How far is Idaho Falls, ID from Challis, ID?

The driving distance from Idaho Falls, ID to Challis, ID is about 150.2 miles (241.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 58m by car.

  • The straight-line flight distance is about 130.7 miles (210.3 km).
  • For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 57m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
  • A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT.
Trip Tools

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.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
150.22 mi
02h 58m
Flight
130.68 mi
210.31 km direct

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Idaho Falls.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
130.68 mi
Kilometers
210.31 km
Flight Time
00h 15m

Driving Distance

Road route
150.22 mi
Kilometers
241.75 km
Drive Time
02h 58m

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 58m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Challis
Fri, Apr 17, 10:25 PM MDT
Return by in Idaho Falls
Sat, Apr 18, 1:24 AM MDT
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Idaho Falls
2026-04-17T19:27
Arrive Challis
Fri, Apr 17, 10:25 PM MDT
Route Timing
02h 58m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT
Aim for a morning departure
Arrive between
10:59 AM to 12:59 PM MDT

A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.

Leave by
12:32 PM MDT
Keeps a same-day return open with about 03h 00m at the destination.
Back in Idaho Falls
9:30 PM MDT
Morning start is best

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.

Mid-route stop
Moore
ID

City in Butte County, Idaho, United States

From Idaho Falls
75 mi
01h 29m
To Challis
75.2 mi
01h 29m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
45°F
Friday

Slight Chance Snow Showers

Starts
Fri, Apr 17 6:00 AM MDT
Wind
10 to 14 mph NNW
Destination
31°F
Friday

Mostly Sunny then Chance Snow Showers

Starts
Fri, Apr 17 6:00 AM MDT
Wind
7 to 10 mph NNW

Driving Route Map

The map below follows the saved road route between Idaho Falls and Challis.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Idaho Falls and Challis.

  1. 1

    Start on Charleston Lane

    46 m · 9 sec · Charleston Lane

  2. 2

    Turn right onto West Stone Run Lane

    74 m · 16 sec · West Stone Run Lane

  3. 3

    Turn left onto Stonebrook Lane

    142 m · 20 sec · Stonebrook Lane

  4. 4

    Turn left onto West Sunnyside Road

    2.7 mi · 4 min · West Sunnyside Road

  5. 5

    Continue on West 33rd South

    1.8 mi · 3 min · West 33rd South

  6. 6

    Turn right onto South 45th West

    2 mi · 4 min · South 45th West

  7. 7

    Turn left onto West Broadway Street

    1.6 km · 1 min · West Broadway Street

  8. 8

    Continue on West Arco Highway

    19.6 mi · 21 min · West Arco Highway

  9. 9

    Continue on Idaho Medal of Honor Highway

    42 mi · 47 min · Idaho Medal of Honor Highway

  10. 10

    Continue on South Front Street

    1.7 mi · 3 min · South Front Street

  11. 11

    Continue straight

    78.7 mi · 1 hr 34 min

  12. 12

    Turn left onto East Valley Avenue

    2264 ft · 2 min · East Valley Avenue

  13. 13

    Turn right onto South 7th Street

    101 m · 16 sec · South 7th Street

  14. 14

    Turn right

    41 m · 10 sec

  15. 15

    Arrive at your destination

    0 m · 1 sec

Car Route Details

A richer read on the saved driving route between Idaho Falls and Challis.

OSRM road route
Drive Character

Straightforward drive

The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.

Directions
15 steps
8 turns on the saved route
Ramps & Exits
0
0 merges, 0 ramps or exits
Navigation Density
10 / 100 mi
Decision points by distance
Main Roads
South Front Street
80.3 mi · 53%
Idaho Medal of Honor Highway
42 mi · 28%
West Arco Highway
19.6 mi · 13%
West Sunnyside Road
2.73 mi · 2%
South 45th West
2.02 mi · 1%
West 33rd South
1.79 mi · 1%
Longest Stretch

South Front Street

Continue straight

78.7 mi · 01h 34m

Route Summary

A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.

Trip Read

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.

Drive Time
02h 58m
Day trip friendly
Same-Day Return
05h 58m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+19.5 mi
130.7 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Moore
01h 29m from Idaho Falls
Leave By
12:32 PM MDT
Morning start is best
Weather Watch

Slight Chance Snow Showers leaving Idaho Falls and Mostly Sunny then Chance Snow Showers near Challis.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Idaho Falls to Challis?

The road trip is about 150.2 miles (241.7 km) and usually takes 02h 58m 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?

Moore is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75 miles from Idaho Falls and 75.2 miles from Challis.

How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?

The direct path is about 130.7 miles (210.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.5 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:32 PM MDT.

How much will gas cost for this route?

Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.63 one way or $41.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.1 kg one way.

What should you check before leaving?

Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Snow Showers around Idaho Falls and Mostly Sunny then Chance Snow Showers near Challis.

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Idaho Falls and Challis. Straight-line distance: 130.68 mi (210.31 km).

Idaho Falls

#1 Idaho Falls

The most populous city in Bonneville County, Idaho.

Population62,888
Coordinates43.4665800, -112.0341400
Altitude1434
CountryUnited States
Photo coming soon

#2 Challis

City in Custer County, Idaho, United States

Population1,091
Coordinates44.5046400, -114.2317300
Altitude1601
CountryUnited States
Start: Idaho Falls (-112.03414, 43.46658)
End: Challis (-114.23173, 44.50464)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 242 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)05h 00m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)03h 45m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)03h 00m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)02h 30m
70 mph (112.65 km/h)02h 08m
80 mph (129 km/h)01h 52m

Fuel, Round Trip and CO2

Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.

One-way fuel
5.3 gal
20.07 L · about $20.63
Round trip
$41.27
10.6 gal · 40.14 L
Estimated CO2
47.1 kg one way
Round trip: 94.2 kg / 208 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound trip
Regular gas $3.89 $20.63 $41.27
Mid-grade $4.23 $22.42 $44.85
Premium $4.55 $24.11 $48.22
Diesel $5.41 $28.68 $57.37

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 Idaho · Apr 18, 2026

There is no time difference between Idaho Falls and Challis. The current time is 19:27:05.

Distance to Other Cities

Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.

How did we calculate? Place names are translated into coordinates. The Haversine formula calculates straight-line distance; driving distance uses road network data.