The Cost of a Road Trip from Butte, Montana to Spokane, Washington

Are you planning a road trip from Butte, Montana to Spokane, Washington and wondering about the cost? With gas prices fluctuating, it's important to know the cost of your trip ahead of time to avoid any surprises. In this article, we'll break down the different possible routes and highlight the costs and distances of each one. Let's explore!

Route One: I-90 W

The most direct route from Butte to Spokane is via I-90 W. The distance between the two cities is approximately 247 miles, and the estimated driving time is 4 hours. According to GasBuddy, as of October 2021, the average gas price in Butte is $3.32 per gallon, while the average in Spokane is $3.33 per gallon.

The total cost of this trip will depend on your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Assuming you're driving a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, and gas prices remain the same, you can expect to spend about $33 on gas for the entire trip. Keep in mind that this is an estimate based on the average gas prices and may vary depending on your car's fuel efficiency and the current gas prices.

Route Two: I-90 W to US-93 N

Another option for your road trip is to take I-90 W to US-93 N. This will add some mileage to your trip but may be a more scenic route. The distance between Butte and Spokane via this route is approximately 308 miles, and the estimated driving time is 5 hours and 30 minutes.

The average gas price in Missoula, Montana, which is the biggest city along this route, is $3.45 per gallon. Based on this, and assuming a car with 25 miles per gallon fuel efficiency, you can expect to spend around $41 on gas for the entire trip. Again, keep in mind that gas prices vary, and your actual expenses may differ.

Route Three: US-12 W

A third option is to take US-12 W from Butte to Spokane. This route is longer than the first two options but may be more scenic and take you through some smaller towns. The distance between the two cities via US-12 W is approximately 320 miles, and the estimated driving time is 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Gas prices along this route vary, with some rural areas having higher prices. Assuming an average price of $3.40 per gallon and a car with 25 miles per gallon fuel efficiency, you can expect to spend around $43 on gas for the entire trip.

Recommendation

Based on the costs and distances of each route, we recommend taking the first option, I-90 W. It's the most direct route, and gas prices are relatively stable along this route, making it easier to budget for your trip. However, if you have more time and want to take a scenic route, either of the other two options could be worthwhile.

Conclusion

The cost of a road trip from Butte, Montana to Spokane, Washington will depend on the route you take, gas prices, and your car's fuel efficiency. However, based on the current average gas prices and a car with 25 miles per gallon fuel efficiency, you can expect to spend around $33 on gas for the entire journey via I-90 W. Whatever your route, be sure to plan ahead and budget for gas expenses to make your road trip from Butte to Spokane stress-free and enjoyable.