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Trip from Kalispell, MT to Fort Benton, MT

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

Drive Time

5h 1m

Distance

257.2 mi

414 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 48m ★
6 AM
5h 1m
8 AM
5h 28m
10 AM
5h 10m
12 PM
5h 8m
3 PM
5h 12m
5 PM
5h 27m
8 PM
4h 53m

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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seat of Flathead County, Montana, United States

Kalispell, MT

Wikimedia Commons

city in and county seat of Chouteau County, Montana, United States

Fort Benton, MT

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Kalispell, MT to Fort Benton, MT covers 257.2 miles and takes about 5h 1m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on US Route 2, US 2, MT 223 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 81.3 miles on US Route 2. At current regular gas prices, budget about $40.76 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

128.6 miles from Kalispell, MT

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 34m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 1m. Total distance: 257.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (83%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 5h 1m highway drive covering 257.2 miles, with most of the trip on US Route 2 and US 2. The longest continuous stretch is about 81.3 miles on US Route 2.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US Route 2 is the longest continuous segment at about 81.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Route 2 and US 2. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near 3rd Avenue East.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 5h 1m drive. You will face about 16 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 8.1 miles (MT 206): Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

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

5
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | 3rd Avenue East

Turn left onto 3rd Avenue East

Navigation decision point

5
0.3 mi into trip | ~0m in | 2nd Street East

Turn right onto 2nd Street East

Navigation decision point

6
8.1 mi into trip | ~13m in | MT 206

Turn left onto MT 206

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
17.8 mi into trip | ~25m in | US 2

At end of road, turn right onto US 2

Navigation decision point

5
256.6 mi into trip | ~4h 58m in | 12th Street

Turn right onto 12th Street

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US Route 2 81.3 mi 1h 32m
US 2 60.3 mi 1h 12m
MT 223 52.3 mi 56m
Roosevelt Highway 41.6 mi 45m
MT 206 9.7 mi 12m
MT 35 3.3 mi 4m
State Highway 35 2.4 mi 3m
US 87 1.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: US Route 2 — 81.3 mi, about 1h 32m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Kalispell, MT and Fort Benton, MT.

1

Start on 3rd Street West

0.2 mi · 39 sec · 3rd Street West
Use the straight / right lanes.
2

Turn left onto 3rd Avenue East

366 ft · 12 sec · 3rd Avenue East
3

Turn right onto 2nd Street East

0.2 mi · 33 sec · 2nd Street East
4

Continue on Conrad Drive

0.3 mi · 45 sec · Conrad Drive
5

Turn left onto Woodland Park Drive

0.4 mi · 1 min · Woodland Park Drive
6

Turn right onto US 2

1.2 mi · 2 min · US Route 2
7

Turn straight onto MT 35

2.4 mi · 3 min · State Highway 35
Use the right lane.
8

Continue on MT 35

3.3 mi · 4 min · MT 35
9

Turn left onto MT 206

9.7 mi · 12 min · MT 206
Use the left lane.
10

At end of road, turn right onto US 2

1.7 mi · 2 min · US 2
11

Continue on US 2

80 mi · 1 hr 30 min · US Route 2
12

Enter roundabout onto US 2; US 89

24 ft · 0 sec · US 2; US 89
13

Continue on US 2; US 89

3.7 mi · 6 min · US 2; US 89
14

Turn straight onto US 2; US 89

55 mi · 1 hr 3 min · US 2; US 89
15

Continue on I 15 Bus; US 2

453 ft · 17 sec · 5th Avenue North
16

Turn left onto I 15 Bus; US 2

0.8 mi · 2 min · Main Street
17

Continue on US 2

42 mi · 45 min · Roosevelt Highway
18

Turn right onto MT 223

0.5 mi · 56 sec · 5th Street West
19

Continue on MT 223

52 mi · 56 min · MT 223
20

Turn right onto US 87

1.6 mi · 1 min · US 87
21

Turn left onto MT 386

1.4 mi · 2 min · MT 386
22

Continue on MT 386

383 ft · 13 sec · Saint Charles Street
23

Turn right onto 12th Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · 12th Street
24

Turn left onto Main Street

0.2 mi · 56 sec · Main Street
25

Turn right

272 ft · 20 sec
26

Arrive at destination

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 128.6 miles from Kalispell, MT, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 81.3 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 57 miles or 1h 10m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 128.6 miles or 2h 34m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 7m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fort Benton, MT than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

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 257.2 miles and 5h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Kalispell, MT.
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 US Route 2 for about 81.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 128.6 mi from Kalispell, MT · 2h 34m into the drive

census designated place in Flathead County, Montana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bigfork, MT

129 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

Columbia Falls, MT

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 57 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cut Bank, MT

Meal break

The midpoint is around 128.6 miles from Kalispell, MT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US Route 2 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 81.3 miles.

Arriving in Fort Benton, MT

The final approach into Fort Benton, 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 Fort Benton, MT.

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

Chinatown Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Kalispell, Montana

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14067552401

Visit website

Montana Coffee Traders

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbia Falls, Montana

1.9 mi

Nite Owl & Back Room Restaurants

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Columbia Falls, Montana

2.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Wake Cup Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Benton, Montana

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 257.2

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+14066225400

Visit website

Moon Eyes Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Benton, Montana

0.2 mi

Chi Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Kalispell, Montana

0.5 mi

Chinatown Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Kalispell, Montana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14067552401

Visit website

Montana Coffee Traders

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.4

Columbia Falls, Montana

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+14068927696

Visit website

Nite Owl & Back Room Restaurants

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.4

Columbia Falls, Montana

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14068923131

Visit website

Columbia Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.4

Columbia Falls, Montana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+14068978200

Visit website

Glacier Haven Resort Bar & Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 55.1

Essex, Montana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14068885720

Visit website

Huckleberry Patch

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.4

Hungry Horse, Montana

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+14063875000

Visit website

Canyon cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 18.4

Hungry Horse, Montana

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+14063874810

Wake Cup Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 257.2

Fort Benton, Montana

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+14066225400

Visit website

Moon Eyes Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 257.2

Fort Benton, Montana

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+14063993694

Visit website

Chi Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $30 to $40

Kalispell, Montana

Hours: 11 am–6 pm

+14064077707

Visit website

The Dutch Mutt Bakery

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 257.2

Fort Benton, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14066210355

Uptown Hearth

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.4

Columbia Falls, Montana

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+14068975555

Visit website

Cowgirl Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 18.4

Columbia Falls, Montana

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+14068972131

Visit website

Friske Beans Espresso

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 18.4

Columbia Falls, Montana

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+14062709668

Visit website

Brownies Grocery

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 91.8

East Glacier Park, Montana

+14062264426

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 18.4

Columbia Falls, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Kalispell, Montana

+18887584389

Visit website

TurnOnGreen Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Kalispell, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15106572635

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

2.1 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Kalispell, Montana

+14067515050

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Kalispell, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour

Kalispell, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Flo Charging Station

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 257.2

Fort Benton, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.1 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Kalispell, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Thompson Memorial Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Kalispell, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14067587718

Visit website

The Well

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 202.1

Chester, Montana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+14067595157

Visit website

Chi Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.4

Columbia Falls, Montana

+14068972212

Glacier Park Trading Co

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 91.8

East Glacier Park, Montana

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+14062269227

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$40.76 one way

$81.51 round trip

$4.03/gal 25.4 MPG avg 90 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.22 $42.72 $85.44
premium $4.53 $45.88 $91.76
diesel $5.61 $56.79 $113.57

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$41

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$66–$91

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 90 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 77.2 0 $27.01 $12.35
Efficient EV 64.3 0 $22.51 $10.29
EV Truck/SUV 102.9 1 $36.01 $16.46

Gas CO2

90 kg

EV CO2

30 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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

Kalispell, MT

Late night in Kalispell on Saturday

Local time

4:23 AM

MDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Benton, MT

Late night in Fort Benton on Saturday

Local time

4:23 AM

MDT

Current temp

74°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

14 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

5h 1m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Kalispell, MT to Fort Benton, MT covers 257.2 miles and takes about 5h 1m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US Route 2, US 2, MT 223. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 128.6 miles from Kalispell, MT. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $40.76 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

This is a straightforward 5h 1m drive. You will face about 16 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

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 8.1 miles (MT 206): Lane positioning matters here.

The route from Kalispell, MT to Fort Benton, MT 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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