Origin
Pocatello, ID
Evening in Pocatello on Saturday
Local time
7:28 PM
MDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Pocatello, ID to Sun Valley, ID
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 27m
Distance
166.9 mi
269 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 15m
★
6 AM
3h 28m
8 AM
3h 52m
10 AM
3h 36m
12 PM
3h 34m
3 PM
3h 37m
5 PM
3h 51m
8 PM
3h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Pocatello, ID
Wikimedia Commons
Sun Valley, ID
Sergio Zhukov
Trip Overview
Pocatello, ID to Sun Valley, ID is 166.9 miles and takes about 3h 27m via Idaho Medal of Honor Highway, with a fuel budget near $26 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Mountain West region, making it an easy same-day drive. Expect a local feel for much of the journey, with a turn-heavy profile. It's a straightforward route that won't eat up your entire day, leaving you plenty of time to explore your destination. Consider this a manageable drive that gets you where you need to go efficiently.
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
83.4 miles from Pocatello, ID
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Medal of Honor Highway | 73.3 mi | 1h 24m |
| Bergener Boulevard | 34.1 mi | 38m |
| Veterans Memorial Highway | 22.4 mi | 21m |
| Main Street | 17.3 mi | 26m |
| Gannett Picabo Road | 7.8 mi | 11m |
| Gannett Road | 4 mi | 9m |
| North Main Street | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| East Sun Valley Road | 1.5 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Idaho Medal of Honor Highway
— 73.3 mi, about 1h 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pocatello, ID and Sun Valley, ID.
1
Start on North 7th Avenue
229 ft
·
15 sec
·
North 7th Avenue
2
Turn left onto East Wyeth Street
0.2 mi
·
49 sec
·
East Wyeth Street
3
Turn right onto North 10th Avenue
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
·
North 10th Avenue
4
Turn left onto East Center Street
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
East Center Street
5
Turn left
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
6
Merge onto I 15
22 mi
·
21 min
·
Veterans Memorial Highway
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward US 26, ID 39: Blackfoot, Arco
8
Keep slight left at fork
182 ft
·
12 sec
9
Turn left onto I 15 Business; US 26
34 mi
·
38 min
·
Bergener Boulevard
10
At end of road, turn left onto US 20; US 26
23 mi
·
26 min
·
Idaho Medal of Honor Highway
11
Continue on US 20; US 26
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
South Front Street
12
Turn sharp left onto County Road
68 ft
·
3 sec
·
County Road
13
Turn right onto West Temple Avenue
0.2 mi
·
41 sec
·
West Temple Avenue
14
Continue on Park Road
0.4 mi
·
34 sec
·
Park Road
15
Turn left onto US 93; US 20; US 26
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
West Grand Avenue
16
Continue on US 93; US 20; US 26
41 mi
·
47 min
·
Idaho Medal of Honor Highway
17
Continue on US 93; US 20; US 26
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
North Main Street
18
Turn right onto US 20
0.5 mi
·
45 sec
·
Queens Crown Road
19
Continue on US 20
9.4 mi
·
10 min
·
Idaho Medal of Honor Highway
20
Turn right onto Gannett Road
4.0 mi
·
9 min
·
Gannett Road
21
Continue on Gannett Picabo Road
7.8 mi
·
11 min
·
Gannett Picabo Road
22
Turn straight onto ID 75
17 mi
·
26 min
·
Main Street
23
Turn right onto ID 75 Spur
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
East Sun Valley Road
24
Turn right onto Moritz Road
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
Moritz Road
25
Turn right onto Inn Entry Lane
290 ft
·
12 sec
·
Inn Entry Lane
26
Arrive at destination
Inn Entry Lane
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 3h 27m, this is a perfect same-day trip. You can depart Pocatello any time in the morning and still have ample daylight upon arrival in Sun Valley. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $26, planning is minimal. The longest stretch is 73.3 miles, so consider getting gas before you leave Pocatello to ensure a comfortable drive without needing to hunt for a station mid-route. The turn-heavy nature of this drive means staying alert is key, especially as you approach your destination.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 83.4 miles from Pocatello, ID, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.3 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 37 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 83.4 miles or 1h 35m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sun Valley, ID than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Pocatello, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Pocatello, ID
This is one driving day of about 166.9 miles and 3h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Pocatello, ID.
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 Idaho Medal of Honor Highway for about 73.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
83 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 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 83.4 miles from Pocatello, ID, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Idaho Medal of Honor Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.3 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 175 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 81.8 — 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
|
East Wyeth Street
Turn left onto East Wyeth Street
Navigation decision point
5
0.2 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
North 10th Avenue
Turn right onto North 10th Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
24.3 mi into trip
|
~26m in
Take the exit toward US 26, ID 39: Blackfoot, Arco
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 26, ID 39: Blackfoot, Arco
5
24.5 mi into trip
|
~26m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
6
81.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 32m in
|
County Road
Turn sharp left onto County Road
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.45 one way
$52.90 round trip
$4.03/gal
25.4 MPG avg
58 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $27.72 | $55.44 |
| premium | $4.53 | $29.77 | $59.55 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $36.85 | $73.70 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.1 | 0 | $17.52 | $8.01 |
| Efficient EV | 41.7 | 0 | $14.60 | $6.68 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 66.8 | 0 | $23.37 | $10.68 |
Gas CO2
58 kg
EV CO2
20 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.
Destination
Sun Valley, ID
Evening in Sun Valley on Saturday
Local time
7:28 PM
MDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
39°F
Bellevue, ID
83 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
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
3h 27m 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 route offers a turn-heavy local drive experience, with a highway share of 0%, meaning you'll be navigating local roads for the entire 166.9 miles. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 73.3 miles on the Idaho Medal of Honor Highway. You won't be on high-speed interstates here; instead, anticipate a more intimate journey with frequent changes in direction. The profile suggests a road that winds and turns, requiring your attention as you pass through various local landscapes. Get ready for a hands-on driving experience rather than a highway cruise.
Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.3 mi on Idaho Medal of Honor Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near East Wyeth Street.
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 3h 27m drive. You will face about 17 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (East Wyeth Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (North 10th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 24.3 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.
On the drive from Pocatello, ID to Sun Valley, ID, road signs begin pointing toward Arco along the way.
Arco
24.3 mi in
|
~26m
About the Cities
Arriving in Sun Valley, ID
Full guide →Sun Valley is a mountain resort city at 6,000 ft (1,830 m), in central Idaho. It was founded in 1939.
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 3h 27m. Total distance: 166.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 73.3 miles on Idaho Medal of Honor 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.
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 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 (East Wyeth Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (North 10th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 24.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Sun Valley, ID, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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