How far is Great Falls, MT from East Helena, MT?
The driving distance from Great Falls, MT to East Helena, MT is about 93.4 miles (150.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 69.3 miles (111.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 13m 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 36m.
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 Cascade County, Montana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Great Falls and East Helena.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Great Falls and East Helena.
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1
Start on 4th Street South
49 m · 12 sec · 4th Street South
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2
Turn left onto 5th Avenue South
130 m · 21 sec · 5th Avenue South
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3
Turn right onto 5th Street South
1988 ft · 38 sec · 5th Street South
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4
Turn right onto 10th Avenue South
1.2 km · 1 min · 10th Avenue South
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5
Continue on Country Club Boulevard
1.3 mi · 2 min · Country Club Boulevard
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6
Keep slight left
1.2 km · 2 min
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7
Merge slight left onto First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
85.7 mi · 1 hr 23 min · First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 12 South, US 287 South: Townsend, Capitol Area
1280 ft · 34 sec
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9
Turn left onto Prospect Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · Prospect Avenue
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10
Continue straight
2.4 mi · 3 min
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11
Turn left onto Wylie Drive
53 m · 9 sec · Wylie Drive
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12
Turn right onto West Main Street
1.2 km · 2 min · West Main Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Great Falls and East Helena.
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
85.7 mi · 01h 23m
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.
Sunny leaving Great Falls and Sunny near East Helena.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Great Falls to East Helena?
The road trip is about 93.4 miles (150.3 km) and usually takes 01h 36m 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?
Cascade is a useful midpoint, sitting about 46.6 miles from Great Falls and 46.7 miles from East Helena.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 69.3 miles (111.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.1 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 3:16 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.81 one way or $25.62 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 29.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Great Falls and Sunny near East Helena.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Great Falls and East Helena. Straight-line distance: 69.25 mi (111.45 km).
#1 Great Falls
Town in Cascade County, Montana, United States
| Population | 58,353 |
| Coordinates | 47.5002400, -111.3008100 |
| Altitude | 1015 |
| Country | United States |
#2 East Helena
Town of the United States
| Population | 2,130 |
| Coordinates | 46.5896600, -111.9155500 |
| Altitude | 1185 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Helena (-111.91555, 46.58966)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 150 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $12.81 | $25.62 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $13.92 | $27.84 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $14.97 | $29.93 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $17.81 | $35.61 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.