Trip from Bozeman, MT to Chinook, 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 46m

Distance

320.6 mi

516 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$51

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

5h 33m ★

6 AM

5h 47m

8 AM

6h 13m

10 AM

5h 56m

12 PM

5h 53m

3 PM

5h 57m

5 PM

6h 12m

8 PM

5h 39m

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 and the county seat of Gallatin County, Montana, United States

Bozeman, MT

Wikimedia Commons

Chinook, MT

Alex Moliski

Trip Overview

This 320.6-mile journey from Bozeman, MT to Chinook, MT is best tackled as a single-day trip, taking approximately 5 hours and 46 minutes. You'll navigate primarily via 15th Street Northeast, the First Special Service Force Memorial Highway, and Highway 287, with about 37% of the drive on highways. With an estimated fuel cost of $51, this route offers a mixed driving experience through the Mountain West region of Montana. This drive is straightforward, making it a convenient option for a day trip without the need for an overnight stay.

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

160.3 miles from Bozeman, MT

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 49m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
15th Street Northeast	107.3 mi	1h 58m
First Special Service Force Memorial Highway	87.6 mi	1h 24m
Highway 287	62.2 mi	1h 10m
I 90 Business	31.8 mi	32m
US 2	24.7 mi	28m
3rd Street Northwest	1.4 mi	1m
Central Avenue West	1.2 mi	1m
North 7th Avenue	0.9 mi	1m

Longest stretch: 15th Street Northeast — 107.3 mi, about 1h 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bozeman, MT and Chinook, MT.

Start on North Willson Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · North Willson Avenue

Turn left onto West Peach Street

0.4 mi · 42 sec · West Peach Street

Turn right onto I 90 Business

0.9 mi · 1 min · North 7th Avenue

Turn left onto I 90 Business

32 mi · 32 min · I 90 Business

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Toward US 287: Helena, Ennis

Turn right onto US 287

62 mi · 1 hr 10 min · Highway 287

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the exit onto US 287

0.4 mi · 47 sec · US 287

Toward I 15 North: Great Falls

Merge onto I 15; US 287

88 mi · 1 hr 24 min · First Special Service Force Memorial Highway

Use the slight right lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec

Keep slight right at fork

229 ft · 5 sec

Merge onto I 15 Business

1.2 mi · 1 min · Central Avenue West

Turn left onto 3rd Street Northwest

1.4 mi · 1 min · 3rd Street Northwest

Continue on Smelter Avenue Northeast

0.5 mi · 45 sec · Smelter Avenue Northeast

Turn left onto Old Havre Highway

0.9 mi · 1 min · Old Havre Highway

Turn left onto US 87

107 mi · 1 hr 58 min · 15th Street Northeast

Turn right onto US 2

3.9 mi · 4 min · US 2

Continue on US 2

21 mi · 23 min · US 2

Turn right onto Indiana Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · Indiana Street

Arrive at destination

Indiana Street

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 5-hour, 46-minute duration, departing Bozeman in the morning allows ample time to reach Chinook without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 107.3-mile stretch on 15th Street Northeast, as services might be more spread out. The estimated fuel cost of $51 is a helpful budgeting tool for this 320.6-mile trip. Enjoy the straightforward drive through Montana's landscapes.

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 160.3 miles from Bozeman, MT, or about 2h 49m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 107.3 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 71 miles or 1h 18m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 160.3 miles or 2h 49m 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 40m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Bozeman, 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 Bozeman, MT

This is one driving day of about 320.6 miles and 5h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Bozeman, 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 15th Street Northeast for about 107.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

East Helena, MT

160 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

East Helena, MT

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 71 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

East Helena, MT

Meal break

The midpoint is around 160.3 miles from Bozeman, MT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before 15th Street Northeast if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 107.3 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

Dave's Sushi

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bozeman, Montana

Near the start, right off the route

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

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+14065561351

Visit website

Bacchus Pub

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Bozeman, Montana

0 mi

Sweet Chili Asian Bistro

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Bozeman, Montana

0.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Wild Joe*s Coffee Spot

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bozeman, Montana

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+14065861212

Visit website

Rockford Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bozeman, Montana

0.1 mi

Nexus Drive Up Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bozeman, Montana

0.4 mi

Dave's Sushi

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Bozeman, Montana

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+14065561351

Visit website

Bacchus Pub

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $20 to $30

Bozeman, Montana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+14064041996

Visit website

Sweet Chili Asian Bistro

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $20 to $30

Bozeman, Montana

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+14065821188

Visit website

Western Café

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Bozeman, Montana

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+14065870436

Visit website

MacKenzie River Pizza Co.

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately

Bozeman, Montana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14065870055

Visit website

Montana Ale Works

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Bozeman, Montana

Hours: 4–9 pm

+14065877700

Visit website

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Bozeman, Montana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Coffee Hound

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 297.7

Havre, Montana

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+14062658105

Galaxy Roasting

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 91.6

East Helena, Montana

Hours: 7 am–1:30 pm

+14064312630

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 183.2

Great Falls, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Bozeman, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 183.2

Great Falls, Montana

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+14064522225

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 184.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0.4 mi into trip | ~1m in | West Peach Street

Turn left onto West Peach Street

Navigation decision point

33.4 mi into trip | ~35m 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

33.7 mi into trip | ~36m in | US 287 / Highway 287

Turn right onto US 287 / Highway 287

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

96.3 mi into trip | ~1h 47m 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.

184.1 mi into trip | ~3h 13m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$50.80 one way

$101.61 round trip

$4.03/gal 25.4 MPG avg 112 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.22	$53.25	$106.50
premium	$4.53	$57.19	$114.38
diesel	$5.61	$70.78	$141.57

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$51

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$76–$101

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 112.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	96.2	1	$33.66	$15.39
Efficient EV	80.2	0	$28.05	$12.82
EV Truck/SUV	128.2	1	$44.88	$20.52

Gas CO2

112 kg

EV CO2

38 kg (66% 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

Bozeman, MT

Late night in Bozeman on Sunday

Local time

1:56 AM

MDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Chinook, MT

Late night in Chinook on Sunday

Local time

1:56 AM

MDT

Current temp

41°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

23 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 46m 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?

Expect a mixed driving profile on this route, blending highway speeds with more local road navigation. The highway share is 37%, indicating a significant portion of your drive will be on less-trafficked roads. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 107.3 miles on 15th Street Northeast, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly. The road character will likely evolve as you transition between these different types of thoroughfares, offering varied driving conditions throughout the 5-hour, 46-minute journey.

37% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.

19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 107.3 mi on 15th Street Northeast.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near West Peach Street.

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 320.6 miles you will encounter 11 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 (West Peach Street): Navigation decision point; at 33.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 33.7 miles (US 287 / Highway 287): Lane positioning matters here.

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 Bozeman, MT to Chinook, MT, road signs begin pointing toward Ennis along the way.

Ennis

33.4 mi in | ~35m

About the Cities

Starting in Bozeman, MT

Full guide →

Bozeman is a city in Montana's Yellowstone Country. Set in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, this college town is a place for experiencing the great outdoors around the year, and for those days the weather makes you want to stay indoors there are a number of museums and galleries to explore.

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 46m. Total distance: 320.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (37%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 107.3 miles on 15th Street Northeast. 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.

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.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Chinook, 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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Explore more options from Bozeman, MT or browse trips ending in Chinook, MT.

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Trip from Bozeman, MT to Chinook, MT

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Dave's Sushi

Wild Joe*s Coffee Spot

Dave's Sushi

Bacchus Pub

Sweet Chili Asian Bistro

Western Café

MacKenzie River Pizza Co.

Montana Ale Works

RSVP Motel

Pakeezah Authentic Indian Restaurant

Wild Joe*s Coffee Spot

Rockford Coffee

Nexus Drive Up Coffee

Treeline Coffee Roasters

Roly-Poly Coffee Co.

Studio Coffee Roasters

Coffee Hound

Galaxy Roasting

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Destination Charger

Rivian Adventure Network

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Havre Beneath the Streets

H. Earl Clack Memorial Museum

Duck Pond | Gibson Park

Bloom and Bean

Haute Hive

Escape the Falls Escape Rooms

In Cahoots for Tea

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Bozeman, MT

Chinook, MT

Same local time

23 degrees cooler at arrival

5h 46m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Bozeman, MT

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Will I have cell service along this route?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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