How Long Is the Drive from Salt Lake City to Boise?
The drive from Salt Lake City to Boise takes approximately 5h, covering 340 miles via I-80. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $39 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during rush hour or bad weather, the journey may take 7–8+ hours. For the fastest trip, avoid peak commute hours.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
4h 15m
🔵 Typical
5h
🔴 Heavy traffic
7h 15m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance340 miles (547 km)
Drive Time5h
RouteI-80
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~11.3 gallons
Est. Cost$39
Route Tips: I-80
Crosses the country through the northern states. Mountain passes in Wyoming and Utah can see winter closures.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from Salt Lake City to Boise
The best time to drive from Salt Lake City to Boise is late evening (8-10 pm). Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have the lightest traffic. Avoid Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings when possible.
🟢 Best:Late evening (8-10 PM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
5h
~$39 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 11m
~$80–$150 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~41 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
5h
~$39
🚌 Bus
7h 33m
~$27–$61
🚂 Train
6h 11m
~$41–$102
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:
📍 Sun Valley
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Salt Lake City to Boise?
The drive from Salt Lake City to Boise takes approximately 5h covering 340 miles via I-80. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Salt Lake City to Boise?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $39 on gas for this 340-mile trip. You'll need about 11.3 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Salt Lake City to Boise?
Late evening (8-10 PM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Salt Lake City to Boise route?
There may be minor tolls (around $10) on parts of this route. Some sections have toll-free alternatives.
