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Trip from Laurel, MT to Butte, MT

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

Drive Time

3h 28m

Distance

211.1 mi

340 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Fair

3 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 17m ★
6 AM
3h 29m
8 AM
3h 53m
10 AM
3h 37m
12 PM
3h 35m
3 PM
3h 39m
5 PM
3h 52m
8 PM
3h 21m

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 Yellowstone County, Montana, United States

Laurel, MT

Wikimedia Commons

consolidated city-county (with Silver Bow County) in Montana, United States

Butte, MT

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Laurel, MT to Butte, MT covers 211.1 miles and takes about 3h 28m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 90, South Montana Street, South 1st Avenue for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 209.3 miles on I 90. At current regular gas prices, budget about $33.45 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

105.6 miles from Laurel, MT

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 28m. Total distance: 211.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 3h 28m highway drive covering 211.1 miles, with most of the trip on I 90 and South Montana Street. The longest continuous stretch is about 209.3 miles on I 90.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 9 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 90 is the longest continuous segment at about 209.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and South Montana Street. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near I 90.

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 3h 28m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.6 miles (I 90): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 209.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 210.7 miles (West 2nd Street): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 7 key points

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

5
0.6 mi into trip | ~1m in | I 90

Merge onto I 90

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
209.9 mi into trip | ~3h 26m in

Take the exit toward Montana Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward Montana Street
4
210.7 mi into trip | ~3h 27m in | West 2nd Street

Turn right onto West 2nd Street

Navigation decision point

5
210.9 mi into trip | ~3h 28m in | South Main Street

Turn left onto South Main Street

Navigation decision point

5
211.1 mi into trip | ~3h 28m in | West Iron Street

Turn left onto West Iron Street

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 90 209.3 mi 3h 25m
South Montana Street 0.5 mi <1m
South 1st Avenue 0.4 mi <1m
West 2nd Street 0.2 mi <1m
South Main Street 0.2 mi <1m
West Iron Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 90 — 209.3 mi, about 3h 25m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Laurel, MT and Butte, MT.

1

Start on US 310; MT S-532

0.4 mi · 37 sec · South 1st Avenue
2

Turn left

0.2 mi · 30 sec
3

Merge onto I 90

209 mi · 3 hr 25 min · I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Toward Montana Street
5

Turn right onto South Montana Street

0.5 mi · 57 sec · South Montana Street
6

Turn right onto West 2nd Street

0.2 mi · 37 sec · West 2nd Street
7

Turn left onto South Main Street

0.2 mi · 27 sec · South Main Street
8

Turn left onto West Iron Street

70 ft · 3 sec · West Iron Street
9

Arrive at destination

West Iron 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 105.6 miles from Laurel, MT, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 209.3 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 46 miles or 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 105.6 miles or 1h 43m 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 50m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Laurel, 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 Laurel, MT

This is one driving day of about 211.1 miles and 3h 28m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Laurel, 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 I 90 for about 209.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 105.6 mi from Laurel, MT · 1h 43m into the drive

city and the county seat of Park County, Montana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Livingston, MT

106 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

Absarokee, MT

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Livingston, MT

Meal break

The midpoint is around 105.6 miles from Laurel, MT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 209.3 miles.

Arriving in Butte, MT

The final approach into Butte, 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 Butte, MT.

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.

Nearby Places

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

Top Restaurant

MacKenzie River Pizza Co.

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Belgrade, Montana

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 135.7

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14063880016

Visit website

Kathmandu indian cuisine Indian & Nepali restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Butte, Montana

0.2 mi

Uptown Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Butte, Montana

0.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Heidi's Coffee Cabin

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Laurel, Montana

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 5 am–5 pm

+14066289099

Visit website

Bourbon Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Belgrade, Montana

0.3 mi

Revamped Coffee Co

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Belgrade, Montana

0.8 mi

MacKenzie River Pizza Co.

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 135.7

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14063880016

Visit website

Kathmandu indian cuisine Indian & Nepali restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 211.1

Butte, Montana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14064387304

Uptown Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 211.1

Butte, Montana

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+14067234735

Visit website

Hummingbird Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 211.1

Butte, Montana

Hours: Closed

+14067232044

Visit website

La Casa Toscana Italian Food and Catering Services

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 211.1

Butte, Montana

Hours: 3–9 pm

+14062992890

Visit website

Copper City Casino & Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 211.1

Butte, Montana

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+14067828828

Visit website

Christina's Cocina Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 211.1

Butte, Montana

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14067238444

Visit website

Copper Horse Restaurant - Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 135.7

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: 4:30 am–8 pm

+14063168129

Visit website

Heidi's Coffee Cabin

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Laurel, Montana

Hours: 5 am–5 pm

+14066289099

Visit website

Bourbon Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 135.7

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: 5:30 am–1 pm

Revamped Coffee Co

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv mile 135.7

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: 6 am–3:30 pm

+14069200386

Visit website

Reel Coffee Co

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 135.7

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Wildflower Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 135.7

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

The Beartooth Beanery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 30.2

Columbus, Montana

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

Roly-Poly Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 120.6

Bozeman, Montana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+14069228080

Visit website

Early Bird Coffee House

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 30.2

Columbus, Montana

Hours: 5 am–2 pm

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 135.7

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 135.7

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14063887684

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 211.1

Butte, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Dumas Brothel

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 211.1

Butte, Montana

+14063519922

Visit website

Piccadilly Museum of Transportation

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 211.1

Butte, Montana

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+14067233034

Visit website

Sacajawea Park and Tennis Courts

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 105.6

Livingston, Montana

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+14062232233

Visit website

Itch-Kep-Pe Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 30.2

Columbus, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.45 one way

$66.90 round trip

$4.03/gal 25.4 MPG avg 74 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.22 $35.06 $70.13
premium $4.53 $37.66 $75.31
diesel $5.61 $46.61 $93.22

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 73.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 63.3 0 $22.17 $10.13
Efficient EV 52.8 0 $18.47 $8.44
EV Truck/SUV 84.4 1 $29.55 $13.51

Gas CO2

74 kg

EV CO2

25 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.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Laurel, MT

Morning in Laurel on Saturday

Local time

8:51 AM

MDT

Current temp

44°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Butte, MT

Morning in Butte on Saturday

Local time

8:51 AM

MDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

71°F

Livingston, MT

106 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

22 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

3h 28m 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 Laurel, MT to Butte, MT covers 211.1 miles and takes about 3h 28m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 90, South Montana Street, South 1st Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 105.6 miles from Laurel, MT. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.45 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.

This is a straightforward 3h 28m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.6 miles (I 90): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 209.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 210.7 miles (West 2nd Street): Navigation decision point.

The route from Laurel, MT to Butte, 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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