Newcastle, WY to Jackson, WY is 444.1 miles and takes about 8h 55m via US 26 / US 287, with a fuel budget near $70 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route traverses the Mountain West region, staying within Wyoming for its entirety. Expect a mixed driving experience that's well-suited for a two-day trip, offering a chance to break up the journey. The total drive time of just under 9 hours makes it manageable, but planning for an overnight stay is recommended to fully enjoy the scenery and avoid fatigue. Consider this drive if you're looking for a straightforward path through Wyoming's diverse landscapes.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
222 miles from Newcastle, WY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 34m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
West Yellowstone Highway
94.3 mi
1h 47m
East Main Street
77.9 mi
1h 27m
US 26 / US 287
53.2 mi
1h
WY 387
51.3 mi
58m
Highway 450
45.6 mi
1h 7m
North Highway 89
29.3 mi
40m
US 26
21.6 mi
24m
Clareton Highway
20.6 mi
30m
Longest stretch:
West Yellowstone Highway
— 94.3 mi, about 1h 47m
Traffic on I-25
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 4 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~237 veh/hr typical
· worst 359
Quietest
2 AM
~20 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.9×
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 Newcastle, WY and Jackson, WY.
1
Start on US 16
2.1 mi·3 min·West Main Street
2
Continue on US 16
0.7 mi·1 min·US Highway 16
3
Turn left onto WY 450
46 mi·1 hr 7 min·Highway 450
4
Continue on WY 450
21 mi·30 min·Clareton Highway
5
Turn right onto WY 59
2.7 mi·3 min·State Highway 59 South
6
Turn left onto WY 387
51 mi·58 min·WY 387
7
Turn left onto WY 259
18 mi·20 min·WY 259
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Toward I 25 South: Casper
9
Merge onto I 25; US 87
20 mi·18 min·I 25; US 87
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward US 20 West, US 26 West, WY 220 West: Shoshoni, Port of Entry
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·17 sec
12
Turn right onto US 20; US 26
2.7 mi·3 min·US 20; US 26
13
Turn right onto US 20; US 26
94 mi·1 hr 47 min·West Yellowstone Highway
14
Continue on US 26; WY 789
18 mi·20 min·US 26; WY 789
15
Continue on US 26; WY 789
4.0 mi·4 min·US 26; WY 789
Use the straight lane.
16
Turn right onto US 26
78 mi·1 hr 27 min·East Main Street
17
Turn left onto US 26; US 287
2.2 mi·2 min·East Ramshorn Street
18
Continue on US 26; US 287
53 mi·1 hr·US 26 / US 287
19
Continue on US 26; US 89; US 191
23 mi·32 min·North Highway 89
20
Enter roundabout onto US 26; US 89; US 191
97 ft·5 sec·North Highway 89
21
Continue on US 26; US 89; US 191
6.0 mi·8 min·North Highway 89
22
Continue on US 26; US 89; US 191
0.8 mi·2 min·North Cache Street
23
Arrive at destination
US 26; US 89; US 191
Trip Plan
With a total duration of nearly 9 hours, this route is best tackled over two days, allowing for two stops to break up the 444.1 miles. Aim to depart Newcastle in the morning to maximize daylight. Consider a stop around the halfway point, which would be roughly 4.5 hours into your drive. Be mindful of fuel; the estimated cost is $70, and while there are 2 recommended stops, it's always wise to top off your tank when you see a station, especially on less populated stretches. A good tip is to plan your overnight stay in a town that falls near the midpoint of the route to ensure a balanced driving schedule.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 222 miles from Newcastle, WY, or about 4h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 94.3 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 98 miles or 2h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 222 miles or 4h 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 222 miles or 4h 34m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 7h 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jackson, WY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Newcastle, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Newcastle, WY
Aim for roughly 222 miles and 4.5 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Jackson, WY
Aim for roughly 222 miles and 4.5 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 98 miles from Newcastle, WY.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on West Yellowstone Highway for about 94.3 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 122.9 and 164.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
122.9 mi into trip|~2h 44m in|WY 259
Turn left onto WY 259
Navigation decision point
6
141 mi into trip|~3h 5m in
Take the exit toward I 25 South: Casper
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward I 25 South: Casper
5
161.6 mi into trip|~3h 25m in
Take the exit toward US 20 West, US 26 West, WY 220 West: Shoshoni, Port of Entry
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 20 West, US 26 West, WY 220 West: Sho...
4
161.9 mi into trip|~3h 25m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
4
164.8 mi into trip|~3h 29m in|US 20; US 26 / West Yellowstone Highway
Turn right onto US 20; US 26 / West Yellowstone Highway
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$69.22 one way
$138.44 round trip
$3.96/gal25.4 MPG avg155 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.17
$72.96
$145.92
premium
$4.47
$78.22
$156.45
diesel
$4.80
$83.85
$167.71
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$69
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$199–$309
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 155.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $47 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
133.2
1
$46.63
$21.32
Efficient EV
111
1
$38.86
$17.76
EV Truck/SUV
177.6
2
$62.17
$28.42
Gas CO2
155 kg
EV CO2
52 kg (66% 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
Newcastle, WY
Evening
in Newcastle on Saturday
Local time
8:50 PM
MDT
Current temp
68°F
Partly Cloudy
E 5 to 8 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 6:32PM MDT until July 16 at 7:30PM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 16 at 2:56PM MDT until July 16 at 11:00PM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
Destination
Jackson, WY
Evening
in Jackson on Saturday
Local time
8:50 PM
MDT
Current temp
51°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
ENE 5 mph31% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 6:32PM MDT until July 16 at 7:30PM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 16 at 2:56PM MDT until July 16 at 11:00PM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
17 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
8h 55m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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.
Grand Teton National Park
National Park
Soaring over a landscape rich with wildlife, pristine lakes, and majestic alpine vistas, the Teton Range stands as a testament to generations of stewards. For over 11,000 years, communities have thriv...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
$35
near mile 423.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive offers a blend of highway and local road travel, with 55% of the route utilizing major highways. You'll encounter stretches that are more direct, like the longest uninterrupted segment of 94.3 miles on West Yellowstone Highway, allowing for steady progress. As you transition between roads like US 26 and US 287, the character of the drive will shift, offering varied driving conditions. The 'Mixed drive' profile suggests you'll experience both faster-paced sections and potentially more winding or slower-paced segments as you near your destination. This dynamic keeps the driving experience engaging.
55% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 94.3 mi on West Yellowstone Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 122.9 miles in near WY 259.
Driving Effort4/10
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 8h 55m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 13 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 122.9 miles (WY 259): Navigation decision point; at 141 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 161.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mountain driving with significant elevation changes
8,236 ft4,331 ft
Total Climb
5,194 ft
Total Descent
3,287 ft
Highest Point
8,236 ft
~380.6 mi in
Elevation Range
3,905 ft
Notable High Points
5,386 ft at ~95.2 miles+355 ft prominence
5,893 ft at ~222 miles+259 ft prominence
8,236 ft at ~380.6 miles+1,377 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Newcastle, WY to Jackson, WY, road signs begin pointing toward Port Of Entry along the way.
Jackson is the largest town (population 11,000 in 2020) in the Jackson Hole valley in Teton County, Northwest Wyoming, close to the south end of Grand Teton National Park. It is the gateway to two of the United States' best-known national parks, Grand Teton and nearby Yellowstone. Many famous people maintain vacation homes in and around this area. The combined elements of beautiful mountain scenery, Old West heritage, tourist traps and celebrity residents give this small town a unique atmosphere both cosmopolitan and frontier.
Top landmarks
•Wort Hotel — Jackson, Wyoming, USA
•National Museum of Wildlife Art — museum in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
•George Washington Memorial Park — park in Jackson, Wyoming
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 94.3 miles on West Yellowstone Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 222 miles on day one.
Yes — we found about 3 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 Jackson, WY 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 3 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 122.9 miles (WY 259): Navigation decision point; at 141 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 161.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Grand Teton National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 8.9 hours each way, a round trip means 17.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Jackson, WY before the return drive.
