How far is Missoula, MT from Big Sky, MT?
The driving distance from Missoula, MT to Big Sky, MT is about 240.1 miles (386.4 km), with a travel time of about 04h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 166.9 miles (268.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 14m 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 07m.
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.
Consolidated city-county in Montana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Missoula and Big Sky.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Missoula and Big Sky.
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1
Start on North Higgins Avenue
6 m · 8 sec · North Higgins Avenue
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2
Turn left onto East Broadway Street
3078 ft · 59 sec · East Broadway Street
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3
Turn left onto Van Buren Street
133 m · 6 sec · Van Buren Street
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4
Take the exit right
1216 ft · 30 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Jeannette Rankin Memorial Highway
115.1 mi · 1 hr 49 min · Jeannette Rankin Memorial Highway
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6
Keep slight right
75.3 mi · 1 hr 15 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward MT 291, MT 85: Belgrade, West Yellowstone
1374 ft · 38 sec
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8
Turn left onto Amsterdam Road
1.3 km · 60 sec · Amsterdam Road
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9
Turn right onto Jackrabbit Lane
6.5 mi · 7 min · Jackrabbit Lane
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10
Continue on Gallatin Road
33.9 mi · 41 min · Gallatin Road
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11
Turn right onto Lone Mountain Trail
7.1 mi · 11 min · Lone Mountain Trail
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12
Turn left onto Lone Moose Drive
61 m · 7 sec · Lone Moose Drive
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13
Keep slight right to continue on Access
156 m · 23 sec · Access
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Access
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Missoula and Big Sky.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Jeannette Rankin Memorial Highway
Merge slight left onto Jeannette Rankin Memorial Highway
115 mi · 01h 49m
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.
Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny leaving Missoula and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Snow Showers near Big Sky.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Missoula to Big Sky?
The road trip is about 240.1 miles (386.4 km) and usually takes 04h 07m 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?
Butte is a useful midpoint, sitting about 119.9 miles from Missoula and 120.2 miles from Big Sky.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 166.9 miles (268.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 73.2 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 8:46 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.97 one way or $65.95 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 75.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny around Missoula and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Snow Showers near Big Sky.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Missoula and Big Sky. Straight-line distance: 166.92 mi (268.63 km).
#1 Missoula
The most populous city in Missoula County, Montana.
| Population | 76,848 |
| Coordinates | 46.8721500, -113.9940000 |
| Altitude | 978 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Big Sky
Census designated place
| Population | 2,308 |
| Coordinates | 45.2846500, -111.3682900 |
| Altitude | 2200 |
| Country | United States |
End: Big Sky (-111.36829, 45.28465)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 386 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $32.97 | $65.95 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $35.84 | $71.67 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $38.53 | $77.06 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $45.84 | $91.68 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.