How far is Great Falls, MT from Townsend, MT?
The driving distance from Great Falls, MT to Townsend, MT is about 121.4 miles (195.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 82.3 miles (132.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 15m 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 07m.
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.
Light Snow Likely
Light Snow
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Great Falls and Townsend.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Great Falls and Townsend.
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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
3.6 mi · 5 min
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11
Continue straight
1678 ft · 26 sec
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12
Continue straight
27.3 mi · 31 min
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13
Turn left
34 m · 8 sec
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Great Falls and Townsend.
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.
Light Snow Likely leaving Great Falls and Light Snow near Townsend.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Great Falls to Townsend?
The road trip is about 121.4 miles (195.4 km) and usually takes 02h 07m 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 60.6 miles from Great Falls and 60.8 miles from Townsend.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 82.3 miles (132.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 39.1 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 2:14 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.66 one way or $33.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Snow Likely around Great Falls and Light Snow near Townsend.
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 Great Falls and Townsend. Straight-line distance: 82.27 mi (132.4 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 Townsend
City in Montana, USA
| Population | 2,220 |
| Coordinates | 46.3191000, -111.5208000 |
| Altitude | 1171 |
| Country | United States |
End: Townsend (-111.5208, 46.3191)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 195 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $16.66 | $33.32 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $18.11 | $36.22 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $19.47 | $38.94 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $23.16 | $46.33 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.