Skip to main content
Trip.ovh Logo
Trip.ovh

Trip from Akron, CO to Thornton, CO

Compiled by the Trip.ovh editorial team · Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026 · Methodology

Drive Time

1h 59m

Distance

108.8 mi

175 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Good

3 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
1h 51m ★
6 AM
1h 59m
8 AM
2h 17m
10 AM
2h 5m
12 PM
2h 4m
3 PM
2h 6m
5 PM
2h 16m
8 PM
1h 54m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Akron, CO, CO

Akron, CO

Mikhail Nilov

city in Adams and Weld counties in Colorado, United States

Thornton, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Akron, CO to Thornton, CO covers 108.8 miles and takes about 1h 59m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 76, US Highway 34, Thornton Parkway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 81 miles on I 76. At current regular gas prices, budget about $16.39 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

54.4 miles from Akron, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 59m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 59m. Total distance: 108.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 1h 59m highway drive covering 108.8 miles, with most of the trip on I 76 and US Highway 34. The longest continuous stretch is about 81 miles on I 76.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 76 is the longest continuous segment at about 81 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 76 and US Highway 34. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 22 miles in near I 76 Business; US 34 Spur / US Highway 6.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 1h 59m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 22 miles (I 76 Business; US 34 Spur / US Highway 6): Lane positioning matters here; at 23.2 miles (I 76): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 104.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 9 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5
22 mi into trip | ~26m in | I 76 Business; US 34 Spur / US Highway 6

Turn right onto I 76 Business; US 34 Spur / US Highway 6

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
5
23.2 mi into trip | ~28m in | I 76

Merge onto I 76

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
104.2 mi into trip | ~1h 49m in

Take the exit toward 88th Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 10 Toward 88th Avenue
6
105.9 mi into trip | ~1h 53m in | Colorado Boulevard

Turn right onto Colorado Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
108.6 mi into trip | ~1h 58m in | Dorothy Boulevard

Turn left onto Dorothy Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 76 81 mi 1h 21m
US Highway 34 21.2 mi 24m
Thornton Parkway 1.7 mi 3m
East 88th Avenue 1.5 mi 2m
US Highway 6 1 mi 1m
Colorado Boulevard 1 mi 1m
West 1st Street 0.7 mi 1m
Dorothy Boulevard 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 76 — 81 mi, about 1h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Akron, CO and Thornton, CO.

1

Start on Adams Avenue

518 ft · 24 sec · Adams Avenue
2

Turn right onto US 34

0.7 mi · 1 min · West 1st Street
3

Continue on US 34

21 mi · 24 min · US Highway 34
4

Turn right onto I 76 Business; US 34 Spur

1.0 mi · 1 min · US Highway 6
Use the straight lane.
5

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 18 sec
6

Merge onto I 76

81 mi · 1 hr 21 min · I 76
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Exit 10 Toward 88th Avenue Use the slight right lane.
8

Turn right onto East 88th Avenue

1.5 mi · 2 min · East 88th Avenue
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
9

Turn right onto Colorado Boulevard

1.0 mi · 1 min · Colorado Boulevard
Use the right lane.
10

Turn left onto Thornton Parkway

1.7 mi · 3 min · Thornton Parkway
Use the left lane.
11

Turn left onto Dorothy Boulevard

0.2 mi · 51 sec · Dorothy Boulevard
Use the left lane.
12

Turn right

116 ft · 8 sec
13

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 54.4 miles from Akron, CO, or about 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 81 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 24 miles or 28m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 54.4 miles or 59m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 34m

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

Before You Leave

+

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

Day 1

Settle into the route from Akron, CO

This is one driving day of about 108.8 miles and 1h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Akron, CO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 76 for about 81 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 54.4 mi from Akron, CO · 59m into the drive

town in Weld County, Colorado, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lochbuie, CO

54 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.

Pacing Suggestions

Brush, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 24 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Kersey, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 54.4 miles from Akron, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 76 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 81 miles.

Arriving in Thornton, CO

The final approach into Thornton, CO usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

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

Glassi Restaurant & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Brush, Colorado

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 23.3

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+19708427722

Visit website

VICTOR'S SUSHI

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Brush, Colorado

2.3 mi

Home Plate Fort Morgan

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Fort Morgan, Colorado

2.6 mi

Glassi Restaurant & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 23.3

Brush, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+19708427722

Visit website

VICTOR'S SUSHI

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 23.3

Brush, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19708427740

Wendy's

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 23.3

Brush, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–11 pm

+19708425959

Visit website

Home Plate Fort Morgan

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 31.1

Fort Morgan, Colorado

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+19708674416

McDonald's

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 23.3

Brush, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+19708422717

Visit website

Carrillo Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 23.3

Brush, Colorado

Hours: 10 am–1:30 pm

+19708424737

Santiago's Mexican Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 38.9

Fort Morgan, Colorado

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+19708672214

Visit website

Domino's Pizza

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour Inexpensiv mile 38.9

Fort Morgan, Colorado

Hours: 10:30 am–12 pm

+19708673030

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 101.1

Commerce City, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

7Charge Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 101.1

Commerce City, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 101.1

Henderson, Colorado

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18889982546

Visit website

Water World

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 108.8

Federal Heights, Colorado

+13034277873

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.39 one way

$32.79 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 38 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.05 $17.36 $34.71
premium $4.39 $18.82 $37.64
diesel $5.61 $24.02 $48.04

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 38.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

3 DC fast chargers · Coverage: good

Electrify America Charging Station

Commerce City, Colorado

Electrify America

1 DCFC

7Charge Charging Station

Commerce City, Colorado

Other

1 DCFC

Blink Charging Station

Henderson, Colorado

Blink

1 DCFC

Electrify America: 1 Other: 1 Blink: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 32.6 0 $11.42 $5.22
Efficient EV 27.2 0 $9.52 $4.35
EV Truck/SUV 43.5 0 $15.23 $6.96

Gas CO2

38 kg

EV CO2

13 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

Akron, CO

Night in Akron on Thursday

Local time

11:35 PM

MDT

Current temp

44°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Thornton, CO

Night in Thornton on Thursday

Local time

11:35 PM

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

2 degrees warmer at arrival

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

Road read

1h 59m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Akron, CO to Thornton, CO covers 108.8 miles and takes about 1h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 76, US Highway 34, Thornton Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 54.4 miles from Akron, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $16.39 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a straightforward 1h 59m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 22 miles (I 76 Business; US 34 Spur / US Highway 6): Lane positioning matters here; at 23.2 miles (I 76): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 104.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Akron, CO to Thornton, CO does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Thornton, CO to Akron, CO

Plan the drive back the other way.

108.4 mi 1h 58m

Continue From Thornton, CO

Rangely, CO 283.9 mi · 6h 11m Delta, CO 283.2 mi · 5h 28m Alamosa, CO 243.5 mi · 4h 37m Crested Butte, CO 235.1 mi · 5h 37m

More from Akron, CO

Colorado Springs, CO 186.2 mi · 3h 17m Aurora, CO 116.7 mi · 2h 7m

More trips to Thornton, CO

Olathe, CO 293.1 mi Rangely, CO 284.1 mi Springfield, CO 256.3 mi Silt, CO 183.2 mi Holyoke, CO 166.3 mi Wray, CO 163.1 mi
Weekend drives from Akron, CO Scenic drives in CO

Explore more options from Akron, CO or browse trips ending in Thornton, CO.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse CO road trips.