How far is Challis, ID from Pocatello, ID?
The driving distance from Challis, ID to Pocatello, ID is about 162.3 miles (261.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 143.8 miles (231.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 37m 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 48m.
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 Butte County, Idaho, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Challis and Pocatello.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Challis and Pocatello.
-
1
Start on the route
41 m · 12 sec
-
2
Turn right onto South 7th Street
99 m · 17 sec · South 7th Street
-
3
Turn right onto Main Street
2325 ft · 1 min · Main Street
-
4
Turn right onto South Salmon River Scenic Byway
80.5 mi · 1 hr 37 min · South Salmon River Scenic Byway
-
5
Continue on Idaho Medal of Honor Highway
22.7 mi · 26 min · Idaho Medal of Honor Highway
-
6
Keep slight left to continue on Idaho Medal of Honor Highway
968 ft · 13 sec · Idaho Medal of Honor Highway
-
7
Turn right
34 mi · 38 min
-
8
Take the ramp right
1385 ft · 34 sec
-
9
Merge slight left onto Veterans Memorial Highway
21 mi · 20 min · Veterans Memorial Highway
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward Pocatello Creek Road
1323 ft · 32 sec
-
11
Keep slight right
2424 ft · 1 min
-
12
Turn left onto Jefferson Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · Jefferson Avenue
-
13
At the end of the road, turn right onto East Oak Street
101 m · 12 sec · East Oak Street
-
14
Turn left onto North 12th Avenue
637 ft · 25 sec · North 12th Avenue
-
15
Turn right onto East Bridger Street
1802 ft · 1 min · East Bridger Street
-
16
Turn left onto North 7th Avenue
151 m · 22 sec · North 7th Avenue
-
17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 7th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Challis and Pocatello.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
South Salmon River Scenic Byway
Turn right onto South Salmon River Scenic Byway
80.5 mi · 01h 37m
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.
Sunny leaving Challis and Sunny near Pocatello.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Challis to Pocatello?
The road trip is about 162.3 miles (261.2 km) and usually takes 02h 48m 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?
Arco is a useful midpoint, sitting about 80.7 miles from Challis and 81.6 miles from Pocatello.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 143.8 miles (231.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.5 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 12:52 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.31 one way or $44.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Challis and Sunny near Pocatello.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Challis and Pocatello. Straight-line distance: 143.87 mi (231.53 km).
#1 Challis
City in Custer County, Idaho, United States
| Population | 1,091 |
| Coordinates | 44.5046400, -114.2317300 |
| Altitude | 1601 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Pocatello
The most populous city in Bannock County, Idaho.
| Population | 56,637 |
| Coordinates | 42.8713000, -112.4455300 |
| Altitude | 1360 |
| Country | United States |
End: North 7th Avenue (-112.445543, 42.871292)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 261 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $22.31 | $44.61 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $24.24 | $48.49 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $26.07 | $52.13 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $31.01 | $62.02 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.