#Road Trip from Billings to Pittsburgh: Best Routes and Driving Times
If you're dreaming of a cross-country road trip from Billings, Montana to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, there are a few different routes you can take. Each has its own charms and drawbacks, depending on what you're looking for: scenic vistas, historic sites, or just getting there as quickly as possible. Here are some of your options, along with estimated driving times and some suggestions for places to stop along the way.
##The Northern Route
One popular choice is to head east out of Billings on I-90, then head northeast on I-94 towards Bismarck, North Dakota. From there, you'll head east across Minnesota and Wisconsin on I-94, passing through Minneapolis/St. Paul and Milwaukee before crossing into Illinois. From there, it's a straight shot east on the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Pittsburgh.
- Distance: Approximately 1,800 miles
- Driving Time: About 28 hours
- Suggested Stops: Visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument outside Billings for a dose of history and to see beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. In Wisconsin, the city of Madison is a charming college town with plenty of restaurants and cafes. Before reaching Pittsburgh, stop at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to pay tribute to the heroism of those who died on that fateful day.
##The Southern Route
Another popular option is to head south through Wyoming and Colorado before picking up I-70. This will take you east through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio before arriving in Pittsburgh.
- Distance: Approximately 1,900 miles
- Driving Time: About 28 hours
- Suggested Stops: In Colorado, take a detour to the Rocky Mountain National Park for hiking, camping, and scenic drives. In Kansas, the city of Lawrence is a charming college town, and nearby Topeka is home to the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, which tells the story of the fight for school desegregation. In Ohio, Cleveland is a fun city to explore, with plenty of museums, restaurants, and sporting events.
##The Middle Route
If you'd like to split the difference between the northern and southern routes, you can head east on I-90 out of Billings, then head south on I-29 through South Dakota before taking I-80 east across Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.
- Distance: Approximately 1,900 miles
- Driving Time: About 28 hours
- Suggested Stops: In South Dakota, stop at Mount Rushmore for a photo op and to learn about the history of the presidents depicted on the mountain. In Illinois, the city of Chicago is a must-see, with its stunning architecture, museums, and cultural institutions. In Ohio, Toledo is home to the Toledo Museum of Art, which boasts an impressive collection of glass art.
##Conclusion
No matter which route you choose, a road trip from Billings, Montana to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will take about four days of driving. Along the way, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the country, see new sights, and make lasting memories. Make sure to plan plenty of time for stops along the way, and don't be afraid to take detours or explore off the beaten path. Happy travels!