How far is Columbia Falls, MT from Kalispell, MT?
The driving distance from Columbia Falls, MT to Kalispell, MT is about 16.5 miles (26.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 13.6 miles (21.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 49m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 24m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Flathead County, Montana, United States
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 Columbia Falls and Kalispell.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia Falls and Kalispell.
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1
Start on 7th Street West
1252 ft · 1 min · 7th Street West
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2
Turn left onto 4th Avenue West
639 ft · 22 sec · 4th Avenue West
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3
Turn right onto 9th Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · 9th Street
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4
Continue on US 2
1.6 km · 1 min · US 2
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5
Continue on US 2
9.1 mi · 11 min · US 2
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6
Continue on La Salle Road
2 mi · 3 min · La Salle Road
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7
Turn right onto US Route 2
1.2 mi · 2 min · US Route 2
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8
Turn left onto Woodland Park Drive
2198 ft · 1 min · Woodland Park Drive
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9
At the end of the road, turn right onto Conrad Drive
1451 ft · 40 sec · Conrad Drive
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10
Continue on 2nd Street East
1235 ft · 39 sec · 2nd Street East
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11
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue East
112 m · 12 sec · 3rd Avenue East
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12
Turn right onto 3rd Street East
1169 ft · 34 sec · 3rd Street East
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 3rd Street West
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia Falls and Kalispell.
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.
US 2
Continue on US 2
9.06 mi · 00h 11m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Columbia Falls and Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms near Kalispell.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia Falls to Kalispell?
The road trip is about 16.5 miles (26.5 km) and usually takes 00h 24m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Whitefish is a useful midpoint, sitting about 8.1 miles from Columbia Falls and 8.3 miles from Kalispell.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 13.6 miles (21.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.9 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:40 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.26 one way or $4.52 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms around Columbia Falls and Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms near Kalispell.
Stop Ideas Near Whitefish
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 Whitefish.
Whitefish station
West Glacier
Essex
East Glacier Park
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbia Falls and Kalispell. Straight-line distance: 13.62 mi (21.92 km).
#1 Columbia Falls
Town in Montana, United States
| Population | 6,209 |
| Coordinates | 48.3724600, -114.1815200 |
| Altitude | 941 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Kalispell
City in Flathead County, Montana, United States
| Population | 25,329 |
| Coordinates | 48.1957900, -114.3129100 |
| Altitude | 901 |
| Country | United States |
End: 3rd Street West (-114.312918, 48.195812)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 26 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $2.26 | $4.52 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $2.45 | $4.91 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $2.64 | $5.28 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $3.14 | $6.28 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.