How far is Red Lodge, MT from Missoula, MT?
The driving distance from Red Lodge, MT to Missoula, MT is about 347.7 miles (559.6 km), with a travel time of about 05h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 255.8 miles (411.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 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 25m.
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.
City in Gallatin County, Montana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Snow Showers Likely And Patchy Blowing Snow
Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Red Lodge and Missoula.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Red Lodge and Missoula.
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1
Start on South Broadway Avenue
1 km · 2 min · South Broadway Avenue
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2
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward 3rd Street
61 m · 7 sec · 3rd Street
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3
Exit the roundabout onto 3rd Street
2550 ft · 1 min · 3rd Street
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4
Continue on State Highway 78
31.6 mi · 38 min · State Highway 78
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5
Continue on South Woodard Avenue
1.2 km · 2 min · South Woodard Avenue
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6
Continue on State Highway 78
13.5 mi · 17 min · State Highway 78
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7
Continue on Pratten Street
675 ft · 25 sec · Pratten Street
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8
Turn right onto East Pike Avenue
1140 ft · 44 sec · East Pike Avenue
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9
Turn left onto North 9th Street
1.4 km · 2 min · North 9th Street
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10
Take the ramp left
1530 ft · 37 sec
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11
Merge slight left
188.8 mi · 3 hr 5 min
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12
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 West: Missoula
112.5 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 12 West, I 90 Business
1037 ft · 26 sec
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14
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Van Buren Street
63 m · 3 sec · Van Buren Street
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15
Exit the roundabout onto Van Buren Street
65 m · 4 sec · Van Buren Street
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16
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Van Buren Street
28 m · 1 sec · Van Buren Street
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17
Exit the roundabout onto Van Buren Street
583 ft · 11 sec · Van Buren Street
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18
Turn right onto East Broadway Street
3078 ft · 55 sec · East Broadway Street
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19
Turn right onto North Higgins Avenue
6 m · 1 sec · North Higgins Avenue
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Higgins Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Red Lodge and Missoula.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
North 9th Street
Merge slight left
189 mi · 03h 05m
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.
Snow Showers Likely And Patchy Blowing Snow leaving Red Lodge and Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny near Missoula.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Red Lodge to Missoula?
The road trip is about 347.7 miles (559.6 km) and usually takes 05h 25m 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?
Three Forks is a useful midpoint, sitting about 175.1 miles from Red Lodge and 172.6 miles from Missoula.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 255.8 miles (411.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 91.9 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 6:10 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $47.77 one way or $95.53 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 109 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Snow Showers Likely And Patchy Blowing Snow around Red Lodge and Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny near Missoula.
Stop Ideas Near Three Forks
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 Three Forks.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Red Lodge and Missoula. Straight-line distance: 255.74 mi (411.58 km).
#1 Red Lodge
City in Montana, United States
| Population | 2,359 |
| Coordinates | 45.1857800, -109.2468200 |
| Altitude | 1697 |
| 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: 560 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 11h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 41m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $47.77 | $95.53 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $51.91 | $103.83 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $55.82 | $111.63 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $66.41 | $132.81 |
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 · May 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.