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Trip from Lander, WY to Gillette, WY

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 10m

Distance

272.3 mi

438 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$43

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 57m ★
6 AM
5h 11m
8 AM
5h 38m
10 AM
5h 20m
12 PM
5h 18m
3 PM
5h 22m
5 PM
5h 36m
8 PM
5h 3m

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 the county seat of, Fremont County, Wyoming, United States

Lander, WY

Wikimedia Commons

city in Campbell County, Wyoming, United States

Gillette, WY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Lander, WY to Gillette, WY covers 272.3 miles and takes about 5h 10m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on US 20, WY 789, WY 387 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 79.9 miles on US 20. At current regular gas prices, budget about $43.15 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

136.1 miles from Lander, WY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 35m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 10m. Total distance: 272.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (91%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 5h 10m highway drive covering 272.3 miles, with most of the trip on US 20 and WY 789. The longest continuous stretch is about 79.9 miles on US 20.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 20 is the longest continuous segment at about 79.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 20 and WY 789. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near WY 789.

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 10m 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 0.4 miles (WY 789): Lane positioning matters here; at 144 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 164.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 9 key points

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

6
0.4 mi into trip | ~0m in | WY 789

Turn left onto WY 789

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left lanes.
5
144 mi into trip | ~2h 44m in

Turn left toward I 25 North, US 87 North: Midwest

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 25 North, US 87 North: Midwest
4
164.5 mi into trip | ~3h 4m in

Take the exit toward Horse Ranch Creek Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward Horse Ranch Creek Road
4
164.8 mi into trip | ~3h 5m in | WY 259 / Horseshoe Road

Turn right onto WY 259 / Horseshoe Road

Navigation decision point

4
182.7 mi into trip | ~3h 25m in | WY 387

Turn right onto WY 387

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 20 79.9 mi 1h 30m
WY 789 63.7 mi 1h 13m
WY 387 51.3 mi 58m
State Highway 59 South 32.8 mi 35m
I 25 20.1 mi 18m
Horseshoe Road 17.9 mi 20m
South Douglas Highway 5 mi 9m
East 4th Street 0.4 mi 1m
Longest stretch: US 20 — 79.9 mi, about 1h 30m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lander, WY and Gillette, WY.

1

Start on US 287

0.4 mi · 40 sec · Main Street
2

Turn left onto WY 789

64 mi · 1 hr 13 min · WY 789
Use the straight / left lanes.
3

Continue on US 20; US 26

77 mi · 1 hr 27 min · US 20; US 26
4

Turn left onto US 20; US 26

3.0 mi · 3 min · US 20; US 26
5

Turn left

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Toward I 25 North, US 87 North: Midwest
6

Merge onto I 25; US 87

20 mi · 18 min · I 25; US 87
7

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Toward Horse Ranch Creek Road
8

Turn right onto WY 259

18 mi · 20 min · Horseshoe Road
9

Turn right onto WY 387

51 mi · 58 min · WY 387
10

Turn left onto WY 59

33 mi · 35 min · State Highway 59 South
11

Continue on WY 59

5.0 mi · 9 min · South Douglas Highway
12

Turn left onto East 4th Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · East 4th Street
13

Arrive at destination

East 4th Street

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 136.1 miles from Lander, WY, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.9 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 60 miles or 1h 9m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 136.1 miles or 2h 35m 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 12m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gillette, WY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lander, WY 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 Lander, WY

This is one driving day of about 272.3 miles and 5h 10m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Lander, WY.
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 20 for about 79.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 136.1 mi from Lander, WY · 2h 35m into the drive

Downtown Mountain View, WY, WY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Mountain View, WY

136 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

Shoshoni, WY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mountain View, WY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 136.1 miles from Lander, WY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 20 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 79.9 miles.

Arriving in Gillette, WY

The final approach into Gillette, WY 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 Gillette, WY.

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

Lula Belle Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Gillette, Wyoming

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 272.3

Hours: 5 am–2:30 pm

+13076829798

Visit website

Expresso Lube

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Gillette, Wyoming

1.6 mi

Scooter's Coffee

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Gillette, Wyoming

1.1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Ice Cream Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Gillette, Wyoming

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route Inexpensiv mile 272.3

Hours: 7:30 am–9 pm

+13076868110

Visit website

Frontier Auto Museum & Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Gillette, Wyoming

0.2 mi

Routine Aesthetics & Wellness

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Gillette, Wyoming

0.4 mi

Lula Belle Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 272.3

Gillette, Wyoming

Hours: 5 am–2:30 pm

+13076829798

Visit website

Starbucks Coffee Company

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 272.3

Gillette, Wyoming

Hours: 4 am–9 pm

+13076823751

Visit website

Expresso Lube

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 272.3

Gillette, Wyoming

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13076827339

Visit website

Scooter's Coffee

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 272.3

Gillette, Wyoming

Hours: 4:30 am–8 pm

+13076707888

Visit website

Scooter's Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 272.3

Gillette, Wyoming

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+18777191288

Visit website

Ice Cream Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route Inexpensiv mile 272.3

Gillette, Wyoming

Hours: 7:30 am–9 pm

+13076868110

Visit website

Frontier Auto Museum & Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 272.3

Gillette, Wyoming

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13076865667

Visit website

Routine Aesthetics & Wellness

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 272.3

Gillette, Wyoming

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13073634040

Visit website

Routine Tanning Studio

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 272.3

Gillette, Wyoming

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+13073634040

Visit website

The Commodore Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 272.3

Gillette, Wyoming

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13076865667

Visit website

City Brew Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 272.3

Gillette, Wyoming

Hours: 4:45 am–8 pm

+13073634087

Visit website

Cenex

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 272.3

Gillette, Wyoming

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+13076824468

Visit website

Starbucks Coffee Company

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 272.3

Gillette, Wyoming

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+13076867352

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Lander, Wyoming

+18668167584

Visit website

Creative Beverages

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 272.3

Gillette, Wyoming

Hours: 7 am–12 pm

+13076868255

Paco’s Boba

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 272.3

Gillette, Wyoming

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+13076708056

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$43.15 one way

$86.30 round trip

$4.03/gal 25.4 MPG avg 95 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.22 $45.23 $90.46
premium $4.53 $48.57 $97.15
diesel $5.61 $60.12 $120.24

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$43

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$68–$93

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 95.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 81.7 1 $28.59 $13.07
Efficient EV 68.1 0 $23.83 $10.89
EV Truck/SUV 108.9 1 $38.12 $17.43

Gas CO2

95 kg

EV CO2

32 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Lander, WY

Morning in Lander on Friday

Local time

11:15 AM

MDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Gillette, WY

Morning in Gillette on Friday

Local time

11:15 AM

MDT

Current temp

73°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

6 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 10m 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 Lander, WY to Gillette, WY covers 272.3 miles and takes about 5h 10m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 20, WY 789, WY 387. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 136.1 miles from Lander, WY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $43.15 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 10m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (WY 789): Lane positioning matters here; at 144 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 164.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

The route from Lander, WY to Gillette, WY 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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