How far is Helena, MT from Fort Benton, MT?
The driving distance from Helena, MT to Fort Benton, MT is about 131 miles (210.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 106.3 miles (171.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 37m 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 18m.
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.
Rain And Snow Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Helena and Fort Benton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Helena and Fort Benton.
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1
Start on Cruse Avenue
31 m · 6 sec · Cruse Avenue
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2
Turn slight right onto North Last Chance Gulch Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · North Last Chance Gulch Street
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3
Keep slight right to continue on North Last Chance Gulch Street
677 ft · 18 sec · North Last Chance Gulch Street
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4
Continue on Cedar Street
1.2 km · 2 min · Cedar Street
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5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 15 North: Great Falls
1119 ft · 27 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
86.7 mi · 1 hr 24 min · First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
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7
Take the exit slight right
1262 ft · 31 sec
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8
Keep slight right
70 m · 6 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto Central Avenue West
1.2 mi · 1 min · Central Avenue West
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10
Turn left onto 3rd Street Northwest
1.4 mi · 2 min · 3rd Street Northwest
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11
Continue on Smelter Avenue Northeast
2885 ft · 45 sec · Smelter Avenue Northeast
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12
Turn left onto Old Havre Highway
1.4 km · 1 min · Old Havre Highway
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13
Turn left onto 15th Street Northeast
35.8 mi · 38 min · 15th Street Northeast
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14
Turn right onto MT 386
1.4 mi · 3 min · MT 386
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15
Continue on Saint Charles Street
117 m · 13 sec · Saint Charles Street
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16
Turn right onto 12th Street
1366 ft · 1 min · 12th Street
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17
Turn left onto Main Street
1237 ft · 57 sec · Main Street
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18
Turn right
83 m · 21 sec
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Helena and Fort Benton.
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
86.7 mi · 01h 24m
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 leaving Helena and Rain And Snow Likely near Fort Benton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Helena to Fort Benton?
The road trip is about 131 miles (210.8 km) and usually takes 02h 18m 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 65.4 miles from Helena and 65.6 miles from Fort Benton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 106.3 miles (171.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.7 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 1:52 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.99 one way or $35.97 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 41.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Snow around Helena and Rain And Snow Likely near Fort Benton.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Helena and Fort Benton. Straight-line distance: 106.29 mi (171.06 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 Fort Benton
City in Montana, USA
| Population | 1,442 |
| Coordinates | 47.8183000, -110.6674400 |
| Altitude | 799 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fort Benton (-110.66744, 47.8183)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 211 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $17.99 | $35.97 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $19.55 | $39.09 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $21.02 | $42.03 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $25.00 | $50.01 |
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.