How far is Polson, MT from Butte, MT?
The driving distance from Polson, MT to Butte, MT is about 187.5 miles (301.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 139.8 miles (225 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 38m 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 03h 19m.
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.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Polson and Butte.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Polson and Butte.
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1
Start on Main Street
94 m · 10 sec · Main Street
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2
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue East
60.6 mi · 1 hr 15 min · 2nd Avenue East
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3
Continue on West Broadway Street
925 ft · 24 sec · West Broadway Street
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4
Continue on West Broadway Street
733 ft · 18 sec · West Broadway Street
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 90 East: Missoula
124.6 mi · 2 hr
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6
Keep slight left to continue on City Center
2 mi · 3 min
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7
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Iron Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Polson and Butte.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 90 East
Take the exit slight right toward I 90 East: Missoula
125 mi · 02h 00m
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.
Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Polson and Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms near Butte.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Polson to Butte?
The road trip is about 187.5 miles (301.7 km) and usually takes 03h 19m 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?
East Missoula is a useful midpoint, sitting about 93.6 miles from Polson and 93.8 miles from Butte.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 139.8 miles (225 km), while the road route adds roughly 47.7 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:22 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.73 one way or $51.47 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 58.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms around Polson and Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms near Butte.
Stop Ideas Near East Missoula
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 East Missoula.
Missoula, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Polson and Butte. Straight-line distance: 139.82 mi (225.02 km).
#1 Polson
City in Lake County, Montana, United States
| Population | 5,181 |
| Coordinates | 47.6935500, -114.1631700 |
| Altitude | 892 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Butte
Consolidated city-county in Montana, United States
| Population | 34,190 |
| Coordinates | 46.0038200, -112.5347400 |
| Altitude | 1688 |
| Country | United States |
End: Butte (-112.53474, 46.00382)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 302 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 41m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $25.73 | $51.47 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $27.97 | $55.93 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $30.07 | $60.14 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $35.77 | $71.55 |
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.