How far is Missoula, MT from Laurel, MT?

Fastest route

The journey from Missoula, Montana, USA to Laurel, Montana 59044, USA takes approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes, covering a distance of 328 miles via I-90 E.

Directions

  1. Head southeast on E Broadway St toward N Pattee St.
  2. Pass by Taco Bell (on the right in 0.4 mi).
  3. Use the middle lane to turn left onto Van Buren St.
  4. Use the right lane to take the ramp onto I-90 E.
  5. Follow I-90 E to US-310 W in Yellowstone County.
  6. Take exit 434 from I-90.
  7. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Laurel/Airport, and merge onto US-310 W.

Tips & Suggestions

  • 🛣️ Plan your journey in advance and consider checking for any traffic conditions or road closures before you start.
  • ⛽ Make sure to have enough fuel for the trip, especially for long stretches between gas stations.
  • 🚗 Stay attentive to road signs and follow the directions carefully to avoid missing any exits or turns.
  • 🚦 Observe speed limits and drive safely throughout your journey.
  • 📱 Consider using a GPS or navigation app to assist you with real-time directions and updates.
  • 🍽️ If you need a break or refreshments during the journey, look out for rest areas or local establishments along the way.
  • 🚧 Be aware of construction zones and exercise caution when driving through them.
Trip Tools

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.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
327.39 mi
04h 42m
Flight
262.85 mi
423.02 km direct

This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Missoula.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
262.85 mi
Kilometers
423.02 km
Flight Time
00h 31m

Driving Distance

Road route
327.39 mi
Kilometers
526.88 km
Drive Time
04h 42m

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 42m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Laurel
Fri, Apr 17, 12:40 PM MDT
Return by in Missoula
Fri, Apr 17, 5:22 PM MDT
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Missoula
2026-04-17T07:58
Arrive Laurel
Fri, Apr 17, 12:40 PM MDT
Route Timing
04h 42m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT
Leave early for more breathing room
Arrive between
10:42 AM to 12:42 PM MDT

An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.

Leave by
7:36 AM MDT
Keeps a same-day return open with about 04h 00m at the destination.
Back in Missoula
9:00 PM MDT
Early departure recommended

This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.

Halfway Point

A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.

Mid-route stop
Three Forks
MT

City in Gallatin County, Montana, United States

From Missoula
163.9 mi
02h 21m
To Laurel
163.4 mi
02h 21m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
49°F
Friday

Chance Light Snow then Chance Snow Showers

Starts
Fri, Apr 17 6:00 AM MDT
Wind
2 to 6 mph W
Destination
48°F
Friday

Chance Snow Showers

Starts
Fri, Apr 17 6:00 AM MDT
Wind
7 to 18 mph NW

Driving Route Map

The map below follows the saved road route between Missoula and Laurel.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Missoula and Laurel.

  1. 1

    Start on North Higgins Avenue

    6 m · 8 sec · North Higgins Avenue

  2. 2

    Turn left onto East Broadway Street

    3078 ft · 59 sec · East Broadway Street

  3. 3

    Turn left onto Van Buren Street

    133 m · 6 sec · Van Buren Street

  4. 4

    Take the exit right

    1216 ft · 30 sec

  5. 5

    Merge slight left onto Jeannette Rankin Memorial Highway

    115.1 mi · 1 hr 49 min · Jeannette Rankin Memorial Highway

  6. 6

    Keep slight right

    110.8 mi · 1 hr 51 min

  7. 7

    Continue straight

    6.9 mi · 6 min

  8. 8

    Continue straight

    93.9 mi · 1 hr 32 min

  9. 9

    Take the exit slight right toward US 212, US 310: Laurel, Red Lodge

    1266 ft · 31 sec

  10. 10

    Turn right

    1 km · 59 sec

  11. 11

    Arrive at your destination

    0 m · 1 sec · South 1st Avenue

Car Route Details

A richer read on the saved driving route between Missoula and Laurel.

OSRM road route
Drive Character

Long-distance drive

This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.

Directions
11 steps
3 turns on the saved route
Ramps & Exits
3
1 merges, 2 ramps or exits
Navigation Density
3.4 / 100 mi
Decision points by distance
Main Roads
Jeannette Rankin Memorial Highway
327 mi · 100%
East Broadway Street
0.58 mi
Van Buren Street
0.31 mi
US 212
0.24 mi
North Higgins Avenue
0 mi
Longest Stretch

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.

Trip Read

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.

Drive Time
04h 42m
Long day trip
Same-Day Return
09h 24m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+64.6 mi
262.8 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Three Forks
02h 21m from Missoula
Leave By
7:36 AM MDT
Early departure recommended
Weather Watch

Chance Light Snow then Chance Snow Showers leaving Missoula and Chance Snow Showers near Laurel.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Missoula to Laurel?

The road trip is about 327.4 miles (526.9 km) and usually takes 04h 42m 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?

Three Forks is a useful midpoint, sitting about 163.9 miles from Missoula and 163.4 miles from Laurel.

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

The direct path is about 262.8 miles (423 km), while the road route adds roughly 64.6 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 7:36 AM MDT.

How much will gas cost for this route?

Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $44.96 one way or $89.93 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 102.6 kg one way.

What should you check before leaving?

Before you leave, expect Chance Light Snow then Chance Snow Showers around Missoula and Chance Snow Showers near Laurel.

Stop Ideas Near Three Forks

Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.

Mid-route Guidance
Local place coverage is thin around Three Forks, so nearby transit and meeting points are shown instead.
Reviewed stop coverage is still thin around this midpoint, so practical transit waypoints are shown on the right.

Transit and Meeting Points

Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Three Forks.

BUS

Bozeman, MT

32 mi away
6505 Jack Rabbit Lane
BUS

Butte, MT

76 mi away
1324 Harrison Avenue
BUS

Livingston, MT

82 mi away
1404 East Park Street \r\n

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Missoula and Laurel. Straight-line distance: 262.85 mi (423.02 km).

Missoula

#1 Missoula

The most populous city in Missoula County, Montana.

Population76,848
Coordinates46.8721500, -113.9940000
Altitude978
CountryUnited States
Laurel

#2 Laurel

City in Yellowstone County, Montana, USA

Population6,715
Coordinates45.6691200, -108.7715300
Altitude1006
CountryUnited States
Start: North Higgins Avenue (-113.994022, 46.872156)
End: South 1st Avenue (-108.771477, 45.669116)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 527 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)10h 54m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)08h 11m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)06h 32m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)05h 27m
70 mph (112.65 km/h)04h 40m
80 mph (129 km/h)04h 05m

Fuel, Round Trip and CO2

Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.

One-way fuel
11.55 gal
43.73 L · about $44.96
Round trip
$89.93
23.1 gal · 87.46 L
Estimated CO2
102.6 kg one way
Round trip: 205.3 kg / 453 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound trip
Regular gas $3.89 $44.96 $89.93
Mid-grade $4.23 $48.87 $97.74
Premium $4.55 $52.54 $105.08
Diesel $5.41 $62.51 $125.02

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 17, 2026

There is no time difference between Missoula and Laurel. The current time is 07:58:44.

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.