Trip from Burlington, CO to Denver, CO

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 58m

Distance

167.4 mi

269 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min

4 AM

2h 48m ★

6 AM

2h 59m

8 AM

3h 21m

10 AM

3h 7m

12 PM

3h 5m

3 PM

3h 8m

5 PM

3h 20m

8 PM

2h 52m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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city in and county seat of Kit Carson, Colorado, United States

Burlington, CO

Wikimedia Commons

consolidated city-county and capital of Colorado, United States

Denver, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 167.4-mile drive from Burlington, Colorado, to Denver, Colorado, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 58 minutes. You'll primarily navigate the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway, and North Broadway. With an estimated fuel cost of $25, this journey through the Mountain West region is straightforward. The route is designed for a single stop, making it a convenient option for those looking for an efficient travel day. You can expect a practical and direct experience on this Colorado-to-Colorado route.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

83.7 miles from Burlington, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 25m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway	150.5 mi	2h 30m
Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway	11.3 mi	14m
North Broadway	1 mi	3m
Grand Army of the Republic Highway	0.8 mi	<1m
Park Avenue	0.6 mi	1m
Rose Avenue	0.5 mi	<1m
Park Avenue West	0.5 mi	1m
South Lincoln Street	0.4 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway — 150.5 mi, about 2h 30m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Burlington, CO and Denver, CO.

Start on 15th Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · 15th Street

Turn right onto I 70 Business; US 24; US 385

0.5 mi · 58 sec · Rose Avenue

Use the straight lane.

Turn left onto I 70 Business; US 385

0.4 mi · 39 sec · South Lincoln Street

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp onto I 70 Business

0.2 mi · 25 sec · I 70 Business

Toward I 70 West

Merge onto I 70

151 mi · 2 hr 30 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway

Use the straight lane.

Continue on I 70

3.4 mi · 4 min · Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 70

2.8 mi · 3 min · Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 70

5.2 mi · 6 min · Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec

Exit 274 Toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado Springs Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on Grand Army of the Republic Highway

0.8 mi · 54 sec · Grand Army of the Republic Highway

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 16 sec

Toward 38th Avenue, Park Avenue, Downtown Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 12 sec

Toward Park Avenue, Downtown Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on Park Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · Park Avenue

Turn straight onto Park Avenue West

0.5 mi · 1 min · Park Avenue West

Continue on West 22nd Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · West 22nd Street

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn right onto North Broadway

1.0 mi · 3 min · North Broadway

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto East 14th Avenue

0.1 mi · 29 sec · East 14th Avenue

Use the left lane.

Turn left

358 ft · 27 sec

Use the straight / left lanes.

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given its manageable 2 hour and 58-minute duration, you have flexibility in planning your departure time for this 167.4-mile drive. Consider leaving earlier in the day to avoid potential afternoon traffic as you approach Denver. With only one recommended stop, plan your break strategically to make the most of it. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 150.5-mile stretch on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, as services might be less frequent in certain sections. The $25 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always good to have a little extra buffer.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 83.7 miles from Burlington, CO, or about 1h 25m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 150.5 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 37 miles or 39m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 83.7 miles or 1h 25m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 19m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Denver, CO than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Burlington, CO so your first major turns are already loaded.

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Burlington, CO

This is one driving day of about 167.4 miles and 2h 58m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Burlington, CO.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 150.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

census designated place in Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Byers, CO

84 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Popular next leg

Byers, CO to Denver, CO

45.8 mi · 56m

Pacing Suggestions

Limon, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Limon, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 83.7 miles from Burlington, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 150.5 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Tequilas Mexican Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Burlington, Colorado

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17193460273

Visit website

The Dish Room

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Burlington, Colorado

0.6 mi

The Post Bar & Grill

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Burlington, Colorado

0.5 mi

Tequilas Mexican Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

Burlington, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17193460273

Visit website

The Dish Room

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Burlington, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+17193468790

Visit website

The Post Bar & Grill

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Burlington, Colorado

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+17193467337

Visit website

The Cougar Den

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Burlington, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17193421586

Visit website

Chen Vuong Thai

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Burlington, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17193466033

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $60 mile 167.4

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 3 pm–2 am

+13038930044

Visit website

Maria’s Mexican Food

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Burlington, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+17193406787

Delia's Tacos and More

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Burlington, Colorado

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+17193421827

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 167.4

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Epic Escape Game

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 167.4

Denver, Colorado

+13033776060

Visit website

House Of Immersions

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 167.4

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 2–9:30 pm

+13037441008

Visit website

United States Mint Tour Entrance and Gift Shop

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 167.4

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+13035729500

Larimer Square

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 167.4

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17208051973

Visit website

Skyline Beer Garden

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 167.4

Denver, Colorado

+13035346161

Visit website

Daniels & Fisher

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 167.4

Denver, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13038770742

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 155.4 and 167.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

155.4 mi into trip | ~2h 38m in | I 70 / Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 70 / Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

163.4 mi into trip | ~2h 48m in

Take the exit toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado Springs

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 274 Toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado Springs

164.5 mi into trip | ~2h 50m in

Keep slight right at fork toward 38th Avenue, Park Avenue, Downtown

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward 38th Avenue, Park Avenue, Downtown

164.6 mi into trip | ~2h 50m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Park Avenue, Downtown

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Park Avenue, Downtown

167.4 mi into trip | ~2h 58m in

Turn left

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.22 one way

$50.44 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.05	$26.70	$53.41
premium	$4.39	$28.96	$57.92
diesel	$5.61	$36.96	$73.92

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 58.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	50.2	$17.58	$8.04
Efficient EV	41.9	$14.65	$6.70
EV Truck/SUV	67	$23.44	$10.71

Gas CO2

59 kg

EV CO2

20 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Burlington, CO

Late night in Burlington on Sunday

Local time

1:55 AM

MDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Denver, CO

Late night in Denver on Sunday

Local time

1:55 AM

MDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

1 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 58m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive for this 167.4-mile trip, with a highway share of 0%. The majority of your travel will be on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, featuring a longest uninterrupted stretch of 150.5 miles. While not a high-speed interstate experience, this route offers a more engaged driving feel with frequent changes in direction. You'll transition through various local road segments, offering a different pace than a typical highway cruise. Prepare for a dynamic journey that keeps you actively navigating.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.

19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 150.5 mi on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 155.4 miles in near I 70 / Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 167.4 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 155.4 miles (I 70 / Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 163.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 164.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Arriving in Denver, CO

Full guide →

Denver is the capital of the western U.S. state of Colorado and the dominant city of the Rocky Mountain Region. Founded in 1858 as the placer gold mining camp known as the Cherry Creek Diggings, the "Mile-High City" is today the most populous city within a 560-mile (900 km) radius and the center of the Front Range Urban Corridor of more than five million residents. Denver embraces its cowboy and mining past but also looks toward the future with a vibrant arts and performing arts scene, dozens of great outdoor festivals, and distinct neighborhoods each offering a unique experience. You'll find everything a cosmopolitan city has to offer including a spectacular view of and easy access to the beautiful Rocky Mountains, which arise only 12 miles (19 km) west of the Colorado State Capitol.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 58m. Total distance: 167.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 150.5 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Denver, CO before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Denver, CO before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Burlington, CO or browse trips ending in Denver, CO.

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Trip from Burlington, CO to Denver, CO

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Tequilas Mexican Grill

Tequilas Mexican Grill

The Dish Room

The Post Bar & Grill

The Cougar Den

Chen Vuong Thai

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

Maria’s Mexican Food

Delia's Tacos and More

Tesla Supercharger

Loop Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Costco Wholesale Corporation Charging Station

EVgo Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

EVgo Charging Station

Civic Center Park

Big Blue Bear

Epic Escape Game

House Of Immersions

United States Mint Tour Entrance and Gift Shop

Larimer Square

Skyline Beer Garden

Daniels & Fisher

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Burlington, CO

Denver, CO

Same local time

1 degrees cooler at arrival

2h 58m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Arriving in Denver, CO

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Denver, CO

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