How far is Columbus, MT from Great Falls, MT?
The driving distance from Columbus, MT to Great Falls, MT is about 213.9 miles (344.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 161.4 miles (259.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 20m 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 03h 40m.
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 Wheatland County, Montana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbus and Great Falls.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbus and Great Falls.
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1
Start on East Pike Avenue
1039 ft · 41 sec · East Pike Avenue
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2
Turn left onto North 9th Street
1.4 km · 2 min · North 9th Street
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3
Take the ramp left
1530 ft · 37 sec
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4
Merge slight left
37.5 mi · 35 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 191, I 90 Business: Big Timber, Harlowton
1944 ft · 48 sec
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6
Turn right onto Big Timber Loop Road
1.7 mi · 3 min · Big Timber Loop Road
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7
Turn slight right onto Boulder Street
1315 ft · 60 sec · Boulder Street
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8
Turn right onto East 1st Avenue
43.6 mi · 1 hr 5 min · East 1st Avenue
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9
Turn right onto 2nd Street Northwest
1 km · 58 sec · 2nd Street Northwest
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10
Continue on 3rd Street Northeast
1.3 km · 1 min · 3rd Street Northeast
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11
Turn left
39.2 mi · 43 min
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12
At the end of the road, turn left
64.3 mi · 1 hr 10 min
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13
Turn slight right
1588 ft · 21 sec
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14
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
52 m · 2 sec
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15
Exit the roundabout
557 ft · 7 sec
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16
Continue straight
23.1 mi · 29 min
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17
Turn right onto 6th Street South
1989 ft · 39 sec · 6th Street South
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18
Turn left onto 5th Avenue South
864 ft · 40 sec · 5th Avenue South
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19
Turn right onto 4th Street South
49 m · 7 sec · 4th Street South
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 4th Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbus and Great Falls.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Longest stretch
At the end of the road, turn left
64.3 mi · 01h 10m
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.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Columbus and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Great Falls.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbus to Great Falls?
The road trip is about 213.9 miles (344.3 km) and usually takes 03h 40m 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?
Judith Gap is a useful midpoint, sitting about 106.8 miles from Columbus and 107.1 miles from Great Falls.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 161.4 miles (259.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 52.5 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:40 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.39 one way or $58.78 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 67.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Columbus and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Great Falls.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbus and Great Falls. Straight-line distance: 161.39 mi (259.73 km).
#1 Columbus
Town in Stillwater County, Montana, United States
| Population | 2,117 |
| Coordinates | 45.6366100, -109.2521100 |
| Altitude | 1093 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Great Falls
Town in Cascade County, Montana, United States
| Population | 58,353 |
| Coordinates | 47.5002400, -111.3008100 |
| Altitude | 1015 |
| Country | United States |
End: 4th Street South (-111.300848, 47.50024)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 344 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $29.39 | $58.78 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $31.94 | $63.89 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $34.34 | $68.69 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $40.86 | $81.72 |
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.