If you're planning a road trip this season, consider the drive from Idaho to Montana. With beautiful scenery and fun stops along the way, an Idaho to Montana road trip is fun for the whole family! Check out our road trip travel tips in this post.
This post was first published on August 11, 2015. It has since been updated with more helpful info and photos over the years, and was most recently updated on July 23, 2023.
Whether you are starting your road trip in Idaho or Idaho is your next starting point in your journey, we've got all the best tips for your Idaho to Montana road trip!
Our starting point is usually our hometown of Portland, Oregon. You can follow this road trip itinerary for our Portland to Boise drive. After splashing and sunning in Lava Hot Springs and leaving our comfy digs in Idaho Falls, Idaho, we head straight up the I-15 and then I-90 into Missoula, Montana.
Idaho to Montana drive time
How long will it take from Idaho to Montana? That depends on your starting point and final destination.
The drive from Boise, Idaho to Missoula, Montana takes approximately 10 hours.
If you are starting closer to the Idaho-Montana border, such as Idaho Falls, the drive time is approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes.
The best route
There are two main routes you can take from Idaho Falls to Missoula:
- Take I-15 North through towns of Dubois and Dillon, then take I-90 North where I-15 and I-90 meet around Butte, Montana. This route is the fastest route, and will take approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes
- Take I-90 North through towns of Rexburg, Island Park, and Ennis and continue on I-90 as it goes through Butte, Montana and up into Missoula. This route is the longest route and will take approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes.
If you're looking to simply make the drive, I suggest taking the I-15 to I-90 fastest route.
If you are looking to make an extra stop in Yellowstone, you'll want to take the I-90 route. It takes longer, but it takes you closer to Yellowstone. If you have an extra day, this scenic pit stop is worth the extra time!
Scenic drive
The drive from Idaho Falls to Missoula, Montana is absolutely gorgeous. It's like driving through Oregon outside of Portland, but with a lot more open land. A lot. And you're driving for a long time without seeing towns, much less city. It's glorious. Glorious!
You get the majestic mountains, the sun-drenched valleys, towering clouded cliffs, sweet farmland, and beautiful windy rivers. If you need serenity now, then this drive is it.
Great places to stop
- Idaho Falls Lava Hot Springs - my family loves this large outdoor water park!
- Yellowstone Bear World - drive-thru wildlife tours that are fun for the whole family.
- Spencer Opal Mine - fun spot where you can dig for your own opals, plus there's a showroom and cafe.
- Bannack - a cool ghost town
- Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum Complex - in Deer Lodge, Montana, this is actually a fun spot that kids and adults alike may find fascinating.
Rest areas
There are currently 9 rest stops and visitor center stops on the I-15 to I-90 route from Idaho Falls to Missoula.
- KJ's Travel Center (Idaho Falls, ID)
- Dubois rest area (Dubois, ID)
- Lima rest area (Lima, MT)
- Red Rocks I-15 Northbound rest area (Dillon, Montana)
- Gateway Canyon Travel Plaza (Dillon, Montana)
- Rest area northbound I-15 (Butte, Montana)
- MDT Highway 1 rest stop
- I-90 AutoTruck Plaza
- Bearmouth I-90 rest area
You should know that there are no rest areas in Idaho where you can stay overnight.
More road trip articles
This post was first published on August 11, 2015. It has since been updated with more helpful info and photos over the years, and was most recently updated on July 23, 2023.
Renée ♥ The Good Hearted Woman says
We usually travel to Missoula about once a year, and you're so right - the drive is beautiful! We haven't stayed at the Courtyard yet, but it looks like pretty nice digs.
Geoff (Steep Stories) says
I've never heard anyone writing about Missoula other than "we stopped here". I think it's one of the underappreciated towns in Montana.
Shannon says
This drive looks so pretty! I have never been to Missoula, although one of my high school friends went to college there and absolutely loved it. I hope I'll get to stop by there someday!
Melinda says
We've been through Missoula quite often, but we haven't ever stayed there...we go on to Livingston where my husband's family has a reunion every few years. However, the lodging options in Livingston are far from stellar, so I might make a pitch for Missoula instead!
Aubrie LeGault says
I love driving through the country and rural roads and seeing all the barns and open fields!
Jenifer says
Montana looks gorgeous, can't wait to add that to my bucket list too!
Ali says
I grew up on the east coast and we haven't yet explored Montana or Idaho. I'd really like to take my kids on a road trip when they get a bit older, and this is great inspiration!
Jen says
Can't wait to hear about Missoula - I've never been but always wanted to go. BTW if you like long stretches of countryside, you should try a road trip through southwestern Canada sometime (if you haven't already)... We did this in 2013 and it was stunning!
Donna Hull says
Beautiful Montana photos. So which route did you take from Idaho to Missoula? Were you on the Interstate or did you explore the secondary roads and scenic byways? Can't wait to read more of your Missoula adventures.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thank you, Donna! We took I-15 north and then I-90 into Missoula. We were on a tight timeline, so we stayed mostly on main interstate highways, which were beautiful & scenic! :)
Dijana says
Beautiful Photos! I drove to Montana from Portland during winter months and it was breathtaking, but this is something different. Love it
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I bet it was beautiful to see more snow on those gorgeous mountains during the winter. Thanks, Dijana!
Raz says
Beautiful shots!!! I wish I have long vacation this summer so we can do road trips
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thank you, Raz! I hope you get the chance to do a road trip soon, too!
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
I love the photograph of the barn between the rolling hills! The Courtyard doesn't look too shabby either! Have a great trip!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
So many great barn sightings right off the highways... wait until you see the road pics from Kalispell down through Idaho & Washington... gorgeous too! :) We loved the Courtyard. Thanks, Erin!