How far is Missoula, MT from Deer Lodge, MT?
The driving distance from Missoula, MT to Deer Lodge, MT is about 81.2 miles (130.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 68.4 miles (110.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 41m 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 20m.
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 Granite County, Montana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Patchy Fog then Chance Light Rain
Areas Of Fog
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Missoula and Deer Lodge.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Missoula and Deer Lodge.
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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
78.3 mi · 1 hr 15 min · Jeannette Rankin Memorial Highway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 90 Business: Deer Lodge
1257 ft · 32 sec
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7
Turn right
1.5 mi · 3 min
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8
Turn left onto Saint Mary's Avenue
1356 ft · 60 sec · Saint Mary's Avenue
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Saint Mary's Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Missoula and Deer Lodge.
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
78.3 mi · 01h 15m
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.
Patchy Fog then Chance Light Rain leaving Missoula and Areas Of Fog near Deer Lodge.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Missoula to Deer Lodge?
The road trip is about 81.2 miles (130.7 km) and usually takes 01h 20m 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?
Drummond is a useful midpoint, sitting about 40.5 miles from Missoula and 40.7 miles from Deer Lodge.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 68.4 miles (110.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.8 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 3:48 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.17 one way or $22.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Patchy Fog then Chance Light Rain around Missoula and Areas Of Fog near Deer Lodge.
Stop Ideas Near Drummond
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 Drummond.
Missoula, MT
Butte, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Missoula and Deer Lodge. Straight-line distance: 68.41 mi (110.09 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 Deer Lodge
City in and the county seat of Powell County, Montana, United States
| Population | 2,805 |
| Coordinates | 46.3957600, -112.7300400 |
| Altitude | 1392 |
| Country | United States |
End: Deer Lodge (-112.73004, 46.39576)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 131 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $11.17 | $22.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $12.14 | $24.29 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $13.06 | $26.11 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $15.53 | $31.06 |
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 · Jun 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.