Montana Road Trip

The Montana Road Trip is an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States. Starting in Helena, the trip takes you through Gardiner, Billings, St. Mary, and Missoula, covering a total distance of around 1845km. It is recommended to take around 10 days to complete the trip, with the best time to drive being spring or summer. The route takes you through lush forests, rolling hills and majestic mountain ranges, offering stunning views of nature at its best. The roads are generally in good condition, however, some sections are not suitable for motorhomes and there may be seasonal closures due to weather conditions. Some roads are also narrow and winding, so please take care. This road trip is suitable for all drivers and offers a great experience, with plenty of memories to take home. It can be managed with a moderate budget, making it a great option for those looking for a memorable trip.

Helena, the capital of Montana, is the ideal starting point for a road trip through the state. Located at the junction of the Missouri and the Yellowstone rivers, Helena is a great place to experience the natural beauty of Montana. With its historic sites, vibrant downtown and nearby national parks, Helena offers visitors a wealth of experiences. The Montana Historical Society, the Governor's Mansion and the State Capitol are the three must-see historic sites in Helena. For those looking to explore the great outdoors, Helena is surrounded by mountains and rivers. The nearby Helena National Forest offers miles of trails and breathtaking views. Helena is also home to the Gates of the Mountains, which boasts limestone cliffs and stunning views of the Missouri River. The nearest international airport to Helena is the Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), located just over an hour away. Car rentals are available at the airport. For those looking to explore Helena by car, there is an abundance of parking downtown, as well as in the surrounding neighborhoods. Helena is the perfect place to start the Montana Road Trip. Whether you're looking for a weekend of outdoor adventure or a day of sightseeing, Helena has something for everyone.

Welcome to the Helena-Gardiner road trip stage! This leg of your journey is one of the most exciting, as it takes you through some of the most interesting places in the United States. You'll be covering a distance of 187mi in less than 4 hours, so make sure to plan your stops accordingly. Start your journey in Helena, the capital of Montana. Here you can visit the iconic Montana State Capitol, stroll the streets of Last Chance Gulch and take in the breathtaking views at the Mount Helena City Park. As you make your way to Gardiner, you'll come across some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. Make sure to take a few pictures of the Yellowstone River and the iconic Roosevelt Arch. There's also the Yellowstone National Park, which is a must-see for any road-tripper. Finally, you'll reach Gardiner, a small town located on the north entrance of the Yellowstone National Park. Here you can visit the Roosevelt Lodge, a historic hotel built in the early 20th century. You can also visit the Yellowstone River Picnic Area, where you can take in the beauty of the Yellowstone River. This Helena-Gardiner road trip is an unforgettable experience. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.

Embark on a thrilling road trip from Gardiner to Cooke City, a journey of 56 miles and fewer than 2 hours of driving time. As you make your way through Yellowstone National Park, you’ll be treated to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Along the way, be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the mountains, rivers, and lakes. You may even spot some wildlife! As you drive, keep an eye out for the winding roads and narrow sections of the route. Please note that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally. As you arrive in Cooke City, you’ll be greeted with a wealth of attractions, including some of the best skiing and snowmobiling in the region. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the “Itinerary” of this stage.

Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Start your adventure in Cooke City, United States and explore the incredible Beartooth Road. This 125-mile drive will take you less than 3 hours, and the route is full of incredible sights and attractions. Along the way, you'll be able to admire the wild beauty of the mountains and the breathtaking views of the valleys. You'll also drive through some steep ramps, winding roads, and some sections may be closed seasonally. Make sure to keep your eyes open for the scenic road, as you'll be able to spot some amazing wildlife and landscapes. Once you reach Billings, you'll have the chance to explore the city and its many attractions. Don't forget to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey today and explore Beartooth Road!

Welcome to the wonderful road trip stage from Billings to Great Falls! This stage of the tour takes you through the beautiful landscape of Montana, covering a distance of 247 miles in less than 6 hours. Start your journey in Billings, the largest city in Montana. Here you can visit the Pictograph Cave State Park, the Moss Mansion, the Yellowstone Art Museum and the Western Heritage Center. Continue your journey to the city of Havre, where you can visit the H. Earl Clack Museum and the Havre Beneath the Streets Museum. Your next stop is Fort Benton, the oldest settlement in Montana. Here you can visit the Grand Union Hotel and the Old Trail Museum. Finally, you will reach your destination, the city of Great Falls. Here you can visit the C.M. Russell Museum, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and the Giant Springs State Park. For more detailed information about attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Great Falls, United States and explore the beauty of Glacier National Park. This stage of your tour will take you through mesmerizing landscapes, crystal clear lakes, and lush forests, all in a distance of 152 miles and a driving time of fewer than 3 hours. Start your journey in Great Falls and take a break at the Giant Springs State Park to admire the mesmerizing beauty of the largest freshwater spring in the US. Make sure to visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center to learn more about the famous expedition of the two explorers. Continue your road trip and make a stop at the majestic Two Medicine Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the park. Take a boat tour and sail through the lake to discover the hidden gems of the area. Don't forget to visit the majestic St. Mary Falls and explore the surrounding area. At the end of your road trip, you will reach St. Mary, the gateway to the park. Relax at the St. Mary Visitor Center and learn more about the park's history. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the park from the Going-to-the-Sun Road. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.

Embark on a thrilling 87mi road trip from St. Mary, United States to Kalispell, passing through the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park. This scenic route will take you fewer than 3 hours to complete, and you’ll be able to enjoy the incredible views of the mountains and valleys. Be aware that some sections of the route are not recommended for campers, and cars with camper trailers may not be able to access certain sections. Additionally, there may be a lack of gas stations in some areas, and some sections may be closed seasonally. You’ll also encounter steep ramps, winding roads, and narrow sections. As you drive, be sure to take in the breathtaking views and snap some pictures. Keep in mind that this is only one stage of a larger tour, and there is plenty more to explore and discover. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage.

Ready for an amazing road trip? Starting in Kalispell, United States and ending in Missoula, this 122mi journey can be completed in less than 3 hours. Along the way, you'll be treated to some of the most beautiful mountain views, so make sure to keep your eyes open. Be sure to take the time to explore the charming towns of Kalispell and Missoula, both of which offer plenty of attractions and activities to keep you busy. Kalispell is known for its stunning lakes, while Missoula is a great spot to learn about the history of the area. Don't forget to stop at the Flathead National Forest, where you can take a hike or just relax and take in the scenery. As you drive, you'll also find plenty of restaurants, campsites, and other great spots to explore. So don't forget to keep your camera handy to capture all the incredible sights. Keep an eye out for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Bon voyage!

Welcome to the Missoula to Helena road trip! This 115 mile journey is the perfect way to explore the stunning landscapes of Montana. You'll have the chance to take in the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the shimmering waters of the Missouri River. Along the way, you'll get to visit some of the most interesting places in the state, such as the Montana State Capitol in Helena, the Museum of Mountain Flying in Missoula, and the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the quaint towns of Elliston and Wolf Creek. The drive takes less than two hours, so you'll have plenty of time to take in the beauty of the countryside. Be sure to take some photos of the stunning mountain peaks and the peaceful rivers that flow through the area. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

The "Montana Road Trip" ends in Helena, Montana, the state capital. Helena is a city full of history, culture, and adventure. Sitting at the base of the Rocky Mountains and surrounded by vast, open landscapes, Helena is the perfect spot to end your road trip. In Helena, you'll find endless outdoor activities like hiking in nearby forests and mountains, fly fishing, and horseback riding. If you’re looking for a unique experience, take a visit to Last Chance Gulch, the area that houses the original settlement of Helena. There you can explore the shops, museums, and galleries that line the streets. At night, take in a live show at the Myrna Loy Center for the Performing Arts. With its mix of music, theater, dance, and comedy, it's sure to provide a night of entertainment. For a more laid back evening, sample a craft beer at one of Helena’s many breweries. Helena is also home to the state’s main airport, Helena Regional Airport (HLN). This airport is served by two major airlines, making it easy to end your road trip and continue your journey. No matter what you’re looking for, Helena has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or a night of entertainment, Helena is the perfect place to end your Montana road trip.

No doubt our itinerary will become a superb inspiration for your future holiday excursions.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a foundation that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting stopovers.
If car travel is a travel mode that you prefer, there are a number of vital road rules to follow and a bunch of elements to keep in mind to make your adventure smooth. These tips will surely become useful for holidayers who opt for car hire or camper hire in Montana.
When sightseeing around Montana, there are multiple road regulations to be remembered. When moving around Montana in a car, try to stay away from alcohol at any cost. Drivers ought to remember that the amount of alcohol that can be consumed is extremely low and amounts to only 0.5‰. In order to avoid speeding offence, it is best to never exceed 40km/h, which is the maximum allowed speed in urban areas. Outside the cities, tourists can travel at the maximum permissible speed of 72km/h. When driving along highways, you can drive at the maximum speed of 129km/h. In order to stay safe, we recommend equipping your car with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and driving with your headlights on during the day.
The majority of travellers are also interested in the travel expenses of the whole road trip. The total cost of the whole road trip may vary depending on the budget option that you are interested in. A wide range of budget configurations is described below.
We estimate that the cheapest offer when it comes to gasoline to cover the planned 1,845km while travelling around Montana may amount to 250 EUR. Travel expenses connected with economy hotels will cost up to about 792 EUR. Those who want to benefit from this option will spend approximately 720 EUR on food and restaurants. Travellers will have to pay around 450 EUR if they aim for the cheapest hire car option as well. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be approximately 1,762 EUR without vehicle rental and 2,212 EUR with vehicle rental.
Travellers who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option will pay around 338 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the road trip. Cost amounting to 1,188 EUR can be expected by all tourists who are searching for standard accommodation options. The general cost of food and restaurants within this range is approximately 1,080 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire car should expect a cost of about 540 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 3,146 EUR for travellers who would like to try car hire and 2,606 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
Holidayers who are searching for the highest level of comfort will be pleased with the premium offer. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 4,770 EUR for holidaymakers who are considering car rental and 2,606 EUR for those who will not be renting. Travellers who would like to cover the itinerary in a premium hire car should expect a cost of more or less 900 EUR. In the top standard configuration of the itinerary, you need to spend the maximum of 450 EUR on the fuel needed to cover the tour. Tourists who will go for top services in all aspects of their trip should expect to pay more or less 1,980 EUR for overnight stays and around 1,440 EUR for restaurants and food.
Our trip is also a thrilling opportunity for all camper enthusiasts. If you choose this travel option, you will pay up to approximately 2,250 EUR. Travellers will spend around 500 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the road trip. Travellers who are considering camper hire should expect to pay about 550 EUR for accommodation and around 720 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the mentioned details in an easy to follow manner.
The showed 9 stages stages are perfect for exploration in a vehicle in the period between June and September. There are plenty of exciting journeys that are available on our website if you like Montana Road Trip. We hope that the great variety of road trips will surely meet the expectations of the most demanding holidaymakers.