How far is Ponderay, ID from Cottonwood, ID?
The driving distance from Ponderay, ID to Cottonwood, ID is about 215.1 miles (346.2 km), with a travel time of about 04h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 156.2 miles (251.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 12m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM PDT.
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 04h 36m.
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.
Town in Latah County, Idaho, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ponderay and Cottonwood.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ponderay and Cottonwood.
-
1
Start on Birch Avenue
18 m · 5 sec · Birch Avenue
-
2
Turn right onto 5th Street
68 m · 10 sec · 5th Street
-
3
Turn left onto Railroad Avenue
1.3 mi · 3 min · Railroad Avenue
-
4
Take the exit left
1293 ft · 36 sec
-
5
Merge slight left onto Sand Creek Byway
45.2 mi · 57 min · Sand Creek Byway
-
6
Continue straight
82.4 mi · 1 hr 44 min
-
7
Continue on North Main Street
535 ft · 18 sec · North Main Street
-
8
Continue on North Jackson Street
1.8 mi · 5 min · North Jackson Street
-
9
Turn right onto Reisenauer Road
5.2 mi · 7 min · Reisenauer Road
-
10
Turn right
22.9 mi · 33 min
-
11
Keep slight left to continue on Missoula, Boise
54.9 mi · 1 hr 5 min
-
12
Turn right
1 mi · 2 min
-
13
Turn left onto Front Street
27 m · 6 sec · Front Street
-
14
Turn right
30 m · 7 sec
-
15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ponderay and Cottonwood.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Sand Creek Byway
Continue straight
82.4 mi · 01h 44m
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.
Mostly Cloudy leaving Ponderay and Mostly Sunny near Cottonwood.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ponderay to Cottonwood?
The road trip is about 215.1 miles (346.2 km) and usually takes 04h 36m 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?
Onaway is a useful midpoint, sitting about 107.3 miles from Ponderay and 107.8 miles from Cottonwood.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 156.2 miles (251.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 58.9 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 PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:48 AM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $36.49 one way or $72.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 67.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Ponderay and Mostly Sunny near Cottonwood.
Stop Ideas Near Onaway
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 Onaway.
Moscow, Idaho
Pullman, Washington
Colfax, Washington
Lewiston, Idaho
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ponderay and Cottonwood. Straight-line distance: 156.18 mi (251.35 km).
#1 Ponderay
City in Bonner County, Idaho, United States
| Population | 1,157 |
| Coordinates | 48.3054800, -116.5338000 |
| Altitude | 648 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cottonwood
Town in Idaho County, Idaho, United States
| Population | 940 |
| Coordinates | 46.0484900, -116.3495900 |
| Altitude | 1066 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cottonwood (-116.34959, 46.04849)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 346 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.81 | $36.49 | $72.99 |
| Mid-grade | $5.12 | $38.85 | $77.69 |
| Premium | $5.37 | $40.77 | $81.55 |
| Diesel | $6.40 | $48.54 | $97.08 |
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 Idaho · Oct 19, 2026