How far is Three Forks, MT from Billings, MT?
The driving distance from Three Forks, MT to Billings, MT is about 172.1 miles (276.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 147.1 miles (236.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 11m 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 35m.
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.
City in and county seat of Sweet Grass County, Montana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Three Forks and Billings.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Three Forks and Billings.
-
1
Start on Main Street
1.5 km · 1 min · Main Street
-
2
Continue straight
1221 ft · 21 sec
-
3
Take the ramp right
1106 ft · 27 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
166.6 mi · 2 hr 46 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward I 90 Business: West Billings
1948 ft · 48 sec
-
6
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 Business: City Center
1.7 mi · 3 min
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on Montana Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · Montana Avenue
-
8
Continue on Montana Avenue
1.4 km · 3 min · Montana Avenue
-
9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Montana Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Three Forks and Billings.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Main Street
Merge slight left
167 mi · 02h 46m
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 Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Three Forks and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Billings.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Three Forks to Billings?
The road trip is about 172.1 miles (276.9 km) and usually takes 02h 35m 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?
Big Timber is a useful midpoint, sitting about 85.9 miles from Three Forks and 86.1 miles from Billings.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 147.1 miles (236.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 25 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 1:18 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.63 one way or $47.26 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Three Forks and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Billings.
Stop Ideas Near Big Timber
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 Big Timber.
Livingston, MT
Bozeman, MT
Billings, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Three Forks and Billings. Straight-line distance: 147.07 mi (236.69 km).
#1 Three Forks
City in Gallatin County, Montana, United States
| Population | 1,926 |
| Coordinates | 45.8924300, -111.5521900 |
| Altitude | 1242 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Billings
The most populous city in Montana.
| Population | 117,445 |
| Coordinates | 45.7832900, -108.5006900 |
| Altitude | 952 |
| Country | United States |
End: Montana Avenue (-108.500696, 45.783296)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 277 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $23.63 | $47.26 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $25.68 | $51.36 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $27.61 | $55.22 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $32.85 | $65.70 |
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 · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.