How far is Columbus, MT from Missoula, MT?
The driving distance from Columbus, MT to Missoula, MT is about 303.4 miles (488.3 km), with a travel time of about 04h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 242 miles (389.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 10m 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 35m.
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.
Town in Jefferson County, Montana
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbus and Missoula.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbus and Missoula.
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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
188.8 mi · 3 hr 5 min
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 West: Missoula
112.5 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 12 West, I 90 Business
1037 ft · 26 sec
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7
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Van Buren Street
63 m · 3 sec · Van Buren Street
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8
Exit the roundabout onto Van Buren Street
65 m · 4 sec · Van Buren Street
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9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Van Buren Street
28 m · 1 sec · Van Buren Street
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10
Exit the roundabout onto Van Buren Street
583 ft · 11 sec · Van Buren Street
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11
Turn right onto East Broadway Street
3078 ft · 55 sec · East Broadway Street
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12
Turn right onto North Higgins Avenue
6 m · 1 sec · North Higgins Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Higgins Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbus and Missoula.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
North 9th Street
Merge slight left
189 mi · 03h 05m
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.
Sunny leaving Columbus and Sunny near Missoula.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbus to Missoula?
The road trip is about 303.4 miles (488.3 km) and usually takes 04h 35m 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?
Whitehall is a useful midpoint, sitting about 151.6 miles from Columbus and 151.9 miles from Missoula.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 242 miles (389.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 61.4 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 7:50 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $41.69 one way or $83.39 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 95.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Columbus and Sunny near Missoula.
Stop Ideas Near Whitehall
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 Whitehall.
Butte, MT
Bozeman, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbus and Missoula. Straight-line distance: 242.04 mi (389.53 km).
#1 Columbus
Town in Stillwater County, Montana, United States
| Population | 2,117 |
| Coordinates | 45.6366100, -109.2521100 |
| Altitude | 1093 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Missoula
The most populous city in Missoula County, Montana.
| Population | 76,848 |
| Coordinates | 46.8721500, -113.9940000 |
| Altitude | 978 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Higgins Avenue (-113.994022, 46.872156)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 488 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 20m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $41.69 | $83.39 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $45.31 | $90.63 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $48.72 | $97.44 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $57.96 | $115.93 |
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 · May 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.