The drive from Denver to Billings takes approximately 8h, covering 550 miles via I-70. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $64 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during rush hour or bad weather, the journey may take 11–12+ hours. For the fastest trip, avoid peak commute hours.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
6h 48m
🔵 Typical
8h
🔴 Heavy traffic
11h 36m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance550 miles (885 km)
Drive Time8h
RouteI-70
Best TimeMid-morning (9-11 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~18.3 gallons
Est. Cost$64
Route Tips: I-70
Crosses the Rocky Mountains with stunning scenery. Mountain passes can be challenging in winter.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from Denver to Billings
For a long drive like Denver to Billings, 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:Mid-morning (9-11 AM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
8h
~$64 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 36m
~$82–$192 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 6m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
8h
~$64
🚌 Bus
12h 13m
~$44–$99
🚂 Train
10h 0m
~$66–$165
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:
📍 Casper
📍 Laramie
📍 Cheyenne
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Denver to Billings?
The drive from Denver to Billings takes approximately 8h covering 550 miles via I-70. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Denver to Billings?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $64 on gas for this 550-mile trip. You'll need about 18.3 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Denver to Billings?
Mid-morning (9-11 AM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Denver to Billings route?
Yes, expect approximately $16 in tolls along this route. Consider getting a ExpressToll transponder for faster toll payment.
