Driving Cost from Centennial, Colorado to Boulder, Colorado

A picture depicting a gas pump

Counting the Cost: A Trip from Centennial to Boulder

Looking to take a trip from Centennial to Boulder? Before you hit the road, it’s important to know what you’re getting into – specifically, how much it’s going to cost you. With fluctuating gas prices and multiple routes to choose from, there’s a lot to consider when planning your trip. In this article, we’ll break down the different routes and costs involved in traveling from Centennial to Boulder.

The Highways: Different Routes, Different Costs

There are several different routes you can take to get from Centennial to Boulder, and each one has its own cost and distance. Here are some of the most common routes and their associated expenses:

Route 1: E-470N to I-25N

This is the shortest route in terms of distance, but it also comes with the highest toll fee. E-470 is a toll road, and the fee to travel from I-25 to US-36 is $4.70. Additionally, this route involves taking I-25N during rush hour, which can be slow and frustrating. The total distance for this route is 36.6 miles, and it typically takes about 45 minutes to one hour to complete.

Route 2: I-25N to US-36W

This route involves taking I-25N to US-36W, and it’s a good option if you want to avoid toll roads. There are no toll fees on this route, but it is longer in terms of distance. The total distance for this route is 38.8 miles, and it typically takes about one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes to complete.

Route 3: Broadway N to US-36W

If you’re looking for a more scenic route, Broadway N to US-36W might be the way to go. This route takes you through downtown Denver and past the Boulder Flatirons, but it can also be congested during peak hours. There are no toll fees on this route, but it is the longest in terms of distance. The total distance for this route is 44.3 miles, and it typically takes about one hour and fifteen minutes to one hour and thirty minutes to complete.

Gas Prices: A Big Factor in the Trip Cost

Of course, the cost of gas is another important factor to consider when planning your trip. Gas prices can vary greatly depending on location and time of year, so it’s important to do your research and budget accordingly. As of July 2021, the average price of gas in Colorado is $3.56 per gallon. Depending on your vehicle’s gas mileage and the distance of your chosen route, you can estimate the cost of gas for your trip.

To use a real-world example, let’s say you’re driving a Honda Civic with an average gas mileage of 30 miles per gallon. Using the distances from the previous section, here’s an estimate of the gas cost for each route:

  • Route 1: E-470N to I-25N – 36.6 miles / 30 mpg = 1.22 gallons * $3.56/gallon = $4.34
  • Route 2: I-25N to US-36W – 38.8 miles / 30 mpg = 1.29 gallons * $3.56/gallon = $4.59
  • Route 3: Broadway N to US-36W – 44.3 miles / 30 mpg = 1.47 gallons * $3.56/gallon = $5.23

Keep in mind that these are just estimates based on a specific vehicle and gas prices at a specific time. Gas prices can fluctuate greatly and could affect your total cost.

Choosing the Best Route: Our Recommendation

With all this information in mind, which route is the best option when traveling from Centennial to Boulder? Based on distance, toll fees, and gas cost, we recommend taking Route 2: I-25N to US-36W. While it’s slightly longer in terms of distance than Route 1, it doesn’t involve any toll fees, which could save you money in the long run. Additionally, this route tends to be less congested than Route 3, which could save you time during peak driving hours.

Conclusion: Counting the Total Cost

In summary, when planning a trip from Centennial to Boulder, it’s important to factor in both the different routes and the cost of gas. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which route is best, choosing Route 2: I-25N to US-36W is a cost-effective choice for most travelers. With a total distance of 38.8 miles and an estimated gas cost of $4.59, this route typically takes about one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes to complete. Keep in mind that gas prices can fluctuate, so it’s always a good idea to budget a little extra to cover any unexpected costs. Happy travels!