The drive from Billings to Boise takes approximately 7h 45min, covering 540 miles via I-90. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $63 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 10–11+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
6h 35m
🔵 Typical
7h 45min
🔴 Heavy traffic
11h 14m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance540 miles (869 km)
Drive Time7h 45min
RouteI-90
Best TimeEarly morning (6-8 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~18.0 gallons
Est. Cost$63
Route Tips: I-90
Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from Billings to Boise
For a long drive like Billings to Boise, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.
🟢 Best:Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
7h 45min
~$63 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 35m
~$81–$189 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 5m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
7h 45min
~$63
🚌 Bus
12h 0m
~$43–$97
🚂 Train
9h 49m
~$65–$162
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 Big Sky
📍 Yellowstone
📍 Grand Teton
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Billings to Boise?
The drive from Billings to Boise takes approximately 7h 45min covering 540 miles via I-90. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Billings to Boise?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $63 on gas for this 540-mile trip. You'll need about 18.0 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Billings to Boise?
Early morning (6-8 AM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Billings to Boise route?
Yes, expect approximately $16 in tolls along this route. Check with the local toll authority for transponder options to speed up toll payment.
