Slaterville Historical Site
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Lewiston, ID to Salmon, ID
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
7h 26m
Distance
335 mi
539 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$60
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 16m
★
6 AM
7h 27m
8 AM
7h 47m
10 AM
7h 34m
12 PM
7h 32m
3 PM
7h 35m
5 PM
7h 46m
8 PM
7h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lewiston, ID
Wikimedia Commons
Salmon, ID
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Lewiston, ID to Salmon, ID is 335 miles and takes about 7h 26m via US 12 and US 93, with a fuel budget near $58 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Mountain West region, traversing a mostly highway profile. You'll find this route offers a straightforward connection between two Idaho communities. It's a manageable drive, well-suited for a single day if you're looking for efficiency.
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
167.5 miles from Lewiston, ID
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 48m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 12 | 205.2 mi | 4h 33m |
| US 93 | 128.6 mi | 2h 50m |
| Idaho Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Main Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| 7th Avenue | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Courthouse Drive | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| 21st Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| 19th Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 12
— 205.2 mi, about 4h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lewiston, ID and Salmon, ID.
1
Start on this road
105 ft
·
9 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto Idaho Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Idaho Street
3
Turn right onto 19th Street
288 ft
·
18 sec
·
19th Street
4
Turn left onto 7th Avenue
0.1 mi
·
30 sec
·
7th Avenue
5
At end of road, turn left onto 21st Street
339 ft
·
10 sec
·
21st Street
6
Continue on US 12
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
US 12
7
Keep slight right at fork onto US 12
7.4 mi
·
8 min
·
US 12
Toward US 95 South: Missoula, Boise
Use the straight lane.
8
Take the exit onto US 12
164 mi
·
3 hr 42 min
·
US 12
Toward US 12 East
9
Continue on US 12
33 mi
·
39 min
·
US 12
10
Turn right onto US 93
129 mi
·
2 hr 50 min
·
US 93
Use the straight / left lanes.
11
Turn left onto US 93
488 ft
·
8 sec
·
Courthouse Drive
12
Continue on US 93
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
Main Street
13
Turn right onto South Saint Charles Street
206 ft
·
9 sec
·
South Saint Charles Street
14
Arrive at destination
South Saint Charles Street
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour drive time, an early morning departure from Lewiston is recommended to maximize daylight. You'll have about two designated stops along the way, so plan to take breaks roughly every 2-3 hours to stay refreshed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially on the longer stretches, as services can be spread out. The estimated fuel cost is $58, so factor that into your budget. Since this is a one-day trip, you have flexibility in pacing, but sticking to the recommended stops will make the drive more comfortable.
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 167.5 miles from Lewiston, ID, or about 3h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 205.2 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 74 miles or 1h 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 167.5 miles or 3h 48m 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 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Salmon, ID than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lewiston, 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 Lewiston, ID
This is one driving day of about 335 miles and 7h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Lewiston, 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 US 12 for about 205.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
168 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 74 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 167.5 miles from Lewiston, ID, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 12 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 205.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Lolo Pass Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 95 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 206.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Idaho Street
Turn right onto Idaho Street
Navigation decision point
5
0.7 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
7th Avenue
Turn left onto 7th Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
0.9 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
21st Street
At end of road, turn left onto 21st Street
Navigation decision point
8
1.9 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
US 12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 12 toward US 95 South: Missoula, Boise
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 95 South: Missoula, Boise
6
206.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 36m in
|
US 93
Turn right onto US 93
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$60.34 one way
$120.68 round trip
$4.58/gal
25.4 MPG avg
117 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.78 | $63.02 | $126.03 |
| premium | $5.11 | $67.34 | $134.69 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $81.49 | $162.99 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$60
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 117.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 100.5 | 1 | $35.18 | $16.08 |
| Efficient EV | 83.8 | 0 | $29.31 | $13.40 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 134 | 1 | $46.90 | $21.44 |
Gas CO2
117 kg
EV CO2
39 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.
Origin
Lewiston, ID
Afternoon in Lewiston on Sunday
Local time
1:05 PM
PDT
Current temp
43°F
Partly Cloudy
0 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Salmon, ID
Afternoon in Salmon on Sunday
Local time
2:05 PM
MDT
Current temp
32°F
Mostly Cloudy
SSE 2 mph
0% chance
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
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
11 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 26m 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.
Nez Perce National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Since time immemorial, the valleys, prairies, mountains, and plateaus of the inland northwest have been home to the nimíipuu (Nez Perce) people. Extremely resilient, they survived the settling of the...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 80.9
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 100% highway, so you'll be on paved roads for the entire 335 miles. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 205.2 miles along US 12. Expect mostly rural cruising with minimal urban merging or dense exits. The drive primarily follows established highway corridors.
100% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 205.2 mi on US 12.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 12 and US 93. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Idaho Street.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The route itself is not hard, but at 7h 26m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 9 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Idaho Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.7 miles (7th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.9 miles (21st Street): Navigation decision point.
Elevation Profile
High-altitude sections with notable climbs
6,478 ft
741 ft
Total Climb
6,406 ft
Total Descent
3,206 ft
Highest Point
6,478 ft
~287.2 mi in
Elevation Range
5,737 ft
Notable High Points
6,478 ft at ~287.2 miles
+2,517 ft prominence
About the Cities
Starting in Lewiston, ID
Full guide →Founded 1861
Lewiston is the county seat of and largest city in Nez Perce County, Idaho. It is the second largest city in the Idaho Panhandle region behind Coeur d'Alene. It sits across the river from Clarkston, Washington. In 2020, Lewiston was home to 34,000 people. Like Pocatello, Lewiston has a strong working-class heritage. Industries related to timber and logging pursuits have long been key to the city's economy. Because the Columbia and later the Snake River are navigable by some ocean-going vessels all the way to Lewiston, the city has the distinction of being Idaho's only port city, and the furthest inland port in the western United States.
Top landmarks
- • Nave Apartments — apartment building in Lewiston, United States of America
- • St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Arriving in Salmon, ID
Full guide →Salmon is in Central Idaho.
Top landmarks
- • Salmon City Hall and Library
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 26m. Total distance: 335 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 26m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (100%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 205.2 miles on US 12. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 4 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 is a long drive, so arriving tired and in the dark compounds. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Salmon, 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 4 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 (Idaho Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.7 miles (7th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.9 miles (21st Street): Navigation decision point.
Yes — Nez Perce National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.4 hours each way, a round trip means 14.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Salmon, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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