How far is Helena, MT from Three Forks, MT?
The driving distance from Helena, MT to Three Forks, MT is about 114.5 miles (184.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 65.2 miles (105 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 09m 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 34m.
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.
Slight Chance Light Snow then Partly Sunny
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.
-
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
1.2 mi · 1 min
-
11
Turn right onto Stockett Road
9.5 mi · 23 min · Stockett Road
-
12
Turn left onto Cottonwood Coulee Road
4.1 mi · 16 min · Cottonwood Coulee Road
-
13
Continue on Cottonwood Coulee Road
1.8 mi · 7 min · Cottonwood Coulee Road
-
14
Continue on Cottonwood Coulee Road
2.4 mi · 9 min · Cottonwood Coulee Road
-
15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Cottonwood Coulee Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Helena and Three Forks.
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
85.1 mi · 01h 22m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Helena and Slight Chance Light Snow then Partly Sunny 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 114.5 miles (184.2 km) and usually takes 02h 34m 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 57.2 miles from Helena and 57.3 miles from Three Forks.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 65.2 miles (105 km), while the road route adds roughly 49.3 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 1:20 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.73 one way or $31.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Helena and Slight Chance Light Snow then Partly Sunny near Three Forks.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Helena and Three Forks. Straight-line distance: 65.24 mi (105 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 Cascade County, Montana, United States
| Population | 2,043 |
| Coordinates | 47.2816300, -111.0902400 |
| Altitude | 1208 |
| Country | United States |
End: Three Forks (-111.09024, 47.28163)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 184 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $15.73 | $31.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $17.09 | $34.19 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $18.38 | $36.76 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $21.86 | $43.73 |
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 · May 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.