How far is Laurel, MT from Sidney, MT?
The driving distance from Laurel, MT to Sidney, MT is about 286.6 miles (461.3 km), with a travel time of about 04h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 260.4 miles (419.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 42m 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 21m.
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 in Custer County, Montana
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Laurel and Sidney.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Laurel and Sidney.
-
1
Start on South 1st Avenue
1 km · 56 sec · South 1st Avenue
-
2
Turn left
19.1 mi · 22 min
-
3
Continue straight
3.1 mi · 4 min
-
4
Keep slight left to continue on I 94 East: Bismark
212.2 mi · 3 hr 33 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward MT 16: Glendive, Sidney
1422 ft · 38 sec
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6
Turn left
49 mi · 56 min
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7
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward South Central Avenue
40 m · 2 sec · South Central Avenue
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8
Exit the roundabout onto South Central Avenue
2.5 mi · 3 min · South Central Avenue
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Laurel and Sidney.
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 94 East
Keep slight left to continue on I 94 East: Bismark
212 mi · 03h 33m
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.
Sunny leaving Laurel and Mostly Cloudy near Sidney.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Laurel to Sidney?
The road trip is about 286.6 miles (461.3 km) and usually takes 04h 21m 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?
Miles City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 143.1 miles from Laurel and 143.5 miles from Sidney.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 260.4 miles (419.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.2 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 8:18 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $45.48 one way or $90.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 89.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Laurel and Mostly Cloudy near Sidney.
Stop Ideas Near Miles City
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 Miles City.
Miles City, MT
Glendive, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Laurel and Sidney. Straight-line distance: 260.42 mi (419.1 km).
#1 Laurel
City in Yellowstone County, Montana, USA
| Population | 6,715 |
| Coordinates | 45.6691200, -108.7715300 |
| Altitude | 1006 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sidney
City in Montana, United States
| Population | 6,297 |
| Coordinates | 47.7166800, -104.1563300 |
| Altitude | 594 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Central Avenue (-104.156325, 47.716678)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 461 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.49 | $45.48 | $90.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.83 | $48.83 | $97.66 |
| Premium | $5.19 | $52.55 | $105.11 |
| Diesel | $6.11 | $61.83 | $123.67 |
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