Laurel, MT Road Trips
Drivers starting from Laurel, MT have 4 mapped routes to choose from, making it a small but connected base in the Mountain West. Routes from here tend to cover serious ground — the average trip runs 318 miles, so plan for multi-day adventures. Most routes from Laurel, MT head west, giving the route network a clear directional lean.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Trip Routes
9
Longest Drive
442.3 mi
Columbia Falls, MT
Quickest Drive
3h 53m
Anaconda, MT
Plan Around Laurel, MT
Popular Incoming Routes
Useful if Laurel, MT is the arrival point and you want the strongest routes into the city first.
Continue From Laurel, MT
Good next legs if this city is only one stop in a longer road trip.
Trips from Laurel, MT
Driving from Laurel, MT
Expect an average of 318 miles and about 5h 46m behind the wheel when leaving Laurel, MT. This is long-haul territory. Most routes stretch past the 250-mile mark, so pack snacks and plan fuel stops. The longest mapped route runs 332 miles (6h 30m), while the shortest is just 296 miles.
Popular Destinations
The most popular drives from Laurel, MT include Orchard Homes, MT (332 mi, 5h 27m), Missoula, MT (328.4 mi, 5h 20m), Shelby, MT (315.6 mi, 5h 46m), and Glasgow, MT (296.1 mi, 6h 30m). Most destinations stay within the same state, perfect for exploring the local region thoroughly.
Planning & Costs
For the average 318-mile drive from Laurel, MT, expect to burn about 12.5 gallons of fuel one way at 25 MPG. Check local pump prices before you go to lock in your budget.
Most routes head west — leaving in the morning keeps the sun behind you for a more comfortable drive. Most trips take a half-day, so a morning start gets you there in time for lunch or an afternoon of exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 4 mapped routes leaving Laurel, MT and 5 routes heading into Laurel, MT, covering 9 total connections. Distances range from 296 to 332 miles.
The longest mapped route from Laurel, MT covers 332 miles and takes approximately 6h 30m. Shorter options start at just 296 miles.
The average route from Laurel, MT runs about 318 miles with a drive time of roughly 5h 46m. This includes both short day trips and longer multi-day drives.
The most popular road trip destinations from Laurel, MT include Orchard Homes, MT, Missoula, MT, Shelby, MT and Glasgow, MT. Each route page has detailed drive times, fuel estimates, stop suggestions, and turn-by-turn directions.
Laurel, MT by the Numbers
Recent demographic snapshot from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Population
7,198
Median Income
$66,382
Median Home Value
$232,700
Median Age
36.6
Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-year (public domain). See our methodology for details.
Traveler Guide to Laurel, MT
Laurel is a town in southern Montana. About 7,200 people lived there in 2020. Though some refer to it as a suburb of Billings, the town is a uniquely different place.
Laurel is home to a Cenex Harvest States oil refinery as well as one of Montana's major freight rail yards. The railroad formed Laurel and remains a part of the town's fabric. High school sports are a major event. Go Locomotives! A large outdoor arena is used for regional competitions. The stadium lights are the tallest structure in town. While the number of businesses started increasing with the addition of a Walmart Supercenter, many of the residents still commute to Billings.
1 Riverside Park, 1425 US 212. A park along the southern banks of the Yellowstone River. Camping sites are available. Horseshoe pits are in the park. (updated Mar 2023)
4th of July, Parade on Main St., activities around town, fireworks at high school, ☏ +1 406 628-8105, [email protected]. Biggest parade and one of the largest fireworks displays in Montana. Palace Bar & Lanes, 305 E Main St, ☏ +1 406 628-8788, [email protected]. Bowling Alley, bar & grill. (updated Mar 2023) Rock the Block, Town Square (north of Main St on First Ave). Friday nights, May through Sept. Live music, food and drinks. South Side Pond. Daylight. Fishing access and picnic areas. Free. The Vue and Brew, 101 W 1st St, ☏ +1 406 633-4436, [email protected]. Friday, Saturday, Sunday. 3-screen theater and coffeehouse.
1 Carlton Depot, 331 S Washington, Suite A, ☏ +1 406 633-7050, [email protected]. M-Sa 11AM-9PM, closed Su. Traditional classics served in an innovated way, brewery beers, wine, and cocktails. (updated Jan 2024) 2 Fat Fender Freddy's, 1517 U S Highway 212 S, ☏ +1 406 628-8766. 9AM-2AM. Burgers, steaks, and an occasional car show in the summer. (updated Jan 2024) 3 The Pelican Cafe, 701 E Main, ☏ +1 406 628-6683. Daily 6AM-3PM. Traditional diner food with a big menu. (updated Jan 2024) 4 Sid's East Side Bar & Grill, 1701 E Main, ☏ +1 406 628-8946, [email protected]. Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F,Sa 11AM-10PM. Good quality bar food made from scratch, family owned since 1966 (updated Jan 2024)
Caboose Saloon, 704 West Main, ☏ +1 406 628-7414. Amazing bronze sculptures, live music, pool tables. Fowl Play Sports Bar & Casino, 220 S 1st Ave, ☏ +1 406 628-8241. High Plains Brewing, 601 E Main St, ☏ +1 406 633-4594, [email protected]. M-Sa 4-8PM. Brewery.
1 Best Western Yellowstone Crossing, 205 SE 4th St, ☏ +1 406 628-6888, toll-free: +1-877-574-2464. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Wireless internet, breakfast, hot tub, truck parking. Fairfield Inn & Suites, 310 South Washington Ave, ☏ +1 406 743-7100. Check-in: 3PM (or earlier, if rooms are available), check-out: noon. Wifi, breakfast, pool, hot tub, fitness center. 2 Locomotive Inn, 310 South First Ave, ☏ +1 406-628-8281, [email protected]. Check-in: 3PM (or earlier, if rooms are available), check-out: 11:30AM. Wifi, pool, hot tub.
Laurel Municipal Airport is strictly for private aviation use, and no commercial flights land at the airport. Instead, travellers use nearby Billings Logan International Airport (BIL IATA). From the east and west - I-90 connects Laurel to Billings heading east, and with Bozeman, Butte, Missoula and Idaho heading west. From the south - U.S. 212 connects Laurel to Red Lodge, which ultimately leads to Beartooth Pass.
Laurel has a couple of options for rides into Billings, but these are limited. There is no taxi service. It is possible to bike to most locations in good weather. A car usually is the best option.
Travel tips adapted from Laurel (Montana) on Wikivoyage, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Content summarized; visit the source for the full article. See our methodology for how we use it.
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