The Best and Worst Ways to Get From Brighton to Fort Collins

Are you planning a road trip from Brighton, Colorado to Fort Collins? The drive can be quick and easy, or long and frustrating depending on the route you take and the time of day you hit the road. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the gas.

Route Options

There are two main routes to get from Brighton to Fort Collins. The first is to head north on I-25, which is the most direct route. The second is to take US-85 north to Greeley, then make your way to Fort Collins from there.

I-25: The Fastest Route

From Brighton to Fort Collins, it’s just under 50 miles via I-25. In ideal traffic conditions, the drive should take you around 45-50 minutes. The fastest time to drive this route is during off-peak hours - between 10 am and 2 pm. However, for those who have a more fixed schedule, the commute should take no more than an hour outside of these hours.

US-85: The Scenic Route

While the US-85 route takes you through more small towns, it covers roughly the same distance as the I-25 route—about 50 miles. However, the drive will take longer. Through this route, it takes about an hour or more to reach Fort Collins due to more stops to make along the way. The road can be more narrow and subject to more stoplights as well. Take the scenic route if you're interested in seeing small towns like Fort Lupton and Eaton along the way, and you’re not in a rush to get to your destination.

Traffic Considerations

If you absolutely must travel during peak traffic times, plan to spend more time on the road. Rush hour on the I-25 route can add an extra 20-30 minutes to your travel time, pushing a normally hour-long drive closer to 1 hour and 30 minutes. The US-85 route is not much better during rush hour but still less hectic than I-25.

Conclusion

With the right route and timing, your next road trip from Brighton to Fort Collins can be stress-free and even enjoyable. If you want the fastest route possible and don't mind sitting in a slow traffic jam during rush hour, take I-25. But if you want to see more of Colorado and don't mind sacrificing a little bit of travel time, US-85 is the way to go. Just make sure to avoid peak traffic times or plan accordingly if traffic is inevitable.