How far is Helena, MT from Red Lodge, MT?
The driving distance from Helena, MT to Red Lodge, MT is about 246.2 miles (396.3 km), with a travel time of about 04h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 165.7 miles (266.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 58m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT.
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 04h 29m.
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.
City and the county seat of Park County, Montana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Light Snow
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Helena and Red Lodge.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Helena and Red Lodge.
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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
-
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
133.1 mi · 2 hr 9 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward MT 78: Columbus
1672 ft · 41 sec
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14
Turn right
1.2 km · 1 min
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15
At the end of the road, turn right onto East Pike Avenue
1140 ft · 44 sec · East Pike Avenue
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16
Turn left onto Pratten Street
675 ft · 23 sec · Pratten Street
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17
Continue on State Highway 78
13.5 mi · 17 min · State Highway 78
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18
Continue on North Woodard Avenue
1.2 km · 2 min · North Woodard Avenue
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19
Continue on State Highway 78
31.6 mi · 38 min · State Highway 78
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20
Continue on 3rd Street
2562 ft · 1 min · 3rd Street
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21
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward North Broadway Avenue
7 m · 1 sec · North Broadway Avenue
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22
Exit the roundabout onto North Broadway Avenue
1 km · 2 min · North Broadway Avenue
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Broadway Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Helena and Red Lodge.
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
133 mi · 02h 09m
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.
Light Snow leaving Helena and Light Snow near Red Lodge.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Helena to Red Lodge?
The road trip is about 246.2 miles (396.3 km) and usually takes 04h 29m 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?
Livingston is a useful midpoint, sitting about 123 miles from Helena and 123.3 miles from Red Lodge.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 165.7 miles (266.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 80.5 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 8:02 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $33.83 one way or $67.66 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 77.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Snow around Helena and Light Snow near Red Lodge.
Stop Ideas Near Livingston
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 Livingston.
Livingston, MT
Bozeman, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Helena and Red Lodge. Straight-line distance: 165.65 mi (266.58 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 Red Lodge
City in Montana, United States
| Population | 2,359 |
| Coordinates | 45.1857800, -109.2468200 |
| Altitude | 1697 |
| Country | United States |
End: Red Lodge (-109.24682, 45.18578)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 396 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $33.83 | $67.66 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $36.77 | $73.53 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $39.53 | $79.06 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $47.03 | $94.06 |
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.