Missoula to Mount Rushmore: Road Trip Guide & Distance

551.3 miles 887.2 km · straight line
661.5 miles estimated 1064.6 km · driving distance
13h 18min estimated drive time
$64 - $78 estimated fuel cost
~1h 37min flight time
108° ESE bearing direction

How far is Missoula from Mount Rushmore?

The distance from Missoula to Mount Rushmore is 551.3 miles (887.2 km) as the crow flies. Mount Rushmore is located ESE of Missoula. By car, the driving distance is approximately 661.5 miles, taking about 13h 18min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 37min. Both are located in United States — Missoula in Montana and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility.

Coordinates come from public place data for Missoula and Mount Rushmore. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Missoula to Mount Rushmore

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 13h 18min $64 - $78 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 37min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~15h 58min $53–$99* Budget
Train ~17h 17min $79–$232* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Missoula & Mount Rushmore

Quick Facts

Missoula
46.87°N, 114.00°W
America/Denver
978m elevation
Mount Rushmore
43.88°N, 103.46°W
America/Chicago
1745m elevation
Explore more routes from Mount Rushmore

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 184 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 46 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 45.2 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients