What's the Cost of Driving from Aurora to Brighton, Colorado?

Driving from Aurora to Brighton can be a quick and straightforward trip, but there is more than one route to consider. The critical factors that will ultimately affect the cost of driving are the distance, gas prices, and possible tolls, so let's break down those numbers.

The Shortest Route: I-270 W

The shortest and quickest route to get from Aurora to Brighton is via I-270 W. It's a mere 15 miles, and it takes approximately 22 minutes to complete the journey. The estimated cost of gas on this route is around $2.50 per gallon, so accounting for the fuel economy of your vehicle, you are looking at a cost of around $2.50 for gas. There are no tolls on this route, so you won't have to budget for that.

The Route with a Toll: E-470 N and I-76 E

The alternative route from Aurora to Brighton includes some toll roads. This route includes taking E-470 N and I-76 E. It's 29 miles long, and it takes approximately 32 minutes to complete the journey. You will spend around $5.50 on tolls and $4.50 on gas with fuel prices around $2.50 per gallon. That gives us a total cost of $10.00.

The Scenic Route: CO-85 N

The scenic route from Aurora to Brighton is via CO-85 N. This route includes a bit of extra mileage, covering around 26 miles, and it takes roughly 45 minutes due to heavy traffic. This route no tolls. With gas prices at around $2.50, you will spend around $4.50 in gas for this journey.

Conclusion

As you can see, the cost of driving from Aurora to Brighton, Colorado, is relatively affordable, and it largely depends on the route you take. The shortest and quickest route via I-270 W is also the most budget-friendly one with only $2.50 in gas expenses. However, if you are not in a hurry and want to enjoy the scenery, CO-85 N might be the best option for you. Ultimately, always budgeting an extra couple of bucks for toll roads and gas fluctuations is recommended for longer trips.