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
Traffic on I-84
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 91 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,890 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,244
Quietest
2 AM
~142 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
13.3×
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 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 72Toward 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 50AToward Cole Road, Overland RoadUse the right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
232 ft·12 sec
Toward Cole RoadUse 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 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
$65.56 one way
$131.11 round trip
$3.96/gal25.4 MPG avg147 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.17
$69.10
$138.20
premium
$4.47
$74.09
$148.17
diesel
$4.80
$79.42
$158.83
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$66
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$91–$116
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, 2026-07-13.
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.
Forecast as of Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Idaho Falls, ID
Late night
in Idaho Falls on Sunday
Local time
2:59 AM
MDT
Current temp
59°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
ENE 6 mph26% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 7:15PM MDT by NWS Boise ID
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 16 at 1:11PM MDT until July 16 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Boise ID
Destination
Pinehurst, ID
Late night
in Pinehurst on Sunday
Local time
2:59 AM
MDT
Current temp
63°F
Mostly Clear
NW 5 mph14% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 7:15PM MDT by NWS Boise ID
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 16 at 1:11PM MDT until July 16 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Boise ID
58°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
4 degrees warmer 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
National Monument
During the Pliocene, this place looked quite different. Lush wetlands, forests, and grasslands provided excellent habitat for a variety of animals. From fascinating, now-extinct creatures like the sab...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
Free
near mile 188.6
Caution: Use Caution with "Fossil Beds Information" Signs
Caution: If You Can't Reach Us By Phone, Please Email Us
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
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 Effort6/10
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.
Elevation Profile
High-altitude sections with notable climbs
5,311 ft2,574 ft
Total Climb
3,101 ft
Total Descent
5,093 ft
Highest Point
5,311 ft
~390.6 mi in
Elevation Range
2,737 ft
Notable High Points
4,131 ft at ~300.5 miles+365 ft prominence
5,311 ft at ~390.6 miles+527 ft prominence
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.
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".
Top landmarks
•New Sweden School — school building in Idaho Falls, United States of America
•Bonneville Hotel — hotel building in Idaho Falls, Idaho
•Bonneville County Courthouse — historic courthouse in Idaho Falls, Idaho, USA
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 with national parks nearby.
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.
Yes — we found about 19 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.
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. There are 19 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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.
Yes — Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
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.
