How far is Deer Lodge, MT from Great Falls, MT?
The driving distance from Deer Lodge, MT to Great Falls, MT is about 144.5 miles (232.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 101.8 miles (163.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 35m 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 17m.
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.
State capital of Montana, United States and seat of Lewis and Clark County
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Areas Of Fog
Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Deer Lodge and Great Falls.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Deer Lodge and Great Falls.
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1
Start on Saint Mary's Avenue
1356 ft · 1 min · Saint Mary's Avenue
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2
Turn right onto Main Street
1 mi · 2 min · Main Street
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3
Continue on North Interchange
2731 ft · 56 sec · North Interchange
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4
Take the ramp left
8.7 mi · 8 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 12 East: Helena, Garrison
1.2 mi · 2 min
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6
At the end of the road, turn right
42 mi · 47 min
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7
Turn left onto Henderson Street
1.6 km · 2 min · Henderson Street
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8
Turn right onto West Custer Avenue
1.6 mi · 3 min · West Custer Avenue
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9
Continue on East Custer Avenue
2739 ft · 1 min · East Custer Avenue
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10
Turn left onto I 15 North, US 287: Great Falls
1722 ft · 44 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
84 mi · 1 hr 21 min · First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 15 Business, US 89 South, MT 200 East
2016 ft · 49 sec
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13
Continue on Country Club Boulevard
1.4 mi · 2 min · Country Club Boulevard
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14
Continue on 10th Avenue South
1.1 km · 58 sec · 10th Avenue South
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15
Turn left onto 4th Street South
2216 ft · 2 min · 4th Street South
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 4th Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Deer Lodge and Great Falls.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
Merge slight left onto First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
84 mi · 01h 21m
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.
Areas Of Fog leaving Deer Lodge and Light Rain near Great Falls.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Deer Lodge to Great Falls?
The road trip is about 144.5 miles (232.6 km) and usually takes 02h 17m 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?
Helena is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71.9 miles from Deer Lodge and 72.6 miles from Great Falls.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 101.8 miles (163.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 42.7 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 1:54 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.85 one way or $39.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Areas Of Fog around Deer Lodge and Light Rain near Great Falls.
Stop Ideas Near Helena
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 Helena.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Deer Lodge and Great Falls. Straight-line distance: 101.82 mi (163.86 km).
#1 Deer Lodge
City in and the county seat of Powell County, Montana, United States
| Population | 2,805 |
| Coordinates | 46.3957600, -112.7300400 |
| Altitude | 1392 |
| 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: 233 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 48m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $19.85 | $39.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $21.58 | $43.16 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $23.20 | $46.40 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $27.60 | $55.20 |
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 · Jun 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.