How far is Deer Lodge, MT from Missoula, MT?
The driving distance from Deer Lodge, MT to Missoula, MT is about 81.3 miles (130.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 68.4 miles (110.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 34m 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 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.
Town in Granite County, Montana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Areas Of Fog
Patchy Fog then Chance Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Deer Lodge and Missoula.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Deer Lodge and Missoula.
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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
78.6 mi · 1 hr 15 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 12 West, I 90 Business
1037 ft · 26 sec
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Van Buren Street
63 m · 3 sec · Van Buren Street
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7
Exit the roundabout onto Van Buren Street
65 m · 4 sec · Van Buren Street
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Van Buren Street
28 m · 1 sec · Van Buren Street
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9
Exit the roundabout onto Van Buren Street
583 ft · 11 sec · Van Buren Street
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10
Turn right onto East Broadway Street
3078 ft · 55 sec · East Broadway Street
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11
Turn right onto North Higgins Avenue
6 m · 1 sec · North Higgins Avenue
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Higgins Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Deer Lodge and Missoula.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
North Interchange
Take the ramp left
78.6 mi · 01h 15m
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 Patchy Fog then Chance Light Rain near Missoula.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Deer Lodge to Missoula?
The road trip is about 81.3 miles (130.9 km) and usually takes 01h 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?
Drummond is a useful midpoint, sitting about 40.6 miles from Deer Lodge and 40.7 miles from Missoula.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 68.4 miles (110.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.9 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:56 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.17 one way or $22.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Areas Of Fog around Deer Lodge and Patchy Fog then Chance Light Rain near Missoula.
Stop Ideas Near Drummond
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 Drummond.
Missoula, MT
Butte, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Deer Lodge and Missoula. Straight-line distance: 68.41 mi (110.09 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 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: 131 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $11.17 | $22.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $12.14 | $24.29 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $13.06 | $26.11 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $15.53 | $31.06 |
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.