How far is Miles City, MT from Colstrip, MT?
The driving distance from Miles City, MT to Colstrip, MT is about 80.1 miles (128.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 52.1 miles (83.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 14m 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 37m.
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.
Rosebud county seat and river town near Yellowstone River
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Miles City and Colstrip.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Miles City and Colstrip.
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1
Start on Main Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · Main Street
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2
Continue straight
1.9 mi · 3 min
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3
Take the ramp straight
20 m · 2 sec
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4
Keep slight right
1487 ft · 36 sec
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5
Merge slight left
47.5 mi · 47 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
1680 ft · 47 sec
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7
Turn left
28.5 mi · 42 min
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8
Turn left onto Box Elder Avenue
2176 ft · 2 min · Box Elder Avenue
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Park Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Miles City and Colstrip.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Main Street
Merge slight left
47.5 mi · 00h 47m
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.
Sunny leaving Miles City and Sunny near Colstrip.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Miles City to Colstrip?
The road trip is about 80.1 miles (128.9 km) and usually takes 01h 37m 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?
Forsyth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 40 miles from Miles City and 40.1 miles from Colstrip.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 52.1 miles (83.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 28 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 3:16 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.02 one way or $22.03 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Miles City and Sunny near Colstrip.
Stop Ideas Near Forsyth
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 Forsyth.
Miles City, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Miles City and Colstrip. Straight-line distance: 52.12 mi (83.88 km).
#1 Miles City
City in Custer County, Montana
| Population | 8,264 |
| Coordinates | 46.4083400, -105.8405600 |
| Altitude | 722 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Colstrip
Town focused on coal mining and electricity production
| Population | 2,217 |
| Coordinates | 45.8841600, -106.6236400 |
| Altitude | 982 |
| Country | United States |
End: Colstrip (-106.62364, 45.88416)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 129 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $11.02 | $22.03 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $11.97 | $23.95 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $12.87 | $25.75 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $15.32 | $30.63 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.