How far is Three Forks, MT from Missoula, MT?
The driving distance from Three Forks, MT to Missoula, MT is about 191.7 miles (308.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 139.5 miles (224.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 04m 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 03h 32m.
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 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
Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Three Forks and Missoula.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Three Forks and Missoula.
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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
3 mi · 3 min
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4
Turn right onto 57th Street South
1.5 km · 1 min · 57th Street South
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5
Turn left onto 2nd Avenue North
4.3 mi · 8 min · 2nd Avenue North
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6
At the end of the road, turn left onto Park Drive North
73 m · 4 sec · Park Drive North
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7
Turn right onto 1st Avenue North
1070 ft · 24 sec · 1st Avenue North
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8
Continue on First Avenue North Bridge
1045 ft · 18 sec · First Avenue North Bridge
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9
Continue on Central Avenue West
1.4 mi · 2 min · Central Avenue West
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10
Take the exit right
1311 ft · 32 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
9.4 mi · 9 min · First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
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12
Take the exit slight right
148.3 mi · 2 hr 48 min
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13
Keep slight right
4.5 mi · 6 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward US 12 West, I 90 Business
1037 ft · 26 sec
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Van Buren Street
63 m · 3 sec · Van Buren Street
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16
Exit the roundabout onto Van Buren Street
65 m · 4 sec · Van Buren Street
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17
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Van Buren Street
28 m · 1 sec · Van Buren Street
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18
Exit the roundabout onto Van Buren Street
583 ft · 11 sec · Van Buren Street
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19
Turn right onto East Broadway Street
3078 ft · 55 sec · East Broadway Street
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20
Turn right onto North Higgins Avenue
6 m · 1 sec · North Higgins Avenue
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Higgins Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Three Forks and Missoula.
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
Take the exit slight right
148 mi · 02h 48m
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.
Slight Chance Light Snow then Partly Sunny leaving Three Forks 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 Three Forks to Missoula?
The road trip is about 191.7 miles (308.5 km) and usually takes 03h 32m 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?
Cascade is a useful midpoint, sitting about 95.4 miles from Three Forks and 96.3 miles from Missoula.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 139.5 miles (224.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 52.2 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 9:56 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.36 one way or $52.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 60.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Light Snow then Partly Sunny around Three Forks and Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny near Missoula.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Three Forks and Missoula. Straight-line distance: 139.52 mi (224.54 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 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: 309 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $26.36 | $52.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $28.64 | $57.29 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $30.80 | $61.59 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $36.64 | $73.28 |
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.