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Trip from Miles City, MT to Boulder, MT

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

Drive Time

6h 40m

Distance

370.6 mi

596 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$59

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
6h 29m ★
6 AM
6h 41m
8 AM
7h 5m
10 AM
6h 49m
12 PM
6h 47m
3 PM
6h 50m
5 PM
7h 3m
8 PM
6h 33m

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 county seat of Custer County, Montana, United States

Miles City, MT

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Boulder, MT, MT

Boulder, MT

John De Leon

Trip Overview

The drive from Miles City, MT to Boulder, MT covers 370.6 miles and takes about 6h 40m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 90, I 94, MT 69 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly highway. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 198.9 miles on I 90. At current regular gas prices, budget about $58.73 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

185.3 miles from Miles City, MT

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 11m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 90 198.9 mi 3h 17m
I 94 135.4 mi 2h 18m
MT 69 31.5 mi 55m
I 94 Business 2.2 mi 3m
MT 2 1.2 mi 2m
Main Street 1.1 mi 2m
West Centennial Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 90 — 198.9 mi, about 3h 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Miles City, MT and Boulder, MT.

1

Start on MT 59

1.1 mi · 2 min · Main Street
2

Continue on I 94 Business

1.9 mi · 2 min · I 94 Business
3

Take the ramp onto I 94 Business

66 ft · 1 sec · I 94 Business
4

Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 Business

0.3 mi · 36 sec · I 94 Business
5

Merge onto I 94; US 12

135 mi · 2 hr 18 min · I 94; US 12
6

Merge onto I 90; US 87; US 212

2.8 mi · 3 min · I 90; US 87; US 212
7

Continue on I 90; US 212

113 mi · 1 hr 51 min · I 90; US 212
8

Continue on I 90; US 89; US 191

7.0 mi · 6 min · I 90; US 89; US 191
9

Continue on I 90; US 191

76 mi · 1 hr 16 min · I 90; US 191
10

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Toward MT 359: Cardwell, Boulder
11

Turn right onto MT 2

1.2 mi · 2 min · MT 2
12

Turn right onto MT 69

32 mi · 55 min · MT 69
13

Turn left onto West Centennial Avenue

408 ft · 18 sec · West Centennial Avenue
14

Arrive at destination

West Centennial Avenue

Trip Plan

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 185.3 miles from Miles City, MT, or about 3h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 198.9 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 82 miles or 1h 26m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 185.3 miles or 3h 11m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 15m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Miles City, 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 Miles City, MT

This is one driving day of about 370.6 miles and 6h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 82 miles from Miles City, 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 198.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in and county seat of Stillwater County, Montana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Columbus, MT

185 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

Hardin, MT

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 82 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Columbus, MT

Meal break

The midpoint is around 185.3 miles from Miles City, 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 198.9 miles.

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

Mountain Good Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Boulder, Montana

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 370.6

Hours: 8 am–2:30 pm

+14062253382

The Farmhouse Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Miles City, Montana

0 mi

Vintage and Rustics in Montana

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Miles City, MT

0.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The Ruby

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Miles City, Montana

Near the start, right off the route

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

Hours: 6:15 am–2 pm

+14062347829

The Ugly Mug

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Miles City, Montana

0.5 mi

Main Street Grind

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Miles City, Montana

0.4 mi

Mountain Good Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 370.6

Boulder, Montana

Hours: 8 am–2:30 pm

+14062253382

The Farmhouse Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $10 to $20

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 8 am–1 pm

+14062346731

Vintage and Rustics in Montana

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Miles City, MT

Hours: 7:30 am–4:30 pm

+14062347878

Visit website

Black Brew Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 185.3

Columbus, Montana

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+14063215282

Visit website

Montana Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 10 am–2 pm

+14062345809

Visit website

600 Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+14062343860

Remember When Cafe inside Vintage and Rustics in Montana

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+14062347878

Visit website

Hole In the Wall Family Dining

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+14062343860

The Ruby

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 6:15 am–2 pm

+14062347829

The Ugly Mug

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+14068748459

Visit website

Main Street Grind

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+14062344664

Scoop MT

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 9 am–5:30 pm

+14062341915

The Beanery Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 132.4

Huntley, Montana

Hours: 5:30 am–4 pm

+14068503900

The Beartooth Beanery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 185.3

Columbus, Montana

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

City Brew Coffee

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 5:30 am–3 pm

+14062346106

Visit website

Heidi's Coffee Cabin

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 158.8

Laurel, Montana

Hours: 5 am–5 pm

+14066289099

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 291.2

Bozeman, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 291.2

Bozeman, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484262

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 291.2

Bozeman, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18884672669

Visit website

EV Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 291.2

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14063887684

Blink Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 291.2

Bozeman, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 291.2

Bozeman, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 291.2

Bozeman, Montana

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 291.2

Bozeman, Montana

+18889982546

Visit website

Girl Ran Away With the Spoon

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+14062341525

Visit website

Unique Creations

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+14062341008

Itch-Kep-Pe Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 185.3

Columbus, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Sacajawea Park and Tennis Courts

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 264.7

Livingston, Montana

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+14062232233

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 7

5 decision points cluster between mile 3.1 and 370.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
3.1 mi into trip | ~5m in | I 94 Business

Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 Business

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

3
3.3 mi into trip | ~5m in | I 94; US 12

Merge onto I 94; US 12

Merge point - match speed before joining

5
337.5 mi into trip | ~5h 42m in

Take the exit toward MT 359: Cardwell, Boulder

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward MT 359: Cardwell, Boulder
4
339 mi into trip | ~5h 44m in | MT 69

Turn right onto MT 69

Navigation decision point

4
370.5 mi into trip | ~6h 40m in | West Centennial Avenue

Turn left onto West Centennial Avenue

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$58.73 one way

$117.45 round trip

$4.03/gal 25.4 MPG avg 130 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.22 $61.56 $123.12
premium $4.53 $66.11 $132.22
diesel $5.61 $81.82 $163.65

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$59

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$84–$109

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 129.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $39 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 111.2 1 $38.91 $17.79
Efficient EV 92.7 1 $32.43 $14.82
EV Truck/SUV 148.2 1 $51.88 $23.72

Gas CO2

130 kg

EV CO2

43 kg (67% 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

Miles City, MT

Afternoon in Miles City on Saturday

Local time

12:39 PM

MDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Boulder, MT

Afternoon in Boulder on Saturday

Local time

12:39 PM

MDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

74°F

Columbus, MT

185 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

16 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

6h 40m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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

What kind of drive is this?

370.6 mi in 6h 40m, mostly highway — 198.9 mi of that is on I 90.

100% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 198.9 mi on I 90.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 94. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 3.1 miles in near I 94 Business.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The route itself is not hard, but at 6h 40m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 7 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 3.1 miles (I 94 Business): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 3.3 miles (I 94; US 12): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 337.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 40m. Total distance: 370.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 40m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (100%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 198.9 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This is a long drive, so arriving tired and in the dark compounds. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Boulder, MT before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through MT can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.

The main spots that need attention: at 3.1 miles (I 94 Business): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 3.3 miles (I 94; US 12): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 337.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Boulder, MT before the return drive.

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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