Gillette to Pine Bluffs is 283.8 miles and takes about 4h 58m via I 25 and State Highway 59 South, with a fuel budget near $50 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wyoming, connecting the Mountain West region to itself. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on interstates, making it a practical option for getting between these two points without much fuss. You'll spend the majority of your time on well-maintained highways, ideal if you're looking for a direct and efficient transit.
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
141.9 miles from Gillette, WY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 40m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 25
121.9 mi
1h 55m
State Highway 59 South
106.6 mi
1h 56m
Purple Heart Trail
39 mi
37m
South Douglas Highway
5 mi
9m
Central Avenue
2.9 mi
3m
East Richards Street
2.4 mi
3m
North 4th Street
1.9 mi
3m
North Greeley Highway
1.1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 25
— 121.9 mi, about 1h 55m
Traffic on I-25
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 24 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~382 veh/hr typical
· worst 550
Quietest
1 AM
~28 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
13.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gillette, WY and Pine Bluffs, WY.
1
Start on East 4th Street
0.4 mi·1 min·East 4th Street
2
Turn right onto WY 59
5.0 mi·9 min·South Douglas Highway
3
Continue on WY 59
107 mi·1 hr 56 min·State Highway 59 South
4
Turn left onto Wyoming Highway 59 Connector
0.4 mi·44 sec·Wyoming Highway 59 Connector
5
Turn straight onto North 4th Street
1.9 mi·3 min·North 4th Street
6
Turn left onto I 25 BUS; US 20 BUS; US 26 BUS; US 87 BUS
2.4 mi·3 min·East Richards Street
7
Take the ramp onto I 25 BUS; US 20 BUS; US 26 BUS; US 87 BUS
380 ft·9 sec·I 25 BUS; US 20 BUS; US 26 BUS; US 87 BUS
Toward I 25, US 20, US 26, US 87
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 25 BUS; US 20 BUS; US 26 BUS; US 87 BUS
0.7 mi·1 min·I 25 BUS; US 20 BUS; US 26 BUS; US 87 BUS
Toward I 25, US 20, US 26, US 87
9
Merge onto I 25; US 20; US 26; US 87
8.2 mi·8 min·I 25; US 20; US 26; US 87
10
Continue on I 25; US 26; US 87
34 mi·31 min·I 25; US 26; US 87
11
Continue on I 25; US 87
76 mi·1 hr 10 min·I 25; US 87
Toward Cheyenne
12
Continue on I 25; US 85; US 87
4.0 mi·4 min·I 25; US 85; US 87
13
Take the exit onto I 25 BUS; US 85; US 87 BUS
0.3 mi·35 sec·I 25 BUS; US 85; US 87 BUS
Exit 12Toward I 25 Business, US 85 South: Central Avenue, Warren Gate 5
14
Turn left onto I 25 BUS; US 85; US 87 BUS
0.8 mi·1 min·Central Avenue
15
Continue on I 25 BUS; US 85; US 87 BUS
2.1 mi·2 min·Central Avenue
16
Continue on I 180; I 25 BUS; US 85; US 87 BUS
1.1 mi·2 min·North Greeley Highway
17
Turn left
0.2 mi·28 sec
18
Merge onto I 80
39 mi·37 min·Purple Heart Trail
19
Take the exit onto US 30
0.3 mi·41 sec·US 30
Toward US 30 East: Pine Bluffs
20
Turn left onto US 30; I 80 Business
0.3 mi·32 sec·Parson Street
21
Continue on US 30; I 80 Business
0.2 mi·19 sec·US Highway 30
22
Turn slight right onto West 3rd Street
0.2 mi·38 sec·West 3rd Street
23
Arrive at destination
West 3rd Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 58m estimated drive time, starting in the morning allows ample daylight for your trip. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 121.9-mile stretch on I 25, as services can be spread out in this region. Plan your refueling stops accordingly, with Pine Bluffs being your final destination for services.
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 141.9 miles from Gillette, WY, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 121.9 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 62 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 141.9 miles or 2h 40m 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 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pine Bluffs, WY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Gillette, WY 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 Gillette, WY
This is one driving day of about 283.8 miles and 4h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Gillette, WY.
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 25 for about 121.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
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 239.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0.4 mi into trip|~1m in|WY 59 / South Douglas Highway
Turn right onto WY 59 / South Douglas Highway
Navigation decision point
4
112 mi into trip|~2h 7m in|Wyoming Highway 59 Connector
Turn left onto Wyoming Highway 59 Connector
Navigation decision point
6
116.7 mi into trip|~2h 14m in|I 25 BUS; US 20 BUS; US 26 BUS; US 87 BUS
Take the ramp onto I 25 BUS; US 20 BUS; US 26 BUS; US 87 BUS toward I 25, US 20, US 26, US 87
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 25, US 20, US 26, US 87
6
116.8 mi into trip|~2h 14m in|I 25 BUS; US 20 BUS; US 26 BUS; US 87 BUS
Keep slight left at fork onto I 25 BUS; US 20 BUS; US 26 BUS; US 87 BUS toward I 25, US 20, US 26, US 87
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 25, US 20, US 26, US 87
6
239.3 mi into trip|~4h 12m in|I 25 BUS; US 85; US 87 BUS
Take the exit onto I 25 BUS; US 85; US 87 BUS toward I 25 Business, US 85 South: Central Avenue, Warren Gate 5
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 12
Toward I 25 Business, US 85 South: Central Aven...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.23 one way
$88.47 round trip
$3.96/gal25.4 MPG avg99 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.17
$46.63
$93.25
premium
$4.47
$49.99
$99.98
diesel
$4.80
$53.59
$107.17
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 99.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
85.1
1
$29.80
$13.62
Efficient EV
71
0
$24.83
$11.35
EV Truck/SUV
113.5
1
$39.73
$18.16
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Gillette, WY
Late night
in Gillette on Sunday
Local time
2:15 AM
MDT
Current temp
63°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NE 5 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:55AM MDT until July 17 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 1:49AM MDT until July 19 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Rapid City SD
Destination
Pine Bluffs, WY
Late night
in Pine Bluffs on Sunday
Local time
2:15 AM
MDT
Current temp
61°F
Mostly Clear
S 10 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:55AM MDT until July 17 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 1:49AM MDT until July 19 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Rapid City SD
93°F
Wheatland, WY
142 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
2 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
4h 58m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 81% of the total mileage on major roads. You'll encounter one stretch of 121.9 miles on I 25 before transitioning to surface roads. Expect a rural cruising feel for much of the trip, with fewer exits and more open road.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 121.9 mi on I 25.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 25 and State Highway 59 South. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near WY 59 / South Douglas Highway.
Driving Effort4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 4h 58m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (WY 59 / South Douglas Highway): Navigation decision point; at 112 miles (Wyoming Highway 59 Connector): Navigation decision point; at 116.7 miles (I 25 BUS; US 20 BUS; US 26 BUS; US 87 BUS): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
High-altitude sections with notable climbs
6,352 ft4,552 ft
Total Climb
2,431 ft
Total Descent
1,934 ft
Highest Point
6,352 ft
~223 mi in
Elevation Range
1,800 ft
Notable High Points
4,921 ft at ~40.5 miles+184 ft prominence
5,198 ft at ~101.3 miles+234 ft prominence
6,352 ft at ~223 miles+310 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Gillette, WY and Pine Bluffs, WY, road signs point toward Cheyenne and Warren Gate 5.
Cheyenne
159.8 mi in|~2h 56m|via I 25; US 87
Warren Gate 5
239.3 mi in|~4h 12m|via I 25 BUS; US 85; US 87 BUS
Gillette is a city in Northeast Wyoming halfway between Sundance and Sheridan on I-90. Gillette is a coal mining town with a population of about 33,000 (2020). Because of the coal, oil, and natural gas production, the city calls itself the energy capital of the nation.
The longest stretch is about 121.9 miles on I 25. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 9 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through WY 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 0.4 miles (WY 59 / South Douglas Highway): Navigation decision point; at 112 miles (Wyoming Highway 59 Connector): Navigation decision point; at 116.7 miles (I 25 BUS; US 20 BUS; US 26 BUS; US 87 BUS): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 10.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Pine Bluffs, WY, but most travelers stay overnight.
