Driving Cost from Brighton, Colorado to Greeley, Colorado

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Brighton and Greeley

If you are planning a trip between Brighton, Colorado, and Greeley, Colorado, you might be wondering how much it would cost you. The cost will depend on several factors, such as the route you take, the type of vehicle you have, and the current gas prices. In this article, we will explore the different routes available, compare their costs, and recommend the best one for your trip.

Possible Routes and Their Distances

Before we dive into the costs, let's take a look at the different routes you can take between Brighton and Greeley. There are mainly two options: the I-76 route and the US-85 route. Here's a brief overview of each one:

I-76 Route

The I-76 route takes you through the cities of Fort Morgan and Sterling, and then merges with I-80 to reach Greeley. This route is the most direct and fastest, but it also involves tolls and longer distances. Here's a breakdown of the distance and toll fees:

  • Distance: 64.6 miles
  • Tolls: $6.70 (cash or express toll)

US-85 Route

The US-85 route takes you through the towns of Lochbuie, Hudson, and La Salle, and then merges with US-34 to reach Greeley. This route is shorter and avoids tolls, but it also takes longer due to the speed limits and traffic lights. Here's a breakdown of the distance and toll fees:

  • Distance: 40.6 miles
  • Tolls: None

Gas Prices and How They Affect the Cost

Now that we know the distance and toll fees for each route, let's talk about the gas prices and how they affect the cost. According to AAA, the average gas price in Colorado as of August 2021 is $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded. To estimate the total cost of the trip, we will use the following assumptions:

  • Your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon
  • You will be driving a roundtrip of 80 miles (40 miles each way)
  • Gas prices will remain the same throughout the trip

With these assumptions, we can calculate the cost of the trip using the following formula:

Total Cost = (Distance / Miles Per Gallon) * Gas Price

Let's see how this formula applies to each route:

I-76 Route

Using the formula, the total cost of the I-76 route would be:

Total Cost = (64.6 / 25) * 3.64 + 6.70 = $30.71

This cost includes the gas and toll fees for a roundtrip of 129.2 miles.

US-85 Route

Using the formula, the total cost of the US-85 route would be:

Total Cost = (40.6 / 25) * 3.64 = $5.87

This cost includes the gas fees for a roundtrip of 81.2 miles.

Based on the distance, toll fees, and gas prices, we recommend the US-85 route as the best option for your trip between Brighton and Greeley. Although it takes longer than the I-76 route, it saves you money on toll fees and reduces the overall distance, which means less gas spent. Plus, you get to see some beautiful Colorado towns along the way!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Brighton and Greeley depends on several factors, such as the route you take, the type of vehicle you have, and the current gas prices. By comparing the I-76 and US-85 routes, we have found that the latter is the cheapest and most scenic option, with a total cost of $5.87 for gas fees only. We hope this information helps you plan your trip and enjoy everything Colorado has to offer!