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Trip from Idaho Falls, ID to Sun Valley, ID

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 15m

Distance

154.6 mi

249 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 4m ★
6 AM
3h 16m
8 AM
3h 40m
10 AM
3h 24m
12 PM
3h 22m
3 PM
3h 25m
5 PM
3h 39m
8 PM
3h 9m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in and county seat of Bonneville County, Idaho, United States

Idaho Falls, ID

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Sun Valley, ID, ID

Sun Valley, ID

Sergio Zhukov

Trip Overview

The drive from Idaho Falls, ID to Sun Valley, ID covers 154.6 miles and takes about 3h 15m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Idaho Medal of Honor Highway, West Arco Highway, Main Street for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 92.4 miles on Idaho Medal of Honor Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $24.50 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

77.3 miles from Idaho Falls, ID

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 30m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 15m. Total distance: 154.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile.

Drive Character

Expect a 3h 15m drive with frequent turns across 154.6 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Idaho Medal of Honor Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 92.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West Stone Run Lane.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Idaho Falls, ID to Sun Valley, ID is easy. At 3h 15m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Stone Run Lane): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (Stonebrook Lane): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (West Sunnyside Road): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | West Stone Run Lane

Turn right onto West Stone Run Lane

Navigation decision point

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Stonebrook Lane

Turn left onto Stonebrook Lane

Navigation decision point

4
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | West Sunnyside Road

Turn left onto West Sunnyside Road

Navigation decision point

6
69.6 mi into trip | ~1h 20m in | County Road

Turn sharp left onto County Road

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

4
152.9 mi into trip | ~3h 11m in | ID 75 Spur / East Sun Valley Road

Turn right onto ID 75 Spur / East Sun Valley Road

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Idaho Medal of Honor Highway 92.4 mi 1h 45m
West Arco Highway 19.6 mi 21m
Main Street 17.3 mi 26m
Gannett Picabo Road 7.8 mi 11m
Gannett Road 4 mi 9m
West Sunnyside Road 2.7 mi 3m
North Main Street 2.3 mi 3m
South 45th West 2 mi 3m
Longest stretch: Idaho Medal of Honor Highway — 92.4 mi, about 1h 45m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Idaho Falls, ID and Sun Valley, ID.

1

Start on Charleston Lane

152 ft · 8 sec · Charleston Lane
2

Turn right onto West Stone Run Lane

241 ft · 15 sec · West Stone Run Lane
3

Turn left onto Stonebrook Lane

466 ft · 20 sec · Stonebrook Lane
4

Turn left onto West Sunnyside Road

2.7 mi · 3 min · West Sunnyside Road
5

Continue on West 33rd South

1.8 mi · 2 min · West 33rd South
6

Turn right onto South 45th West

2.0 mi · 3 min · South 45th West
7

Turn left onto US 20

1.0 mi · 1 min · West Broadway Street
8

Continue on US 20

20 mi · 21 min · West Arco Highway
9

Continue on US 20

42 mi · 46 min · Idaho Medal of Honor Highway
10

Continue on US 20; US 26

0.2 mi · 37 sec · South Front Street
11

Turn sharp left onto County Road

68 ft · 3 sec · County Road
12

Turn right onto West Temple Avenue

0.2 mi · 41 sec · West Temple Avenue
13

Continue on Park Road

0.4 mi · 34 sec · Park Road
14

Turn left onto US 93; US 20; US 26

0.5 mi · 57 sec · West Grand Avenue
15

Continue on US 93; US 20; US 26

41 mi · 47 min · Idaho Medal of Honor Highway
16

Continue on US 93; US 20; US 26

2.3 mi · 3 min · North Main Street
17

Turn right onto US 20

0.5 mi · 45 sec · Queens Crown Road
18

Continue on US 20

9.4 mi · 10 min · Idaho Medal of Honor Highway
19

Turn right onto Gannett Road

4.0 mi · 9 min · Gannett Road
20

Continue on Gannett Picabo Road

7.8 mi · 11 min · Gannett Picabo Road
21

Turn straight onto ID 75

17 mi · 26 min · Main Street
22

Turn right onto ID 75 Spur

1.5 mi · 3 min · East Sun Valley Road
23

Turn right onto Moritz Road

0.2 mi · 37 sec · Moritz Road
24

Turn right onto Inn Entry Lane

290 ft · 12 sec · Inn Entry Lane
25

Arrive at destination

Inn Entry Lane

Trip Plan

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 77.3 miles from Idaho Falls, ID, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92.4 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 34 miles or 40m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 77.3 miles or 1h 30m 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 31m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sun Valley, ID than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Idaho Falls, 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 Idaho Falls, ID

This is one driving day of about 154.6 miles and 3h 15m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Idaho Falls, ID.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Idaho Medal of Honor Highway for about 92.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 77.3 mi from Idaho Falls, ID · 1h 30m into the drive

Downtown Carey, ID, ID

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Carey, ID

77 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

Aberdeen, ID

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Carey, ID

Meal break

The midpoint is around 77.3 miles from Idaho Falls, ID, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Idaho Medal of Honor Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 92.4 miles.

Arriving in Sun Valley, ID

The final approach into Sun Valley, 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 Sun Valley, ID.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Sun Valley Club

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sun Valley, Idaho

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 154.6

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+12086222919

Visit website

Sun Valley Club

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 154.6

Sun Valley, Idaho

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+12086222919

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Idaho Falls, Idaho

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 154.6

Ketchum, Idaho

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route mile 154.6

Sun Valley, Idaho

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18007868259

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Idaho Falls, Idaho

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 143.6

Hailey, Idaho

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18665761495

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Idaho Falls, Idaho

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 143.6

Hailey, Idaho

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 66.3

Arco, Idaho

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18888074522

Visit website

Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Idaho Falls, Idaho

+12086128552

Visit website

Eagle Rock Fountain

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Idaho Falls, Idaho

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.50 one way

$49.00 round trip

$4.03/gal 25.4 MPG avg 54 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.22 $25.68 $51.36
premium $4.53 $27.58 $55.16
diesel $5.61 $34.13 $68.27

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 54.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 46.4 0 $16.23 $7.42
Efficient EV 38.7 0 $13.53 $6.18
EV Truck/SUV 61.8 0 $21.64 $9.89

Gas CO2

54 kg

EV CO2

18 kg (67% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Idaho Falls, ID

Evening in Idaho Falls on Friday

Local time

7:24 PM

MDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Sun Valley, ID

Evening in Sun Valley on Friday

Local time

7:24 PM

MDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

60°F

Carey, ID

77 mi in

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

10 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 15m 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 Idaho Falls, ID to Sun Valley, ID covers 154.6 miles and takes about 3h 15m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Idaho Medal of Honor Highway, West Arco Highway, Main Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 77.3 miles from Idaho Falls, ID. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.50 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

The drive from Idaho Falls, ID to Sun Valley, ID is easy. At 3h 15m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Stone Run Lane): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (Stonebrook Lane): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (West Sunnyside Road): Navigation decision point.

The route from Idaho Falls, ID to Sun Valley, ID does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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