Trip from Warm Springs, MT to Polson, 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 56m

Distance

165.3 mi

266 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min

4 AM

2h 45m ★

6 AM

2h 57m

8 AM

3h 19m

10 AM

3h 4m

12 PM

3h 2m

3 PM

3h 6m

5 PM

3h 18m

8 PM

2h 50m

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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unincorporated community in Deer Lodge County, Montana, United States

Warm Springs, MT

Wikimedia Commons

City in Lake County, Montana, United States

Polson, MT

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 165.3-mile drive from Warm Springs, MT to Polson, MT is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking about 2 hours and 56 minutes. You'll primarily travel on I 90 and US 93, with a short segment on Gas City Road, and the entire trip stays within the Mountain West region of Montana. Budget around $26 for fuel for this trip. With only one recommended stop, it's a relatively quick route, making it ideal for a day trip without needing an overnight stay.

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

82.6 miles from Warm Springs, MT

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 20m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 90	104.2 mi	1h 40m
US 93	60.6 mi	1h 15m
Gas City Road	<0.1 mi	<1m
Main Street	<0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 90 — 104.2 mi, about 1h 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Warm Springs, MT and Polson, MT.

Start on MT 48

512 ft · 12 sec · Gas City Road

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 42 sec

Merge onto I 90

104 mi · 1 hr 40 min · I 90

Take the exit onto US 93; MT 200

0.2 mi · 24 sec · US 93; MT 200

Toward US 93 North, MT 200 West: Kalispell

Keep slight right at fork onto US 93; MT 200

60 mi · 1 hr 14 min · US 93; MT 200

Toward US 93 North, MT 200 West: Kalispell

Turn left onto S-354

310 ft · 6 sec · Main Street

Arrive at destination

S-354

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour and 56 minute duration for this 165.3-mile trip, departing in the morning allows ample time for unexpected delays or a brief stop. The route is primarily highway, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 104.2-mile stretch on I 90. With a $26 estimated fuel cost, it's an economical choice. Since it's a manageable drive, you have the flexibility to leave when you're ready, but planning your fuel stops around the main highway segments will be most efficient.

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 82.6 miles from Warm Springs, MT, or about 1h 20m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 104.2 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 36 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 82.6 miles or 1h 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 2h 19m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Warm Springs, 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 Warm Springs, MT

This is one driving day of about 165.3 miles and 2h 56m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Warm Springs, 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 90 for about 104.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

East Missoula, MT

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

Deer Lodge, MT

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

East Missoula, MT

Meal break

The midpoint is around 82.6 miles from Warm Springs, MT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 104.2 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

Parker's Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Drummond, Montana

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 47.2

Hours: 11:30 am–7 pm

+14062882333

FINN

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Missoula, Montana

1.2 mi

The Old Post

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Missoula, Montana

1.6 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Clyde Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Missoula, Montana

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 94.5

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+14065404481

Visit website

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 94.5

Missoula, Montana

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14065436843

Zoo Thai

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 94.5

Missoula, Montana

Hours: 4:30–9 pm

+14065404206

Visit website

Brasserie Porte Rouge

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv mile 94.5

Missoula, Montana

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+14065410231

Visit website

Clyde Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 94.5

Missoula, Montana

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+14065404481

Visit website

Kaffeination Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 11.8

Deer Lodge, Montana

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+14068467603

HardTail Café

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 106.3

Missoula, Montana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+14068303182

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 165.3

Polson, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 94.5

Missoula, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 106.3

Missoula, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

BreatheEV Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 94.5

Missoula, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18442522083

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 94.5

Missoula, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 165.3

Polson, Montana

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 106.3

Missoula, Montana

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 94.5

Missoula, Montana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Caras Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 94.5

Missoula, Montana

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+14065434238

Visit website

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 141.7

Charlo, Montana

+14067277400

Visit website

Good Americano

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.5

Missoula, Montana

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+14065292720

Visit website

Museum of Mountain Flying

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 106.3

Missoula, Montana

+14067213644

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 5

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 165.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in

Take the ramp

Navigation decision point

0.4 mi into trip | ~0m in | I 90

Merge onto I 90

Merge point - match speed before joining

104.6 mi into trip | ~1h 41m in | US 93; MT 200

Take the exit onto US 93; MT 200 toward US 93 North, MT 200 West: Kalispell

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

Toward US 93 North, MT 200 West: Kalispell

104.8 mi into trip | ~1h 41m in | US 93; MT 200

Keep slight right at fork onto US 93; MT 200 toward US 93 North, MT 200 West: Kalispell

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 93 North, MT 200 West: Kalispell

165.2 mi into trip | ~2h 56m in | S-354 / Main Street

Turn left onto S-354 / Main Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.19 one way

$52.39 round trip

$4.03/gal 25.4 MPG avg 58 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.22	$27.46	$54.91
premium	$4.53	$29.49	$58.97
diesel	$5.61	$36.50	$72.99

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: 57.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	49.6	$17.36	$7.93
Efficient EV	41.3	$14.46	$6.61
EV Truck/SUV	66.1	$23.14	$10.58

Gas CO2

58 kg

EV CO2

19 kg (67% 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 14, 2026

Origin

Warm Springs, MT

Night in Warm Springs on Saturday

Local time

10:37 PM

MDT

Current temp

40°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Polson, MT

Night in Polson on Saturday

Local time

10:37 PM

MDT

Current temp

53°F

Partly Sunny

SW 6 to 15 mph 13% 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

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

13 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

2h 56m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for this 165.3-mile stretch, with 100% of the route being on established highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 104.2 miles on I 90, offering a consistent pace. While the majority is highway driving, the transition to US 93 and Gas City Road will introduce slight changes in the road's character as you approach your destination. This route prioritizes efficient travel over winding scenic byways.

100% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

7 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 104.2 mi on I 90.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and US 93. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Warm Springs, MT to Polson, MT is easy. At 2h 56m with 100% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (I 90): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 104.6 miles (US 93; MT 200): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 56m. Total distance: 165.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (100%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 104.2 miles on I 90. 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.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Polson, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Return Trip

Polson, MT to Warm Springs, MT

Plan the drive back the other way.

165.6 mi 2h 57m

Explore more options from Warm Springs, MT or browse trips ending in Polson, MT.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MT road trips.

Trip from Warm Springs, MT to Polson, MT

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Parker's Restaurant

Clyde Coffee

Parker's Restaurant

FINN

The Old Post

Ciao Mambo

The Camino

The Greek Pastry Shop - #1 GYROS

Zoo Thai

Brasserie Porte Rouge

Clyde Coffee

Kaffeination Station

HardTail Café

Blink Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

BreatheEV Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Red E Charging Station

Red E Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Caras Park

Dragon Hollow Playground

Montana Natural History Center

Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana

Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge

Good Americano

Museum of Mountain Flying

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Warm Springs, MT

Polson, MT

Same local time

13 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 56m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Will I have cell service along this route?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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