How far is Polson, MT from Laurel, MT?
The driving distance from Polson, MT to Laurel, MT is about 397.1 miles (639.1 km), with a travel time of about 05h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 291.2 miles (468.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 50m 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 05h 55m.
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.
Consolidated city-county in 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 Polson and Laurel.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Polson and Laurel.
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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 right
110.8 mi · 1 hr 51 min
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7
Continue straight
6.9 mi · 6 min
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8
Continue straight
93.9 mi · 1 hr 32 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward US 212, US 310: Laurel, Red Lodge
1266 ft · 31 sec
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10
Turn right
1 km · 59 sec
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 1st Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Polson and Laurel.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
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 Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Laurel.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Polson to Laurel?
The road trip is about 397.1 miles (639.1 km) and usually takes 05h 55m 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?
Butte is a useful midpoint, sitting about 198.7 miles from Polson and 198.5 miles from Laurel.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 291.2 miles (468.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 105.9 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 5:10 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $54.54 one way or $109.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 124.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms around Polson and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Laurel.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Polson and Laurel. Straight-line distance: 291.25 mi (468.72 km).
#1 Polson
City in Lake County, Montana, United States
| Population | 5,181 |
| Coordinates | 47.6935500, -114.1631700 |
| Altitude | 892 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Laurel
City in Yellowstone County, Montana, USA
| Population | 6,715 |
| Coordinates | 45.6691200, -108.7715300 |
| Altitude | 1006 |
| Country | United States |
End: South 1st Avenue (-108.771477, 45.669116)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 639 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 13h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 09h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 07h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 06h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $54.54 | $109.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $59.28 | $118.55 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $63.73 | $127.46 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $75.82 | $151.64 |
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.