Origin
Idaho Falls, ID
Late night in Idaho Falls on Tuesday
Local time
4:24 AM
MDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Idaho Falls, ID to Pinehurst, ID
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
7h 43m
Distance
420.6 mi
677 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$67
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 34m
★
6 AM
7h 43m
8 AM
8h 2m
10 AM
7h 50m
12 PM
7h 48m
3 PM
7h 51m
5 PM
8h 1m
8 PM
7h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Idaho Falls, ID
Wikimedia Commons
Pinehurst, ID
Aleksandr Poklad
Trip Overview
Idaho Falls, ID to Pinehurst, ID is 420.6 miles and takes about 7h 43m via Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway and I 86, with a fuel budget near $67 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Mountain West region, offering a consistent feel throughout. With a recommended one-day drive, it's a solid option if you're looking for a relatively straightforward trip across Idaho. Plan for two stops along the way to break up the nearly eight hours of driving. Keep in mind that the majority of this route involves surface roads, so expect varied driving conditions.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
210.3 miles from Idaho Falls, ID
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 20m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway | 171.2 mi | 2h 41m |
| I 86 | 62.7 mi | 59m |
| Main Street | 45.6 mi | 1h 1m |
| Veterans Memorial Highway | 43.1 mi | 40m |
| North Norris Avenue | 21 mi | 23m |
| Horseshoe Bend Road | 18.9 mi | 25m |
| Highway 55 | 18.4 mi | 27m |
| West Lake Street | 10.6 mi | 16m |
Longest stretch:
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
— 171.2 mi, about 2h 41m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Idaho Falls, ID and Pinehurst, ID.
1
Start on Charleston Lane
152 ft
·
8 sec
·
Charleston Lane
2
Turn right onto West Stone Run Lane
241 ft
·
15 sec
·
West Stone Run Lane
3
Turn left onto Stonebrook Lane
466 ft
·
20 sec
·
Stonebrook Lane
4
Turn left onto West Sunnyside Road
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
West Sunnyside Road
5
Take the exit onto I 15 BUS; US 26
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
I 15 BUS; US 26
Toward Blackfook, Pocatello, Salt Lake City
6
Merge onto I 15; US 26
43 mi
·
40 min
·
Veterans Memorial Highway
7
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 72
Toward I 86 West: Chubbuck, Twin Falls
8
Continue on I 86
63 mi
·
59 min
·
I 86
9
Continue on I 84; US 30
171 mi
·
2 hr 41 min
·
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 50A
Toward Cole Road, Overland Road
Use the right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
232 ft
·
12 sec
Toward Cole Road
Use the left / right lanes.
12
Turn left onto South Cole Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South Cole Road
13
Continue on North Cole Road
2.6 mi
·
5 min
·
North Cole Road
Use the left lane.
14
At end of road, turn left onto North Mountain View Drive
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
North Mountain View Drive
15
Turn right onto North Glenwood Street
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
North Glenwood Street
16
Turn left onto ID 44
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
West State Street
17
Take the ramp
513 ft
·
14 sec
Toward SH-55
18
Merge onto ID 55
8.8 mi
·
11 min
·
North Horseshoe Bend Road
19
Continue on ID 55
5.9 mi
·
7 min
·
Payette River Scenic Byway
20
Continue on ID 55
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Highway 55
21
Continue on ID 55
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
·
Horseshoe Bend Road
22
Continue on ID 55
16 mi
·
24 min
·
Highway 55
23
Continue on ID 55
18 mi
·
25 min
·
Horseshoe Bend Road
24
Continue on ID 55
46 mi
·
1 hr 1 min
·
Main Street
25
Turn left onto Deinhard Lane
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Deinhard Lane
26
Continue on Boydstun Street
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Boydstun Street
27
At end of road, turn left onto ID 55
11 mi
·
16 min
·
West Lake Street
28
Turn right onto US 95
21 mi
·
23 min
·
North Norris Avenue
29
Turn right
43 ft
·
6 sec
30
Turn left
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
31
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 7h 43m estimated drive time, starting your trip in Idaho Falls early in the morning is advisable to ensure you arrive in Pinehurst with plenty of daylight. The route includes two recommended stops, which should help you manage the driving time effectively. With a fuel cost estimated around $67, it's wise to fill up your tank before departing Idaho Falls, as the longest stretch on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway is over 170 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition from the highway to surface roads, as services may be less frequent.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 210.3 miles from Idaho Falls, ID, or about 3h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 171.2 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 93 miles or 1h 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 210.3 miles or 3h 20m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pinehurst, ID than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Idaho Falls, ID 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Idaho Falls, ID
This is one driving day of about 420.6 miles and 7h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 93 miles from Idaho Falls, ID.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway for about 171.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
210 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 93 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 210.3 miles from Idaho Falls, ID, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 171.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 280.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
West Stone Run Lane
Turn right onto West Stone Run Lane
Navigation decision point
6
2.9 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
I 15 BUS; US 26
Take the exit onto I 15 BUS; US 26 toward Blackfook, Pocatello, Salt Lake City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Blackfook, Pocatello, Salt Lake City
6
46.2 mi into trip
|
~45m in
Take the exit toward I 86 West: Chubbuck, Twin Falls
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 72
Toward I 86 West: Chubbuck, Twin Falls
8
280.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 27m in
Take the exit toward Cole Road, Overland Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 50A
Toward Cole Road, Overland Road
8
280.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Cole Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / right lanes.
Toward Cole Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$66.65 one way
$133.30 round trip
$4.03/gal
25.4 MPG avg
147 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $69.86 | $139.73 |
| premium | $4.53 | $75.03 | $150.06 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $92.86 | $185.73 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$67
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$92–$117
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 147.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $44 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 126.2 | 1 | $44.16 | $20.19 |
| Efficient EV | 105.2 | 1 | $36.80 | $16.82 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 168.2 | 2 | $58.88 | $26.92 |
Gas CO2
147 kg
EV CO2
49 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.
Destination
Pinehurst, ID
Late night in Pinehurst on Tuesday
Local time
4:24 AM
MDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
55°F
Eagle, ID
210 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
5 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
7h 43m 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?
This route covers 420.6 miles, with 19% on highways, meaning you'll spend most of your time on surface roads. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 171.2 miles on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. After the highway portion, you'll transition to Main Street and other surface roads. Expect to encounter a mix of rural cruising and sections with more frequent intersections as you navigate through towns.
Only 19% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 171.2 mi on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West Stone Run Lane.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 420.6 miles you will encounter 18 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: near the start (West Stone Run Lane): Navigation decision point; at 2.9 miles (I 15 BUS; US 26): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Idaho Falls, ID and Pinehurst, ID, road signs point toward Twin Falls and Sh-55.
Twin Falls
46.2 mi in
|
~45m
Sh-55
288.6 mi in
|
~4h 43m
About the Cities
Starting in Idaho Falls, ID
Full guide →Idaho Falls is a city in Eastern Idaho. Idaho Falls serves as the commercial, cultural, and healthcare hub for Eastern Idaho. The city attracts many tourists visiting nearby Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Jackson Hole, and fishing on the Snake River. Due to its proximity to high-profile outdoor destinations, in 2009, Idaho Falls was named to National Geographic's list of the "100 Best Adventure Towns".
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 7h 43m. Total distance: 420.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 43m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 171.2 miles on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. 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 route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Pinehurst, ID 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 2 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 ID 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: near the start (West Stone Run Lane): Navigation decision point; at 2.9 miles (I 15 BUS; US 26): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.7 hours each way, a round trip means 15.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Pinehurst, ID 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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