Origin
Kamiah, ID
Afternoon in Kamiah on Sunday
Local time
1:00 PM
PDT
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Kamiah, ID to Idaho Falls, ID
Drive Time
8h 34m
Distance
465.9 mi
750 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
2-day trip
Fuel Cost
$74
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
8h 27m
★
6 AM
8h 35m
8 AM
8h 50m
10 AM
8h 40m
12 PM
8h 39m
3 PM
8h 41m
5 PM
8h 50m
8 PM
8h 30m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Kamiah, ID
Qeis Ismail
Idaho Falls, ID
Wal Saravia
Trip Overview
Spanning 465.9 miles across Idaho, this trek from Kamiah to Idaho Falls takes approximately 8 hours and 34 minutes of pure driving time. Because of the significant distance, I highly recommend splitting this journey over two days to avoid fatigue. You should budget roughly $74 for fuel, depending on your vehicle's efficiency and current gas prices. The route navigates through the Mountain West, transitioning between smaller local corridors and major transit arteries. Whether you are looking for a steady haul or a relaxed pace, planning for an overnight stay makes this cross-state trip far more manageable.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
233 miles from Kamiah, ID
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 4h 50m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a mixed driving experience that keeps you attentive behind the wheel. The route is composed of 51% highway driving, blending stretches of the Jeannette Rankin Memorial Highway and 3rd Street with the faster pace of I-15. You will encounter a lengthy 198-mile stretch on I-15, which serves as the primary interstate portion of the trip. As you transition between these different road types, the character of the drive shifts from local transit to high-speed interstate travel. The variety ensures you aren't stuck on a single type of road for the entire 465.9-mile duration.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 15 is the longest continuous segment at about 198 miles.
Elevation Profile
High-altitude sections with notable climbs
6,706 ft
2,882 ft
Total Climb
3,893 ft
Total Descent
2,070 ft
Highest Point
6,706 ft
~388.3 mi in
Elevation Range
3,823 ft
Notable High Points
6,706 ft at ~388.3 miles
+477 ft prominence
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 151.2 miles in near US 12 / South 6th Street East.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
The route itself is not hard, but at 8h 34m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 17 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 151.2 miles (US 12 / South 6th Street East): Navigation decision point; at 264 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 462.5 miles (I 15 BUS; US 20): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
151.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 32m in
|
US 12 / South 6th Street East
Turn right onto US 12 / South 6th Street East
Navigation decision point
5
264 mi into trip
|
~5h 20m in
Take the exit toward I 15 South: Dillon, Idaho Falls
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 15 South: Dillon, Idaho Falls
5
462.5 mi into trip
|
~8h 27m in
|
I 15 BUS; US 20
Take the exit onto I 15 BUS; US 20 toward I 15 Business, US 20 West: Historic Downtown, Arco
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 15 Business, US 20 West: Historic Down...
5
465.9 mi into trip
|
~8h 34m in
|
West Stone Run Lane
Turn right onto West Stone Run Lane
Navigation decision point
5
465.9 mi into trip
|
~8h 34m in
|
Charleston Lane
Turn left onto Charleston Lane
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 15 | 198 mi | 3h 5m |
| Jeannette Rankin Memorial Highway | 111.5 mi | 1h 45m |
| 3rd Street | 108.1 mi | 2h 38m |
| US 12 | 39.8 mi | 49m |
| Brooks Street | 3.3 mi | 4m |
| South Boulevard | 1 mi | 2m |
| South Utah Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| West 17th Street | 0.6 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 15
— 198 mi, about 3h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kamiah, ID and Idaho Falls, ID.
1
Start on Hill Street
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Hill Street
2
Turn right onto US 12
108 mi
·
2 hr 38 min
·
3rd Street
3
Continue on US 12
33 mi
·
39 min
·
US 12
4
Continue on US 12; US 93
7.0 mi
·
9 min
·
US 12; US 93
5
Continue on Brooks Street
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Brooks Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Continue on US 12
356 ft
·
16 sec
·
South Higgins Avenue
Use the left lane.
7
Turn right onto US 12
0.4 mi
·
36 sec
·
South 6th Street East
8
Turn left onto Arthur Avenue
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
·
Arthur Avenue
9
Continue on US 12
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
Madison Street
10
Take the exit onto US 12
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
US 12
11
Turn left onto I 90 Bus; US 12
435 ft
·
5 sec
·
Van Buren Street
12
Take the exit onto I 90 Business; US 12
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
I 90 Business; US 12
13
Merge onto I 90; US 12; MT 200
111 mi
·
1 hr 45 min
·
Jeannette Rankin Memorial Highway
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 15 South: Dillon, Idaho Falls
15
Merge onto I 15
198 mi
·
3 hr 5 min
·
I 15
16
Take the exit onto I 15 BUS; US 20
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
I 15 BUS; US 20
Toward I 15 Business, US 20 West: Historic Downtown, Arco
17
Continue on I 15 BUS; US 20
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
West Broadway Street
18
Turn right onto South Utah Avenue
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
South Utah Avenue
19
Enter roundabout onto South Utah Avenue
103 ft
·
2 sec
·
South Utah Avenue
20
Continue on South Utah Avenue
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
South Utah Avenue
21
Turn left onto Pancheri Drive
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
·
Pancheri Drive
22
Continue on West 17th Street
0.6 mi
·
57 sec
·
West 17th Street
23
Turn right onto South Boulevard
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
South Boulevard
24
Continue on Stonebrook Lane
466 ft
·
14 sec
·
Stonebrook Lane
25
Turn right onto West Stone Run Lane
241 ft
·
16 sec
·
West Stone Run Lane
26
Turn left onto Charleston Lane
152 ft
·
6 sec
·
Charleston Lane
27
Arrive at destination
Charleston Lane
Trip Plan
Given the 8.5-hour duration, try to get an early start to maximize your daylight hours and avoid heavy traffic near the destination. Plan for at least two deliberate stops to stretch your legs and refuel, as the long 198-mile segment on I-15 can be taxing. Since you are crossing a significant portion of the state, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the less populated sections of the route. If you choose to split the trip, look for accommodations midway to break up the drive effectively. Always check the status of the Jeannette Rankin Memorial Highway before departing to ensure your planned pace remains realistic for your schedule.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 233 miles from Kamiah, ID, or about 4h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 198 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 102 miles or 2h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 233 miles or 4h 50m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 233 miles or 4h 50m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 7h 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Idaho Falls, ID than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kamiah, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Kamiah, ID
Aim for roughly 233 miles and 4.3 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Idaho Falls, ID
Aim for roughly 233 miles and 4.3 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 102 miles from Kamiah, ID.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 15 for about 198 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 233 mi from Kamiah, ID · 4h 50m into the drive
Mid-route town
Overnight candidate
233 mi into the route
Best for: Hotel check-in, dinner, and a fresh start
This lines up well with a realistic day-end stop if you are breaking the drive into stages.
Find hotels in Missoula, MTOvernight Options
Night 1
233 mi · about 4.3h in
A practical overnight split lands near Missoula, MT after about 233 miles or 4.3 hours of driving.
Find hotelsPacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 102 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 233 miles from Kamiah, ID, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 15 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 198 miles.
Overnight split
Hotel stopFor a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 233 miles or 4.3 hours on the road.
Arriving in Idaho Falls, ID
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.
On a multi-day trip, keep the last day a little lighter so you reach Idaho Falls, ID with some flexibility left in the schedule.
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
$73.83 one way
$147.66 round trip
$4.03/gal
25.4 MPG avg
163 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.23 | $77.61 | $155.21 |
| premium | $4.53 | $83.07 | $166.15 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $103.51 | $207.01 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$74
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$204–$314
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 163 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $49 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 139.8 | 1 | $48.92 | $22.36 |
| Efficient EV | 116.5 | 1 | $40.77 | $18.64 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 186.4 | 2 | $65.23 | $29.82 |
Gas CO2
163 kg
EV CO2
55 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Idaho Falls, ID
Afternoon in Idaho Falls on Sunday
Local time
2:00 PM
MDT
Current temp
38°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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
4 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
8h 34m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Kamiah, ID to Idaho Falls, ID covers 465.9 miles and takes about 8h 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 15, Jeannette Rankin Memorial Highway, 3rd Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Yes. This route is usually more comfortable as a 2-day drive. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 233 miles on day one.
The midpoint is about 233 miles from Kamiah, ID. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $73.83 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
The route itself is not hard, but at 8h 34m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 17 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
The main spots that need attention: at 151.2 miles (US 12 / South 6th Street East): Navigation decision point; at 264 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 462.5 miles (I 15 BUS; US 20): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Kamiah, ID to Idaho Falls, ID does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
High-altitude sections with notable climbs. The route ranges from 2,882 ft to 6,706 ft elevation with about 3,893 ft of total climbing. There is 1 notable high point along the way.
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