How far is Missoula, MT from Three Forks, MT?
The driving distance from Missoula, MT to Three Forks, MT is about 173.4 miles (279 km), with a travel time of about 02h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 134.7 miles (216.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 37m 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 02h 48m.
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.
City in and the county seat of Powell County, Montana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Missoula and Three Forks.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Missoula and Three Forks.
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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
56 mi · 55 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward MT 2, MT 205: Three Forks, Trident
1349 ft · 35 sec
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8
Turn right onto Frontage Road
1.5 km · 1 min · Frontage Road
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9
Continue on North Main Street
1155 ft · 20 sec · North Main Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Missoula and Three Forks.
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 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.
Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Missoula and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Three Forks.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Missoula to Three Forks?
The road trip is about 173.4 miles (279 km) and usually takes 02h 48m 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?
Deer Lodge is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.6 miles from Missoula and 86.8 miles from Three Forks.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 134.7 miles (216.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 38.7 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 12:52 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.83 one way or $47.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms around Missoula and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Three Forks.
Stop Ideas Near Deer Lodge
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 Deer Lodge.
Butte, MT
Missoula, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Missoula and Three Forks. Straight-line distance: 134.63 mi (216.67 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 Three Forks
City in Gallatin County, Montana, United States
| Population | 1,926 |
| Coordinates | 45.8924300, -111.5521900 |
| Altitude | 1242 |
| Country | United States |
End: Three Forks (-111.55219, 45.89243)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 279 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $23.83 | $47.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $25.89 | $51.79 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $27.84 | $55.68 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $33.12 | $66.24 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.