Road Trip from Centennial to Longmont: Route Options and Drive Times

If you're planning to travel from Centennial to Longmont, you may be wondering about the different routes available and how long each one takes. Luckily, there are a few different options to choose from, depending on your preferences and schedule.

Route Options

The most direct route between Centennial and Longmont is via I-25 N. This highway takes you straight through Denver and up to Longmont, and is the fastest route at just under 45 miles. If you're looking for a more scenic route that avoids major highways, you can take CO-83 N up to CO-66 W, which eventually connects to I-25 N near Longmont. This route is around 60 miles but may take longer due to fewer highways.

If you have some extra time and want to explore more of Colorado, you could also take the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. This route starts in Estes Park and takes you through several mountain towns before ending in Black Hawk. From there, it's only a short drive to Longmont. However, this route is quite long at around 120 miles and may take several hours.

Drive Times

Assuming no traffic or other delays, the I-25 N route should take around 45 minutes to an hour. The CO-83 N and CO-66 W route will likely take a bit longer, at around an hour and a half. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway could take several hours, depending on how many stops you make and how much time you spend exploring each town.

Keep in mind that traffic can be a major factor in your drive time, especially in the Denver metro area. Rush hour can add significant time to your trip, so consider leaving early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid congestion.

Recommendations

If you're taking the I-25 N route, there are plenty of options for places to stop along the way. In Denver, you could visit the Denver Botanic Gardens or the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Just outside of Denver is the Butterfly Pavilion, which is home to thousands of butterflies in a lush rainforest environment.

If you're taking the CO-83 N and CO-66 W route, you could stop in the small town of Elizabeth for some antique shopping or grab a bite to eat at the cozy Elizabeth Brewing Company. Once you reach Longmont, you could visit the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center, which features exhibits on local history and culture.

On the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, there are several towns worth exploring. In Estes Park, you could visit the famous Stanley Hotel (which inspired Stephen King's "The Shining") or take a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Further down the route, you could stop in the artsy town of Nederland for some shopping or visit the Black Hawk casinos.

No matter which route you choose, there's plenty to see and do along the way. So buckle up, turn up the music, and enjoy the drive!