Commute from Columbus to Billings (Laurel, Park City: living in, buses, car)

[Larry68gmc]

I just accepted a job offer in Billings, I found a pretty nice place in Columbus. Can anyone tell me how that commute is? I'm coming from Oklahoma and my commute is about an hour here, just concerned with the winter time traveling. Thanks

[NDak15]

According to MapQuest it's 43.34 miles and is a 40 minute commute and is all interstate. It's not a mountainous drive like some areas in Montana and while they tend to get less snow around Billings than other areas, there is still that factor to think of when you commute.

[historyfan]

That commute is not absurd but there are icy winter days on that strip of interstate so always check weather forecast and allow twice as much time or more for freezing rain/fog conditions.
You might be happier day after day living closer to Billings. Take a look south of Park City. It is like Columbus area but seems less windy.

[NDak15]

Check out Laurel as well. There is the refinery smell but I don't think it's as bad as people make it sound like it is.

[oldtrader]

There are two areas where there are steep rises east of Columbus, that get pretty slick and ice up, which are the two bad areas in the commute. Due to those two areas, studded snow tires are comforting to have on your car. Quite a number commute from Billings to Columbus that work for the mines, and drive it every day (those that work in the offices, etc.), and the largest majority ride buses from Billings and west of there, when they work in the mines themselves. Not as many people commute from Columbus to Billings.

It is a doable commute, except can be hairy when the snow and ice hit the roads which is really not often, as that area is in the Snow Shadow of the Rockies.

[AndersonRM]

I did that commute in 1975 before the freeway was completed. The drive along the river is an option if the freeway is stuffed up.

[georgiainwyo]

My nephew is a chemist in the lab at the mine. That building is actually in Columbus so he commutes from Billings every day, doesn't ride the bus because his hours differ. He drives a FWD car with all-weather tires and hasn't had any problems with the commute. Yes, it can get icy in the winter, and the wind can get pretty darn bad, too. I think the trick is taking your time, but not "poking" along. Seems that most people who have accidents do so because they are going too fast for conditions or someone is going too slow and causes a wreck. If you are set on living in Columbus then you should be fine. I live in Wyoming now and I commute 30 miles one way every day and don't mind. Maybe it's because I am used to driving during Wyoming/Montana winters. It's your personal preference!