How far is Helena, MT from Lewistown, MT?
Fastest route
The distance between Helena, Montana and Lewistown, Montana 59457 is approximately 185 miles (298 kilometers). The estimated travel time is 3 hours and 7 minutes. Here are the directions:
- Head southeast on W 6th Ave toward N Last Chance Gulch.
- Turn left onto N Montana Ave.
- Take US-12 E to MT-294 E in Meagher County.
- Turn right onto I-15BL S/11th Ave, and continue to follow I-15BL S.
- Continue onto US-12 E/US-287 S/Prospect Ave, and follow US-12 E/US-287 S.
- Turn left onto US-12 E/Broadway St, and continue to follow US-12 E.
- Follow MT-294 E to US-12 E, and turn left to stay on MT-294 E.
- Follow US-12 E and US-191 N to 6th Ave S in Lewistown.
- Turn right onto US-191 N/US-87 S, and slight right to stay on US-191 N/US-87 S.
- Pass by Subway (on the left in 1.7 mi).
- Turn right onto 6th Ave S.
Directions
- Start your journey by heading southeast on W 6th Ave toward N Last Chance Gulch.
- Turn left onto N Montana Ave.
- Continue straight and take US-12 E to MT-294 E in Meagher County.
- At the junction, turn right onto I-15BL S/11th Ave, and keep following it until you reach US-12 E/US-287 S/Prospect Ave.
- Make a left turn onto US-12 E/Broadway St and continue on US-12 E.
- Follow the road and take the left turn to stay on MT-294 E.
- Continue on MT-294 E until you reach the junction with US-12 E. Take a left turn onto US-12 E.
- Keep following US-12 E and then merge onto US-191 N.
- Continue on US-191 N/US-87 S and take a slight right to stay on it.
- Look for Subway on your left, and after approximately 1.7 miles, turn right onto 6th Ave S in Lewistown.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Take breaks along the way to stretch your legs and stay refreshed.
- ⛽ Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel for the journey.
- 📱 Use a navigation app or GPS device to help you stay on track.
- 🚦 Observe traffic rules and be mindful of speed limits.
- 🍽️ Pack snacks and drinks for the trip to stay energized.
- 📷 Capture the scenic views along the route with your camera.
- 🛣️ Enjoy the journey and make the most of the drive.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 07m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Helena and Lewistown.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Helena and Lewistown.
-
1
Start on Cruse Avenue
31 m · 6 sec · Cruse Avenue
-
2
Turn slight right onto North Last Chance Gulch Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · North Last Chance Gulch Street
-
3
Keep slight right to continue on North Last Chance Gulch Street
677 ft · 18 sec · North Last Chance Gulch Street
-
4
Continue on Cedar Street
1.2 km · 2 min · Cedar Street
-
5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 15 North: Great Falls
1119 ft · 27 sec
-
6
Merge slight left onto First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
85.1 mi · 1 hr 22 min · First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward I 15 Business, US 89 South, MT 200 East
2016 ft · 49 sec
-
8
Continue on Country Club Boulevard
1.4 mi · 2 min · Country Club Boulevard
-
9
Continue on 10th Avenue South
6.5 mi · 9 min · 10th Avenue South
-
10
Continue straight
17.6 mi · 19 min
-
11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
68 m · 3 sec
-
12
Exit the roundabout
1606 ft · 21 sec
-
13
Turn straight
64.3 mi · 1 hr 10 min
-
14
Continue straight
14.7 mi · 16 min
-
15
Continue on US Highway 87
1.5 mi · 2 min · US Highway 87
-
16
Continue on West Main Street
1.3 km · 2 min · West Main Street
-
17
Turn right onto 6th Avenue South
121 m · 17 sec · 6th Avenue South
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 6th Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Helena and Lewistown.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
Merge slight left onto First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
85.1 mi · 01h 22m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Helena and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Lewistown.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Helena to Lewistown?
The road trip is about 194.7 miles (313.3 km) and usually takes 03h 07m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Great Falls is a useful midpoint, sitting about 97.2 miles from Helena and 97.4 miles from Lewistown.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 127.5 miles (205.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 67.2 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:44 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.74 one way or $53.49 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms around Helena and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Lewistown.
Stop Ideas Near Great Falls
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Statue of Liberty Replica
Great Falls City Attorney's Office
Cascade County Treasurer
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Great Falls.
Shelby
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Helena and Lewistown. Straight-line distance: 127.47 mi (205.15 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 Lewistown
City in Montana, United States
| Population | 5,905 |
| Coordinates | 47.0624700, -109.4282400 |
| Altitude | 1203 |
| Country | United States |
End: 6th Avenue South (-109.428026, 47.06261)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 313 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $26.74 | $53.49 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $29.07 | $58.13 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $31.25 | $62.50 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $37.18 | $74.36 |
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.