How far is Saint Mary, MT from West Glacier, MT?
The driving distance from Saint Mary, MT to West Glacier, MT is about 50.1 miles (80.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 30.2 miles (48.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 41m 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 50m.
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 in Montana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Clear
Widespread Frost
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Mary and West Glacier.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Mary and West Glacier.
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1
Start on the route
42 m · 11 sec
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2
Turn right onto Going-to-the-Sun Road
2118 ft · 1 min · Going-to-the-Sun Road
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3
Continue on Going-to-the-Sun Road
47.6 mi · 1 hr 44 min · Going-to-the-Sun Road
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4
Continue on Going-to-the-Sun Road
1.4 mi · 3 min · Going-to-the-Sun Road
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5
Turn left onto Grinnell Drive
1477 ft · 1 min · Grinnell Drive
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6
Turn right onto Mather Drive
838 ft · 42 sec · Mather Drive
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7
Turn left onto Albright Circle
983 ft · 43 sec · Albright Circle
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8
Keep slight left
53 m · 8 sec
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Mary and West Glacier.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Continue on Going-to-the-Sun Road
47.6 mi · 01h 44m
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.
Mostly Clear leaving Saint Mary and Widespread Frost near West Glacier.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Mary to West Glacier?
The road trip is about 50.1 miles (80.6 km) and usually takes 01h 50m 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?
Columbia Falls is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25 miles from Saint Mary and 25.1 miles from West Glacier.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 30.2 miles (48.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.9 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:48 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.95 one way or $15.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Clear around Saint Mary and Widespread Frost near West Glacier.
Stop Ideas Near Columbia Falls
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 Columbia Falls.
Whitefish station
West Glacier
Essex
East Glacier Park
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Mary and West Glacier. Straight-line distance: 30.22 mi (48.63 km).
#1 Saint Mary
Situated at the eastern boundary of Glacier National Park in Glacier County, Montana, this unincorporated community lies along the shore of Saint Mary Lake at an elevation of 4551 feet.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 48.7438700, -113.4295500 |
| Altitude | 1387 |
| Country | United States |
#2 West Glacier
Situated in Flathead County at an elevation of approximately 3,169 feet, this northwestern Montana community lies along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River in the Rocky Mountains.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 48.4999700, -113.9787300 |
| Altitude | 966 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Glacier (-113.97873, 48.49997)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 81 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.49 | $7.95 | $15.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.83 | $8.54 | $17.08 |
| Premium | $5.19 | $9.19 | $18.38 |
| Diesel | $6.11 | $10.81 | $21.63 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026