How far is Helena, MT from Three Forks, MT?
The driving distance from Helena, MT to Three Forks, MT is about 68.6 miles (110.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 53.6 miles (86.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 43m 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 21m.
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.
City in Montana, USA
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 Three Forks.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Helena and Three Forks.
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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
23.9 mi · 26 min
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11
Turn left onto Three Forks Road
1852 ft · 31 sec · Three Forks Road
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12
Continue on Montana Highway 2
2.5 mi · 4 min · Montana Highway 2
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13
Turn left onto Main Street
40 m · 2 sec · Main Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Helena and Three Forks.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Prospect Avenue
Continue straight
30.2 mi · 00h 34m
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 Three Forks.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Helena to Three Forks?
The road trip is about 68.6 miles (110.4 km) and usually takes 01h 21m 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?
Townsend is a useful midpoint, sitting about 34.3 miles from Helena and 34.4 miles from Three Forks.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 53.6 miles (86.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 15 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 3:46 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.42 one way or $18.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 21.5 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 Three Forks.
Stop Ideas Near Townsend
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 Townsend.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Helena and Three Forks. Straight-line distance: 53.62 mi (86.3 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 Three Forks
City in Gallatin County, Montana, United States
| Population | 1,926 |
| Coordinates | 45.8924300, -111.5521900 |
| Altitude | 1242 |
| Country | United States |
End: Three Forks (-111.55219, 45.89243)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 110 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 51m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $9.42 | $18.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $10.24 | $20.48 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $11.01 | $22.02 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $13.10 | $26.19 |
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.