How far is Helena, MT from Big Timber, MT?
The driving distance from Helena, MT to Big Timber, MT is about 158.1 miles (254.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 112.4 miles (180.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 41m 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 50m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Helena and Big Timber.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Helena and Big Timber.
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1
Start on Cruse Avenue
50 m · 8 sec · Cruse Avenue
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2
Turn left onto 11th Avenue
1.4 mi · 4 min · 11th Avenue
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3
Turn straight onto Prospect Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · Prospect Avenue
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4
Continue straight
3.6 mi · 5 min
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5
Continue straight
1678 ft · 26 sec
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6
Continue straight
30.2 mi · 34 min
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7
Continue straight
2.3 mi · 2 min
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8
Continue straight
1.2 mi · 1 min
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9
Continue straight
1.4 mi · 2 min
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10
Continue straight
22.7 mi · 24 min
-
11
Take the exit left toward I 90 East: Billings
1372 ft · 34 sec
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12
Merge slight left
91.9 mi · 1 hr 31 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 191, I 90 Business: Big Timber, Harlowton
1486 ft · 42 sec
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14
Turn left
895 ft · 16 sec
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15
At the end of the road, turn right
1 mi · 2 min
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16
Turn left onto McLeod Street
5 m · 1 sec · McLeod Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · McLeod Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Helena and Big Timber.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 90 East
Merge slight left
91.9 mi · 01h 31m
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.
Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Helena and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Big Timber.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Helena to Big Timber?
The road trip is about 158.1 miles (254.5 km) and usually takes 02h 50m 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?
Manhattan is a useful midpoint, sitting about 79 miles from Helena and 79.2 miles from Big Timber.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 112.4 miles (180.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 45.7 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 12:48 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.72 one way or $43.45 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms around Helena and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Big Timber.
Stop Ideas Near Manhattan
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 Manhattan.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Helena and Big Timber. Straight-line distance: 112.41 mi (180.9 km).
#1 Helena
State capital of Montana, United States and seat of Lewis and Clark County
| Population | 33,737 |
| Coordinates | 46.5927100, -112.0361100 |
| Altitude | 1237 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Big Timber
City in and county seat of Sweet Grass County, Montana, United States
| Population | 1,688 |
| Coordinates | 45.8349400, -109.9554600 |
| Altitude | 1247 |
| Country | United States |
End: Big Timber (-109.95546, 45.83494)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 255 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $21.72 | $43.45 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $23.61 | $47.22 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $25.38 | $50.77 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $30.20 | $60.40 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.