Origin
Kalispell, MT
Evening in Kalispell on Sunday
Local time
7:31 PM
MDT
Current temp
33°F
Unavailable
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Create accountDrive Time
2h
Distance
100.2 mi
161 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$16
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.
Kalispell, MT
James Mirakian
Browning, MT
John De Leon
Connecting Kalispell to Browning, this 100.2-mile journey is an efficient trip through the Mountain West that typically takes about 2 hours to complete. Because the duration is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend roughly $16 on fuel, making it a budget-friendly option for your travel plans. Navigating through the Montana landscape, you will primarily rely on US Route 2, supported by stretches of MT 206 and MT 35. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a weekend getaway, this route offers a straightforward path across the region.
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
50.1 miles from Kalispell, MT
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 2m into the drive .
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 99% of your travel occurring on major thoroughfares. You will spend the vast majority of your time on US Route 2, which features a long, uninterrupted stretch of 81.3 miles. Behind the wheel, you can anticipate a consistent driving experience that prioritizes efficiency over technical, winding backroads. The transition between these highway segments is seamless, allowing you to maintain a steady pace as you move from the Kalispell area toward Browning. Expect a functional, reliable drive that keeps you moving toward your destination without unnecessary detours.
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
454 ft
Total Descent
27 ft
Highest Point
3,382 ft
~29.2 mi in
Elevation Range
427 ft
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Route 2 and MT 206. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near 3rd Avenue East.
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 2h drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (3rd Avenue East): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (2nd Street East): Navigation decision point; at 0.8 miles (Woodland Park Drive): Navigation decision point.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue East
Navigation decision point
Turn right onto 2nd Street East
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto Woodland Park Drive
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto MT 206
Lane positioning matters here
At end of road, turn right onto US 2
Navigation decision point
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Route 2 | 81.3 mi | 1h 32m |
| MT 206 | 9.7 mi | 12m |
| MT 35 | 3.3 mi | 4m |
| State Highway 35 | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| US 2 | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| Woodland Park Drive | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| Conrad Drive | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| 2nd Street East | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Kalispell, MT and Browning, MT.
Start on 3rd Street West
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue East
Turn right onto 2nd Street East
Continue on Conrad Drive
Turn left onto Woodland Park Drive
Turn right onto US 2
Turn straight onto MT 35
Continue on MT 35
Turn left onto MT 206
At end of road, turn right onto US 2
Continue on US 2
Enter roundabout onto US 2; US 89
Continue on US 2; US 89
Turn left onto North Piegan Street
Arrive at destination
Since this is a quick 2-hour drive, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time, allowing you to plan around your personal schedule rather than rushing. With no planned stops required, you can complete the entire 100.2-mile trek in one go, though keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is always wise before heading out. Budgeting approximately $16 for gas should cover your trip comfortably at current estimates. Because the route relies so heavily on US Route 2, ensure you are prepared for standard highway traffic conditions throughout the duration of your travel. Taking advantage of the short travel time allows you to maximize your day at your destination in Browning.
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.
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 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 50.1 miles or 1h 2m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Browning, MT than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Kalispell, 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 Kalispell, MT
This is one driving day of about 100.2 miles and 2h.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 50.1 mi from Kalispell, MT · 1h 2m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
50 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 50.1 miles from Kalispell, MT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US Route 2 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 81.3 miles.
The final approach into Browning, 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 Browning, MT.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$15.88 one way
$31.76 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.23 | $16.69 | $33.38 |
| premium | $4.53 | $17.87 | $35.73 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $22.26 | $44.52 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 35.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 30.1 | 0 | $10.52 | $4.81 |
| Efficient EV | 25.1 | 0 | $8.77 | $4.01 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 40.1 | 0 | $14.03 | $6.41 |
Gas CO2
35 kg
EV CO2
12 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 Kalispell on Sunday
Local time
7:31 PM
MDT
Current temp
33°F
Unavailable
Destination
Evening in Browning on Sunday
Local time
7:31 PM
MDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
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
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.
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