How far is Plains, MT from Missoula, MT?
The driving distance from Plains, MT to Missoula, MT is about 76.8 miles (123.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 58.3 miles (93.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 45m 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 22m.
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 of the United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Light Rain Likely then Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Plains and Missoula.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Plains and Missoula.
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1
Start on Railroad Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · Railroad Avenue
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2
Continue on Montana Highway 200
31.5 mi · 47 min · Montana Highway 200
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3
Continue on A Street
7.5 mi · 11 min · A Street
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4
Continue straight
27.3 mi · 32 min
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5
Continue on West Broadway Street
925 ft · 24 sec · West Broadway Street
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6
Continue on West Broadway Street
733 ft · 18 sec · West Broadway Street
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 90 East: Missoula
8.2 mi · 9 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Orange Street
1178 ft · 30 sec
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9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward North Orange Street
29 m · 2 sec · North Orange Street
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10
Exit the roundabout onto North Orange Street
2690 ft · 1 min · North Orange Street
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11
Turn left onto West Broadway Street
1172 ft · 29 sec · West Broadway Street
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12
Turn left onto North Higgins Avenue
6 m · 1 sec · North Higgins Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Higgins Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Plains and Missoula.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Montana Highway 200
Continue on Montana Highway 200
31.5 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.
Light Rain Likely then Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Plains and Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms near Missoula.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Plains to Missoula?
The road trip is about 76.8 miles (123.6 km) and usually takes 01h 22m 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?
Saint Ignatius is a useful midpoint, sitting about 38.3 miles from Plains and 38.5 miles from Missoula.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 58.3 miles (93.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.5 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 3:44 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.55 one way or $21.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 24.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Rain Likely then Showers And Thunderstorms around Plains and Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms near Missoula.
Stop Ideas Near Saint Ignatius
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 Saint Ignatius.
Missoula, MT
Essex
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Plains and Missoula. Straight-line distance: 58.26 mi (93.76 km).
#1 Plains
Town of the United States
| Population | 1,139 |
| Coordinates | 47.4602100, -114.8829100 |
| Altitude | 755 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Missoula
The most populous city in Missoula County, Montana.
| Population | 76,848 |
| Coordinates | 46.8721500, -113.9940000 |
| Altitude | 978 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Higgins Avenue (-113.994022, 46.872156)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 124 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $10.55 | $21.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $11.47 | $22.93 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $12.33 | $24.66 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $14.67 | $29.33 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.