Origin
Butte, MT
Late night in Butte on Wednesday
Local time
1:33 AM
MDT
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Butte, MT to Missoula, MT
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
1h 54m
Distance
118.1 mi
190 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$19
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 46m
★
6 AM
1h 55m
8 AM
2h 12m
10 AM
2h 1m
12 PM
1h 59m
3 PM
2h 2m
5 PM
2h 11m
8 PM
1h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Butte, MT
Wikimedia Commons
Missoula, MT
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 118.1-mile drive from Butte to Missoula, Montana, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 54 minutes. The route is almost entirely on major highways, making it a straightforward journey through the Mountain West region. With an estimated fuel cost of $19, it's an economical option for a quick transit. You'll spend most of your time on I-90, with a brief connection via I-15. This highway-focused profile suggests a consistent pace, ideal for those looking to cover ground efficiently between these two Montana cities.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
59 miles from Butte, MT
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 58m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 98% of your travel occurring on interstates. The vast majority of your time will be spent on I-90, including a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 112.5 miles. This means you'll likely encounter consistent speeds and limited deviations from the main thoroughfare. While the primary roads are I-90 and I-15, the final segment on West Iron Street will bring you into Missoula. The character is largely one of efficient travel across Montana's landscapes.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 11 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 90 is the longest continuous segment at about 112.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 15. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 4.6 miles in near I 90.
Route Complexity
2/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Butte, MT to Missoula, MT is easy. At 1h 54m with 98% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 4.6 miles (I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 117.1 miles (I 90 Business; US 12): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.3 miles (I 90 Bus; US 12 / Van Buren Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
4.6 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
I 90
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 toward I 90 West: Missoula
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 90 West: Missoula
5
117.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 53m in
|
I 90 Business; US 12
Take the exit onto I 90 Business; US 12 toward US 12 West, I 90 Business
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 12 West, I 90 Business
5
117.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 53m in
|
I 90 Bus; US 12 / Van Buren Street
Enter roundabout onto I 90 Bus; US 12 / Van Buren Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
117.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 53m in
|
I 90 Bus; US 12 / Van Buren Street
Enter roundabout onto I 90 Bus; US 12 / Van Buren Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
117.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 53m in
|
I 90 Bus; US 12 / East Broadway Street
Turn right onto I 90 Bus; US 12 / East Broadway Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 112.5 mi | 1h 46m |
| I 15 | 2.7 mi | 2m |
| West Iron Street | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| East Broadway Street | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| Van Buren Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| I 90 Business | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| North Higgins Avenue | <0.1 mi | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 112.5 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Butte, MT and Missoula, MT.
1
Start on West Iron Street
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
West Iron Street
2
Merge onto I 15; I 90
2.7 mi
·
2 min
·
I 15; I 90
3
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
113 mi
·
1 hr 46 min
·
I 90
Toward I 90 West: Missoula
4
Take the exit onto I 90 Business; US 12
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
I 90 Business; US 12
Toward US 12 West, I 90 Business
5
Enter roundabout onto I 90 Bus; US 12
206 ft
·
2 sec
·
Van Buren Street
6
Continue on I 90 Bus; US 12
212 ft
·
3 sec
·
Van Buren Street
7
Enter roundabout onto I 90 Bus; US 12
92 ft
·
1 sec
·
Van Buren Street
8
Continue on I 90 Bus; US 12
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Van Buren Street
9
Turn right onto I 90 Bus; US 12
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
·
East Broadway Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
10
Turn right onto North Higgins Avenue
19 ft
·
0 sec
·
North Higgins Avenue
11
Arrive at destination
North Higgins Avenue
Trip Plan
Given its short duration and highway focus, this route is perfect for a flexible day trip. You can depart anytime, but leaving Butte in the morning will give you ample time to reach Missoula and settle in. Since the longest stretch without a significant change in roads is over 112 miles, plan for one fuel or rest stop if needed, though it's not strictly necessary for this distance. The $19 fuel estimate is a good budget point to keep in mind. A key tip is to be aware of potential winter weather on I-90, as Montana conditions can change rapidly, even on this relatively short drive.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 59 miles from Butte, MT, or about 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.5 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 59 miles or 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Missoula, MT than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Butte, MT so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Butte, MT
This is one driving day of about 118.1 miles and 1h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Butte, MT.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 90 for about 112.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 59 mi from Butte, MT · 58m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
59 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 59 miles from Butte, MT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 112.5 miles.
Arriving in Missoula, MT
The final approach into Missoula, MT usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Missoula, MT.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.71 one way
$37.43 round trip
$4.03/gal
25.4 MPG avg
41 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $19.62 | $39.23 |
| premium | $4.53 | $21.07 | $42.13 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $26.07 | $52.15 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 41.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 35.4 | 0 | $12.40 | $5.67 |
| Efficient EV | 29.5 | 0 | $10.33 | $4.72 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 47.2 | 0 | $16.53 | $7.56 |
Gas CO2
41 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Missoula, MT
Late night in Missoula on Wednesday
Local time
1:33 AM
MDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
31 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 54m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Butte, MT to Missoula, MT covers 118.1 miles and takes about 1h 54m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 90, I 15, West Iron Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 59 miles from Butte, MT. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.71 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
The drive from Butte, MT to Missoula, MT is easy. At 1h 54m with 98% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.6 miles (I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 117.1 miles (I 90 Business; US 12): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.3 miles (I 90 Bus; US 12 / Van Buren Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
The route from Butte, MT to Missoula, MT does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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