How far is Helena, MT from Lincoln, MT?
The driving distance from Helena, MT to Lincoln, MT is about 56.2 miles (90.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 39.5 miles (63.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 18m 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 09m.
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 of the United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Clear
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Helena and Lincoln.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Helena and Lincoln.
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1
Start on Cruse Avenue
31 m · 6 sec · Cruse Avenue
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2
Turn slight left onto Neill Avenue
1041 ft · 36 sec · Neill Avenue
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3
Turn straight
68 m · 10 sec
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4
Continue on North Benton Avenue
1.5 mi · 5 min · North Benton Avenue
-
5
Turn left onto West Custer Avenue
1353 ft · 33 sec · West Custer Avenue
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6
Turn right onto Green Meadow Drive
6.2 mi · 9 min · Green Meadow Drive
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7
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Lincoln Road West
66 m · 3 sec · Lincoln Road West
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8
Exit the roundabout onto Lincoln Road West
28.1 mi · 31 min · Lincoln Road West
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9
Continue on Montana Highway 279
8.4 mi · 10 min · Montana Highway 279
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10
At the end of the road, turn left
11.5 mi · 13 min
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11
Turn left onto Stemple Pass Road
19 m · 3 sec · Stemple Pass Road
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Stemple Pass Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Helena and Lincoln.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Lincoln Road West
Exit the roundabout onto Lincoln Road West
28.1 mi · 00h 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.
Sunny leaving Helena and Mostly Clear near Lincoln.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Helena to Lincoln?
The road trip is about 56.2 miles (90.5 km) and usually takes 01h 09m 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?
East Helena is a useful midpoint, sitting about 28 miles from Helena and 28.1 miles from Lincoln.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 39.5 miles (63.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.7 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 4:12 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.90 one way or $17.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Helena and Mostly Clear near Lincoln.
Stop Ideas Near East 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 East Helena.
Butte, MT
Bozeman, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Helena and Lincoln. Straight-line distance: 39.49 mi (63.56 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 Lincoln
Situated at an elevation of 4541 feet in Lewis and Clark County, this forested community lies within western Montana's Blackfoot River Valley.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 46.9549400, -112.6817100 |
| Altitude | 1384 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lincoln (-112.68171, 46.95494)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 90 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.49 | $8.90 | $17.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.83 | $9.55 | $19.11 |
| Premium | $5.19 | $10.28 | $20.56 |
| Diesel | $6.11 | $12.10 | $24.20 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026