How far is Colstrip, MT from Billings, MT?
The driving distance from Colstrip, MT to Billings, MT is about 123.5 miles (198.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 90.7 miles (145.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 57m 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 01h 58m.
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.
Town in Montana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Colstrip and Billings.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Colstrip and Billings.
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1
Start on Park Street
31 m · 4 sec · Park Street
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2
Continue on Box Elder Avenue
2073 ft · 2 min · Box Elder Avenue
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3
At the end of the road, turn right
28.5 mi · 42 min
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4
Take the ramp left
1590 ft · 39 sec
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5
Merge slight left
87.2 mi · 1 hr 31 min
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6
Merge slight left
2.8 mi · 3 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 90 Business, US 87 North: Lockwood, Roundup
1389 ft · 36 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto US Highway 87 East
1.2 mi · 1 min · US Highway 87 East
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9
At the end of the road, turn left onto 1st Avenue North
1.2 mi · 3 min · 1st Avenue North
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10
Turn left onto North 25th Street
114 m · 16 sec · North 25th Street
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11
Turn left onto Montana Avenue
51 m · 6 sec · Montana Avenue
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Montana Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Colstrip and Billings.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Box Elder Avenue
Merge slight left
87.2 mi · 01h 31m
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.
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers leaving Colstrip and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Billings.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Colstrip to Billings?
The road trip is about 123.5 miles (198.8 km) and usually takes 01h 58m 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?
Hysham is a useful midpoint, sitting about 60.9 miles from Colstrip and 62.6 miles from Billings.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 90.7 miles (145.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.8 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:32 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.97 one way or $33.95 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers around Colstrip and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Billings.
Stop Ideas Near Hysham
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 Hysham.
Miles City, MT
Billings, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Colstrip and Billings. Straight-line distance: 90.63 mi (145.85 km).
#1 Colstrip
Town focused on coal mining and electricity production
| Population | 2,217 |
| Coordinates | 45.8841600, -106.6236400 |
| Altitude | 982 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Billings
The most populous city in Montana.
| Population | 117,445 |
| Coordinates | 45.7832900, -108.5006900 |
| Altitude | 952 |
| Country | United States |
End: Montana Avenue (-108.500696, 45.783296)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 199 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $16.97 | $33.95 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $18.45 | $36.89 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $19.83 | $39.67 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $23.60 | $47.19 |
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.