How far is Three Forks, MT from Missoula, MT?
The driving distance from Three Forks, MT to Missoula, MT is about 173.7 miles (279.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 134.7 miles (216.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 13m 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 36m.
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 the county seat of Powell County, Montana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms
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.
-
1
Start on Main Street
1.5 km · 1 min · Main Street
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2
Continue straight
1932 ft · 40 sec
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3
Take the ramp left
1623 ft · 40 sec
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4
Merge slight left
58.6 mi · 58 min
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 West: Missoula
112.5 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 12 West, I 90 Business
1037 ft · 26 sec
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7
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Van Buren Street
63 m · 3 sec · Van Buren Street
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8
Exit the roundabout onto Van Buren Street
65 m · 4 sec · Van Buren Street
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9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Van Buren Street
28 m · 1 sec · Van Buren Street
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10
Exit the roundabout onto Van Buren Street
583 ft · 11 sec · Van Buren Street
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11
Turn right onto East Broadway Street
3078 ft · 55 sec · East Broadway Street
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12
Turn right onto North Higgins Avenue
6 m · 1 sec · North Higgins Avenue
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13
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.
I 90 West
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 West: Missoula
113 mi · 01h 47m
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 Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms 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 173.7 miles (279.5 km) and usually takes 02h 36m 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?
Deer Lodge is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.7 miles from Three Forks and 86.9 miles from Missoula.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 134.7 miles (216.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 39 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 1:16 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.86 one way or $47.73 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Three Forks and Chance Light Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms near Missoula.
Stop Ideas Near Deer Lodge
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 Deer Lodge.
Butte, MT
Missoula, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Three Forks and Missoula. Straight-line distance: 134.63 mi (216.67 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 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: 279 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $23.86 | $47.73 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $25.94 | $51.87 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $27.89 | $55.77 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $33.18 | $66.35 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.