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Trip from Miles City, MT to Billings, MT

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 33m

Distance

144.3 mi

232 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 23m ★
6 AM
2h 33m
8 AM
2h 54m
10 AM
2h 40m
12 PM
2h 38m
3 PM
2h 41m
5 PM
2h 53m
8 PM
2h 27m

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 in and county seat of Custer County, Montana, United States

Miles City, MT

Wikimedia Commons

city in and county seat of Yellowstone County, Montana, United States

Billings, MT

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Connecting Miles City to Billings, this 144.3-mile trek across Montana’s Mountain West region is a straightforward journey typically taking 2 hours and 33 minutes. You will spend almost the entire trip on I-94 and I-90, making it an efficient choice for those looking to traverse the state quickly. Because the total duration is quite manageable, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, eliminating the need for an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $23 on fuel, depending on your vehicle's efficiency and current market prices. Overall, it serves as a reliable, high-speed connection between these two Montana hubs, offering a practical experience for drivers who prioritize speed and simplicity over winding backroads.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

72.1 miles from Miles City, MT

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 16m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 135.4 mi 2h 18m
I 90 2.8 mi 3m
I 94 Business 2.2 mi 3m
1st Avenue North 1.2 mi 3m
US Highway 87 East 1.2 mi 1m
Main Street 1.1 mi 2m
I 90 Business 0.3 mi <1m
North 25th Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 135.4 mi, about 2h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Miles City, MT and Billings, MT.

1

Start on MT 59

1.1 mi · 2 min · Main Street
2

Continue on I 94 Business

1.9 mi · 2 min · I 94 Business
3

Take the ramp onto I 94 Business

66 ft · 1 sec · I 94 Business
4

Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 Business

0.3 mi · 36 sec · I 94 Business
5

Merge onto I 94; US 12

135 mi · 2 hr 18 min · I 94; US 12
6

Merge onto I 90; US 87; US 212

2.8 mi · 3 min · I 90; US 87; US 212
7

Take the exit onto I 90 Business; US 87

0.3 mi · 36 sec · I 90 Business; US 87
Toward I 90 Business, US 87 North: Lockwood, Roundup
8

Merge onto I 90 Business; US 87

1.2 mi · 1 min · US Highway 87 East
9

At end of road, turn left onto I 90 Business

1.2 mi · 3 min · 1st Avenue North
10

Turn left onto North 25th Street

375 ft · 15 sec · North 25th Street
11

Turn left onto I 90 Business

169 ft · 5 sec · Montana Avenue
12

Arrive at destination

I 90 Business

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour and 33 minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility when planning your departure time. Since the route includes only one recommended stop, try to time your break to coincide with the transition between highways to maximize your momentum. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge throughout the 144.3-mile journey, as the $23 estimated cost is a useful baseline for your travel budget. Because you are on interstates for nearly the entire duration, stay alert for changing traffic patterns near the city centers. A helpful tip for this specific drive is to ensure you have your podcasts or music playlists queued up early, as the long, uninterrupted stretches on I-94 provide an ideal environment for extended listening.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 72.1 miles from Miles City, MT, or about 1h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 135.4 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 32 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 72.1 miles or 1h 16m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 3m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Miles City, 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 Miles City, MT

This is one driving day of about 144.3 miles and 2h 33m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Miles City, 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 I 94 for about 135.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in and county seat of Rosebud County, Montana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Forsyth, MT

72 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.

Popular next leg

Forsyth, MT to Billings, MT

100.3 mi · 1h 49m

Pacing Suggestions

Forsyth, MT

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Forsyth, MT

Meal break

The midpoint is around 72.1 miles from Miles City, MT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 135.4 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

The Farmhouse Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Miles City, Montana

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 8 am–1 pm

+14062346731

Vintage and Rustics in Montana

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Miles City, MT

0.3 mi

Montana Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Miles City, Montana

0.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Marble Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Billings, Montana

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 144.3

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+14063847764

Visit website

The Ruby

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Miles City, Montana

0.3 mi

The Ugly Mug

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Miles City, Montana

0.5 mi

The Farmhouse Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $10 to $20

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 8 am–1 pm

+14062346731

Vintage and Rustics in Montana

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Miles City, MT

Hours: 7:30 am–4:30 pm

+14062347878

Visit website

Montana Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 10 am–2 pm

+14062345809

Visit website

Remember When Cafe inside Vintage and Rustics in Montana

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+14062347878

Visit website

Hole In the Wall Family Dining

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

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

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+14062343860

NaRa Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 144.3

Billings, Montana

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+14062458866

Visit website

Stompin Grounds

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 144.3

Billings, Montana

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+16194956551

Black Iron Grill Rotisserie

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14062344766

Visit website

Marble Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 144.3

Billings, Montana

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+14063847764

Visit website

The Ruby

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 6:15 am–2 pm

+14062347829

The Ugly Mug

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+14068748459

Visit website

Main Street Grind

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+14062344664

Bearded Bean Coffee Co

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 144.3

Billings, Montana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+14066967859

Black Dog Coffee House x 10th Ave

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 144.3

Billings, Montana

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+14062818550

Visit website

Scoop MT

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 9 am–5:30 pm

+14062341915

City Brew Coffee

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 5:30 am–3 pm

+14062346106

Visit website

Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 144.3

Billings, Montana

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+14067021280

Visit website

Girl Ran Away With the Spoon

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+14062341525

Visit website

After Rage

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 144.3

Billings, Montana

Hours: 3:30–9 pm

+14063715114

Visit website

Unique Creations

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Miles City, Montana

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+14062341008

DanWalt Botanical Gardens

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 144.3

Billings, Montana

Hours: 9 am–5:30 pm

+14062484003

Visit website

The Grand Escape Room

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 144.3

Billings, Montana

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+14068608243

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 3.1 and 144.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
3.1 mi into trip | ~5m in | I 94 Business

Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 Business

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

5
141.4 mi into trip | ~2h 27m in | I 90 Business; US 87

Take the exit onto I 90 Business; US 87 toward I 90 Business, US 87 North: Lockwood, Roundup

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 90 Business, US 87 North: Lockwood, Ro...
4
141.7 mi into trip | ~2h 28m in | I 90 Business; US 87 / US Highway 87 East

Merge onto I 90 Business; US 87 / US Highway 87 East

Merge point - match speed before joining

4
144.2 mi into trip | ~2h 32m in | North 25th Street

Turn left onto North 25th Street

Navigation decision point

5
144.2 mi into trip | ~2h 33m in | I 90 Business / Montana Avenue

Turn left onto I 90 Business / Montana Avenue

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.87 one way

$45.73 round trip

$4.03/gal 25.4 MPG avg 51 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.22 $23.97 $47.94
premium $4.53 $25.74 $51.48
diesel $5.61 $31.86 $63.72

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43.3 0 $15.15 $6.93
Efficient EV 36.1 0 $12.63 $5.77
EV Truck/SUV 57.7 0 $20.20 $9.24

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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

Miles City, MT

Night in Miles City on Saturday

Local time

10:42 PM

MDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Billings, MT

Night in Billings on Saturday

Local time

10:42 PM

MDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

76°F

Forsyth, MT

72 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

1 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

2h 33m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is defined by its efficiency, with 98% of the route consisting of major highways. You will settle into a steady rhythm on the interstate, as the longest uninterrupted stretch spans 135.4 miles along I-94. The road maintains a highly consistent character, prioritizing fast, highway-focused travel throughout the duration of your trip. As you transition between I-94 and I-90, you will find the infrastructure remains uniform, keeping the driving experience predictable from start to finish. If you enjoy the focus required for long, open-road interstate stretches, you will find this route well-suited to your pace.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
12 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 135.4 mi on I 94.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and I 90. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 3.1 miles in near I 94 Business.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 33m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 3.1 miles (I 94 Business): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 141.4 miles (I 90 Business; US 87): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 141.7 miles (I 90 Business; US 87 / US Highway 87 East): Merge point - match speed before joining.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

3,180 ft 2,362 ft

Total Climb

1,151 ft

Total Descent

391 ft

Highest Point

3,180 ft

~134 mi in

Elevation Range

819 ft

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 33m. Total distance: 144.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 135.4 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 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.

The main spots that need attention: at 3.1 miles (I 94 Business): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 141.4 miles (I 90 Business; US 87): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 141.7 miles (I 90 Business; US 87 / US Highway 87 East): Merge point - match speed before joining.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Billings, MT before heading back.

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, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Billings, MT to Miles City, MT

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