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Trip from Belgrade, MT to Kalispell, MT

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 22m

Distance

299 mi

481 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 9m ★
6 AM
5h 22m
8 AM
5h 49m
10 AM
5h 32m
12 PM
5h 29m
3 PM
5h 33m
5 PM
5h 48m
8 PM
5h 14m

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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capital of Serbia

Belgrade, MT

Wikimedia Commons

seat of Flathead County, Montana, United States

Kalispell, MT

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 299-mile drive from Belgrade, Montana, to Kalispell, Montana, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 22 minutes of driving time. It's a highway-focused route, with 99% of the travel on major roads, making it efficient for getting from point A to point B. You'll find the estimated fuel cost for this trip to be around $47. Given the relatively short duration and the focus on main highways, this route is ideal for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. Both your origin and destination are within the Mountain West region, so expect consistently mountainous scenery throughout.

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

149.5 miles from Belgrade, MT

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 41m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
South Broadway — —
West Madison Avenue — —
Jackrabbit Lane — —
I 90 West — —
US 12 East — —
US 93 South — —
1st Avenue East — —
3rd Street East — —

Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.

Longest stretch: South Broadway — detailed segment metrics are refreshing.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Belgrade, MT and Kalispell, MT.

1

Start on East Main Street

82 ft · 10 sec · East Main Street
2

Turn left onto South Broadway

0.3 mi · 51 sec · South Broadway
3

Continue on West Madison Avenue

0.2 mi · 30 sec · West Madison Avenue
4

Turn left onto Jackrabbit Lane

0.3 mi · 29 sec · Jackrabbit Lane
5

Take the ramp right

0.2 mi · 27 sec
6

Merge slight left

79 mi · 1 hr 18 min
7

Keep slight left to continue on I 90 West: Missoula

43 mi · 39 min · I 90 West: Missoula
8

Take the exit slight right toward US 12 East: Helena, Garrison

1.2 mi · 2 min · US 12 East: Helena, Garrison
9

At the end of the road, turn right

13 mi · 14 min
10

Turn sharp left

32 mi · 35 min
11

At the end of the road, turn left

24 mi · 25 min
12

Turn right

91 mi · 1 hr 43 min
13

At the end of the road, turn right

0.3 mi · 39 sec
14

Turn left

6.9 mi · 8 min
15

Turn right onto US 93 South

7.1 mi · 9 min · US 93 South
16

Turn right onto 1st Avenue East

0.8 mi · 2 min · 1st Avenue East
17

Turn left onto 3rd Street East

427 ft · 14 sec · 3rd Street East
18

Arrive at your destination

Trip Plan

For this 5-hour and 22-minute drive, starting in the morning is recommended to give you ample time to reach Kalispell without feeling rushed. With only one stop suggested, you can plan for a mid-drive break to refuel and stretch. The longest stretch without a break is over 121 miles on I-90, so be mindful of your fuel gauge before embarking on that segment. Budgeting around $47 for fuel is a good estimate for this 299-mile trip. Because this is a manageable one-day drive, you have the flexibility to depart when it suits you best, but an early start maximizes daylight for your arrival.

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 149.5 miles from Belgrade, MT, or about 2h 41m into the drive.

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 66 miles or 1h 11m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 149.5 miles or 2h 41m 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 24m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Belgrade, 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 Belgrade, MT

This is one driving day of about 299 miles and 5h 22m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from Belgrade, 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.

Where to Stop

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

city in and the county seat of Powell County, Montana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Deer Lodge, MT

150 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

Butte, MT

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 66 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Deer Lodge, MT

Meal break

The midpoint is around 149.5 miles from Belgrade, MT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14063880016

Visit website

Three Forks Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Three Forks, Montana

1 mi

Copper Horse Restaurant - Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Belgrade, Montana

0.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Revamped Coffee Co

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Belgrade, Montana

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv

Hours: 6 am–3:30 pm

+14069200386

Visit website

Chi Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Kalispell, Montana

0.5 mi

Reel Coffee Co

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Belgrade, Montana

0.8 mi

MacKenzie River Pizza Co.

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14063880016

Visit website

Three Forks Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 21.4

Three Forks, Montana

Hours: 5:30 am–8 pm

+14062854843

Visit website

Copper Horse Restaurant - Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: 4:30 am–8 pm

+14063168129

Visit website

Chinatown Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 299

Kalispell, Montana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14067552401

Visit website

Echo Lake Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 277.7

Bigfork, Montana

Hours: 6:30 am–2:30 pm

+14068371000

Visit website

Gallatin River Lodge and Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Bozeman, Montana

+14063880148

Visit website

Pocketstone Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 277.7

Bigfork, Montana

Hours: 7 am–2:30 pm

+14068377223

Visit website

Revamped Coffee Co

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: 6 am–3:30 pm

+14069200386

Visit website

Chi Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $30 to $40 mile 299

Kalispell, Montana

Hours: 11 am–6 pm

+14064077707

Visit website

Reel Coffee Co

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Bourbon Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: 5:30 am–1 pm

Wildflower Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

Skald Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 277.7

Bigfork, Montana

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+14069827845

Visit website

Bigfork Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 277.7

Bigfork, Montana

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+14064202238

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 299

Kalispell, Montana

+18887584389

Visit website

TurnOnGreen Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 299

Kalispell, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15106572635

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

2.1 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 299

Kalispell, Montana

+14067515050

Visit website

EV Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Belgrade, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14063887684

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 299

Kalispell, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 299

Kalispell, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.1 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 299

Kalispell, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Thompson Memorial Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 299

Kalispell, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14067587718

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$47.38 one way

$94.76 round trip

$4.03/gal 25.4 MPG avg 105 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.22 $49.66 $99.33
premium $4.53 $53.34 $106.67
diesel $5.61 $66.02 $132.03

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$47

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$72–$97

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 104.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 89.7 1 $31.40 $14.35
Efficient EV 74.8 0 $26.16 $11.96
EV Truck/SUV 119.6 1 $41.86 $19.14

Gas CO2

105 kg

EV CO2

35 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

Belgrade, MT

Evening in Belgrade on Saturday

Local time

7:26 PM

MDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Kalispell, MT

Evening in Kalispell on Saturday

Local time

7:26 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

6 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

5h 22m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is predominantly a highway-focused experience, with 99% of the journey utilizing major roads. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I-90, which offers a smooth and consistent pace for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 121.3 miles. Later, you'll transition to MT 83 and MT 141, which may offer a slightly different driving feel as you move away from the interstate. While not an overly technical or winding route, the highway focus means you'll experience a steady progression across the Montana landscape, with minimal deviations from well-maintained roads.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Main road: South Broadway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way.

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 22m drive. You will face about 0 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Belgrade, MT to Kalispell, MT is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

About the Cities

Arriving in Kalispell, MT

Full guide →

Kalispell is a town in Montana, near Glacier National Park. The name of the town means "flat land above the lake" in Salish, a Native American language. The population is about 23,000 (2016).

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 22m. Total distance: 299 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Belgrade, MT to Kalispell, MT is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Kalispell, MT before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner 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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