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Create accountDrive Time
3h 2m
Distance
186.3 mi
300 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
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station data
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Gooding, ID
Shots by Kevin
Idaho Falls, ID
Wal Saravia
If you are looking to traverse the Mountain West, this 186.3-mile journey from Gooding to Idaho Falls is a straightforward trek that typically takes about 3 hours and 2 minutes. Because of the manageable duration, this route works perfectly as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $30 for fuel to complete the drive. The path relies heavily on major infrastructure, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway, I-86, and I-15 BUS. It is an efficient way to connect these two Idaho locations, serving as a practical option for travelers who prefer a direct, highway-focused experience over slower, winding backroads.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
93.2 miles from Gooding, ID
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 32m into the drive .
This drive is defined by its efficiency, with 62% of the journey taking place on highways. You will experience a blend of open road and interstate travel, characterized by a steady, highway-focused pace that keeps you moving toward your goal. The longest uninterrupted segment you will encounter is a 64.4-mile stretch along the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway, which provides a consistent rhythm for long-distance cruising. As you transition between the main roads, the character of the drive shifts from regional highway travel to the more structured environment of the interstate system. Expect a functional, high-speed transit experience that prioritizes reaching Idaho Falls with minimal deviation.
Gently rolling terrain
Total Climb
1,585 ft
Total Descent
453 ft
Highest Point
4,705 ft
~186.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,237 ft
Notable High Points
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway and I 86. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 12 miles in.
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 3h 2m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 12 miles: Navigation decision point; at 139.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 183.3 miles (I 15 BUS; US 26): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Take the ramp
Navigation decision point
Keep slight left at fork toward Idaho Falls
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Take the exit onto I 15 BUS; US 26 toward I 15 Business, US 26: Ammon, Jackson
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Turn right onto West Stone Run Lane
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto Charleston Lane
Navigation decision point
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway | 64.4 mi | 1h |
| I 86 | 62.7 mi | 59m |
| I 15 BUS | 43.5 mi | 41m |
| State Highway 46 | 9.8 mi | 11m |
| West Sunnyside Road | 2.6 mi | 3m |
| North Idaho Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Main Street | 1 mi | 1m |
| Stonebrook Lane | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Gooding, ID and Idaho Falls, ID.
Start on ID 46
Continue on ID 46
Continue on ID 46
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 84
Continue on I 86; US 30
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 15 BUS
Take the exit onto I 15 BUS; US 26
Turn right onto I 15 BUS; US 26
Turn right onto Stonebrook Lane
Turn right onto West Stone Run Lane
Turn left onto Charleston Lane
Arrive at destination
Planning your departure is simple given the 3-hour duration, but leaving early helps you avoid potential congestion on the interstate segments. Since the itinerary includes only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility to pace the trip according to your personal comfort. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before entering the longer highway sections, as the 64.4-mile stretch on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway is the most significant gap between major junctions. Because this is a relatively quick trip, use that single stop strategically to stretch your legs rather than breaking the drive into smaller, unnecessary segments. Staying alert during the interstate portions will ensure you arrive in Idaho Falls refreshed and ready for the next leg of your journey.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
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 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 93.2 miles or 1h 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Idaho Falls, ID than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Gooding, ID 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 Gooding, ID
This is one driving day of about 186.3 miles and 3h 2m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 93.2 mi from Gooding, ID · 1h 32m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
93 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.
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 93.2 miles from Gooding, ID, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 64.4 miles.
The final approach into Idaho Falls, ID 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 Idaho Falls, ID.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$29.52 one way
$59.04 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.23 | $31.03 | $62.07 |
| premium | $4.53 | $33.22 | $66.44 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $41.39 | $82.78 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 65.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 55.9 | 0 | $19.56 | $8.94 |
| Efficient EV | 46.6 | 0 | $16.30 | $7.45 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 74.5 | 0 | $26.08 | $11.92 |
Gas CO2
65 kg
EV CO2
22 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Evening in Gooding on Sunday
Local time
6:53 PM
MDT
Current temp
44°F
Chance Rain Showers
Destination
Evening in Idaho Falls on Sunday
Local time
6:53 PM
MDT
Current temp
38°F
Partly Cloudy
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
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