How far is Three Forks, MT from Helena, MT?
The driving distance from Three Forks, MT to Helena, MT is about 114 miles (183.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 65.2 miles (105 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 08m 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 02h 04m.
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 Cascade County, Montana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Light Snow then Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Three Forks and Helena.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Three Forks and Helena.
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1
Start on Cottonwood Coulee Road
8.3 mi · 32 min · Cottonwood Coulee Road
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto Stockett Road
9.5 mi · 23 min · Stockett Road
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3
Turn left
7.7 mi · 13 min
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4
Continue on Country Club Boulevard
1.3 mi · 2 min · Country Club Boulevard
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5
Keep slight left
1.2 km · 2 min
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6
Merge slight left onto First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
84.5 mi · 1 hr 21 min · First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 15 Business
1393 ft · 35 sec
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8
At the end of the road, turn right onto Cedar Street
2855 ft · 1 min · Cedar Street
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9
Continue on North Last Chance Gulch Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · North Last Chance Gulch Street
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10
Turn slight left onto Cruse Avenue
31 m · 4 sec · Cruse Avenue
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Cruse Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Three Forks and Helena.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
Merge slight left onto First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
84.5 mi · 01h 21m
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.
Slight Chance Light Snow then Partly Sunny leaving Three Forks and Partly Sunny near Helena.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Three Forks to Helena?
The road trip is about 114 miles (183.5 km) and usually takes 02h 04m 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?
Cascade is a useful midpoint, sitting about 56.9 miles from Three Forks and 57.1 miles from Helena.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 65.2 miles (105 km), while the road route adds roughly 48.8 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 2:22 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.65 one way or $31.30 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Light Snow then Partly Sunny around Three Forks and Partly Sunny near Helena.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Three Forks and Helena. Straight-line distance: 65.24 mi (105 km).
#1 Three Forks
City in Cascade County, Montana, United States
| Population | 2,043 |
| Coordinates | 47.2816300, -111.0902400 |
| Altitude | 1208 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Helena
State capital of Montana, United States and seat of Lewis and Clark County
| Population | 33,737 |
| Coordinates | 46.5927100, -112.0361100 |
| Altitude | 1237 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cruse Avenue (-112.036062, 46.592722)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 183 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $15.65 | $31.30 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $17.01 | $34.02 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $18.29 | $36.57 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $21.76 | $43.51 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.