Origin
Livingston, MT
Evening in Livingston on Thursday
Local time
7:18 PM
MDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Livingston, MT to Lincoln, MT
Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026
Drive Time
3h 20m
Distance
179.4 mi
289 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 8m
★
6 AM
3h 20m
8 AM
3h 44m
10 AM
3h 29m
12 PM
3h 26m
3 PM
3h 30m
5 PM
3h 43m
8 PM
3h 13m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Livingston, MT
Wikimedia Commons
Lincoln, MT
Ramon Perucho
Trip Overview
This 179.4-mile drive from Livingston, Montana, to Lincoln, Montana, is a solid day trip, taking about 3 hours and 20 minutes. Primarily following Highway 287 and I-90, you'll spend about 78% of your time on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $28. Given its manageable length and the straightforward highway-focused profile, it's well-suited for a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. This route stays within the Mountain West region, offering a consistent feel throughout.
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
89.7 miles from Livingston, MT
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 38m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 20m. Total distance: 179.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this journey, with 78% of the route utilizing faster roads. You'll encounter a continuous stretch of 62.2 miles on Highway 287, which should provide a good rhythm for your drive. While predominantly highway, the inclusion of Lincoln Road West suggests a transition to more local or potentially winding roads as you approach your destination. This mix offers a varied driving experience, moving from open highway cruising to more localized routes.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Highway 287 is the longest continuous segment at about 62.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Highway 287 and I 90. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near I 90 Business.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 179.4 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (I 90 Business): Lane positioning matters here; at 58.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.6 miles (US 287 / Highway 287): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.4 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
I 90 Business
Turn right onto I 90 Business
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
58.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
Take the exit toward US 287: Helena, Ennis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 287: Helena, Ennis
5
58.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m in
|
US 287 / Highway 287
Turn right onto US 287 / Highway 287
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
121.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 14m in
|
I 15; US 287 / First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
Merge onto I 15; US 287 / First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
7
128.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 21m in
Take the exit toward MT 279, MT 453
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward MT 279, MT 453
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Livingston, MT to Lincoln, MT, road signs begin pointing toward Ennis along the way.
Ennis
58.3 mi in
|
~1h 1m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Highway 287 | 62.2 mi | 1h 10m |
| I 90 | 55.3 mi | 56m |
| Lincoln Road West | 30.2 mi | 34m |
| MT 200 | 11.5 mi | 13m |
| Montana Highway 279 | 8.4 mi | 9m |
| First Special Service Force Memorial Highway | 7.5 mi | 7m |
| I 90 Business | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| Lincoln Road East | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Highway 287
— 62.2 mi, about 1h 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Livingston, MT and Lincoln, MT.
1
Start on I 90 Business
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Park Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Turn right onto I 90 Business
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
I 90 Business
Use the right lane.
3
Take the ramp onto I 90 Business
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
I 90 Business
4
Merge onto I 90; US 191
55 mi
·
56 min
·
I 90; US 191
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward US 287: Helena, Ennis
6
Turn right onto US 287
62 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
Highway 287
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Take the exit onto US 287
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
·
US 287
Toward I 15 North: Great Falls
8
Merge onto I 15; US 287
7.5 mi
·
7 min
·
First Special Service Force Memorial Highway
Use the slight right lane.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward MT 279, MT 453
Use the slight right lane.
10
Turn right onto Lincoln Road East
37 ft
·
2 sec
·
Lincoln Road East
11
Continue on Lincoln Road East
77 ft
·
2 sec
·
Lincoln Road East
12
Continue on Lincoln Road East
0.5 mi
·
47 sec
·
Lincoln Road East
13
Enter roundabout onto Lincoln Road West
121 ft
·
2 sec
·
Lincoln Road West
14
Continue on Lincoln Road West
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Lincoln Road West
15
Enter roundabout onto S 279
131 ft
·
1 sec
·
Lincoln Road West
16
Continue on S 279
28 mi
·
31 min
·
Lincoln Road West
17
Continue on S 279
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
Montana Highway 279
18
At end of road, turn left onto MT 200
11 mi
·
13 min
·
MT 200
19
Turn left onto Stemple Pass Road
62 ft
·
2 sec
·
Stemple Pass Road
20
Arrive at destination
Stemple Pass Road
Trip Plan
With a total duration of just over 3 hours, this trip is easily manageable in a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. It's recommended to start your drive with a full tank of gas, as the longest stretch without significant services is 62.2 miles on Highway 287. While the total fuel cost is estimated at $28, keeping an eye on your gauge is always wise. Plan for one main stop to break up the drive, perhaps around the midway point or just before transitioning onto Lincoln Road West, to ensure you arrive in Lincoln refreshed.
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 89.7 miles from Livingston, MT, or about 1h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.2 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 39 miles or 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 89.7 miles or 1h 38m 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 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lincoln, MT than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Livingston, 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 Livingston, MT
This is one driving day of about 179.4 miles and 3h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Livingston, 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 Highway 287 for about 62.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 89.7 mi from Livingston, MT · 1h 38m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
90 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 89.7 miles from Livingston, MT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Highway 287 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62.2 miles.
Arriving in Lincoln, MT
The final approach into Lincoln, 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 Lincoln, MT.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.43 one way
$56.86 round trip
$4.03/gal
25.4 MPG avg
63 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $29.80 | $59.60 |
| premium | $4.53 | $32.00 | $64.00 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $39.61 | $79.22 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 62.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 53.8 | 0 | $18.84 | $8.61 |
| Efficient EV | 44.9 | 0 | $15.70 | $7.18 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 71.8 | 0 | $25.12 | $11.48 |
Gas CO2
63 kg
EV CO2
21 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Lincoln, MT
Evening in Lincoln on Thursday
Local time
7:18 PM
MDT
Current temp
60°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
11 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 20m 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 Livingston, MT to Lincoln, MT covers 179.4 miles and takes about 3h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Highway 287, I 90, Lincoln Road West. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 89.7 miles from Livingston, MT. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.43 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 179.4 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (I 90 Business): Lane positioning matters here; at 58.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.6 miles (US 287 / Highway 287): Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Livingston, MT to Lincoln, MT, road signs begin pointing toward Ennis along the way.
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