idaho.
| Population | 58,481 |
| Coordinates | 43.6629400, -116.6873600 |
| Altitude | 724 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-116.687278, 43.66289)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 326 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $27.87 | $55.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $30.29 | $60.59 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $32.57 | $65.14 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $38.75 | $77.50 |
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 Idaho · 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.