Driving Cost from Brighton, Colorado to Fort Collins, Colorado

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The Cost of a Trip from Brighton, Colorado to Fort Collins, Colorado based on Current Gas Prices

If you're planning a trip from Brighton, Colorado, to Fort Collins, Colorado, you probably already know that the two cities are about 60 miles apart. But what you might not know is how much it will cost you to make the trip. To help you budget accordingly, we've broken down the potential costs of a trip to Fort Collins, including the different possible routes, the distance of each route, and the estimated fuel costs.

Different Possible Routes

Before considering the cost of gas, you should familiarize yourself with the different routes that can get you from Brighton to Fort Collins. The three main options for traveling to Fort Collins are:

  1. I-25 North
  2. I-25 North and US-34 West
  3. US-85 North and US-34 West

Each of these routes has its pros and cons. The I-25 route will take you straight up to Fort Collins and, assuming no traffic, is the fastest route. However, traffic can be heavy during peak hours, which can slow you down and result in higher fuel costs. The I-25 and US-34 combination may be better if you do not like congested routes as you avoid the major traffic that is likely to occur on I-25. However, this route is slower as compared to the first option as there are more turns to be made. That said, it is still relatively speedy and more scenic, as it takes you through the Big Thompson Canyon and the Roosevelt National Forest. Finally, US-85 and US-34 provide a more rural and unique landscape to traverse. However, the route is longer and takes an additional half an hour.

Fuel Costs

According to the US Department of Energy, on average, gas in Colorado currently costs about $3.50 per gallon. To get an idea of how much you'll be spending on gas for your trip, you need to know the gas mileage of your vehicle. If your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, here are the estimated fuel costs for each route:

I-25 North:**

The shortest route to Fort Collins, I-25 North, is approximately 60 miles long and will likely take you around 1 hour. Given that US gas prices are around $3.50 per gallon, and your vehicle is getting 25 miles per gallon, you're looking at around $14 worth of gas for a one-way trip. Therefore, a round trip should cost around $28.

I-25 North and US-34 West:

The I-25 North, and US-34 route, is longer than the first option, at approximately 72 miles. However, it will offer you a different tempo and more scenic drive. Since the route is relatively slow and takes longer, you’ll likely get better fuel economy and avoid frequent traffic. Given your vehicle is getting 25 miles per gallon and prices remain steady at $3.50 per gallon, the average cost of gas is around $15.16 for a one-way trip, so a round trip should cost around $30.32.

US-85 North and US-34 West

This route entails travelling through mostly rural areas, and it is the longest distance option since it is approximately 80 miles long. Since it takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, your fuel economy may be lesser than the other two routes we’ve explored. Assuming the current gas prices remain steady at $3.50 per gallon, and your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, the cost of gas for the trip should be around $19.60 for a one-way trip. A round trip should thus cost around $39.2.

Assuming you have plenty of time and are interested in a more scenic route, we recommend the I-25 North and US-34 West combination. Even though it will cost you slightly more money in gas, it offers an exceptional environment with scenic spots. This route will provide you with the opportunity to see some of the scenic highlights of Colorado such as the Big Thompson Canyon and the Roosevelt National Forest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are thinking of traveling from Brighton to Fort Collins, it is essential to consider the different possible routes. The three alternatives we have given enable you to make the best pick based on your preferences. Also, it is impossible to ignore the cost of gas as gas fees can compromise your budget if not well thought through. Above all, don't forget to have fun on your trip; depending on the route chosen, it will take around one hour to reach Fort Collins. Happy travelling!