Trip from Aurora, CO to Windsor, CO

Q: How long is the trip from Aurora, CO to Windsor, CO?

The drive from Aurora, CO to Windsor, CO covers 62.8 miles and takes about 1h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

Q: What are the main roads on this route?

The main roads are Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, North Valley Highway, East County Road 32. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

Q: Is this a good same-day trip?

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Q: Where should I stop halfway?

The midpoint is about 31.4 miles from Aurora, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

Q: How much does gas cost for this trip?

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $9.52 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Q: What is the best time to leave?

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

Drive Time

1h 17m

Distance

62.8 mi

101 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$10

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 18 min

4 AM

1h 12m ★

6 AM

1h 18m

8 AM

1h 30m

10 AM

1h 22m

12 PM

1h 21m

3 PM

1h 23m

5 PM

1h 29m

8 PM

1h 14m

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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Aurora, CO

Raul Kozenevski

Windsor, CO

Ezequiel Barroso

Trip Overview

If you are planning a quick excursion within the Mountain West, the 62.8-mile journey from Aurora to Windsor is a straightforward trek that typically takes about 1 hour and 17 minutes. Because of the manageable distance, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $10 for fuel to complete the drive. Navigating through the heart of Colorado, you will transition between major thoroughfares and local roadways to reach your final stop. While the trip is short, it provides a functional connection between these two Colorado communities, making it an efficient option for travelers who prefer to minimize time spent on the road.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

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

Midpoint

31.4 miles from Aurora, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 40m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a varied experience behind the wheel, as this route is characterized as a turn-heavy local drive rather than a simple interstate cruise. You will spend a significant portion of your travel time on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, which accounts for your longest uninterrupted stretch of 40.9 miles. While the total highway share is 3, the journey shifts from high-speed transit to more technical driving as you transition onto the North Valley Highway and East County Road 32. This combination keeps the drive engaging, requiring you to remain alert as the road dynamics change from wide highway lanes to more localized traffic patterns.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 40.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

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 1.2 miles in near East 17th Place.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 62.8 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 1.2 miles (East 17th Place): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 19 key points

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

1.2 mi into trip | ~3m in | East 17th Place

Turn right onto East 17th Place

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

1.3 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the ramp toward I 225 North

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 225 North

2.8 mi into trip | ~5m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 70 West: Denver

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes. Exit 12A Toward I 70 West: Denver

3.6 mi into trip | ~7m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 70 West: Denver

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane. Toward I 70 West: Denver

6 mi into trip | ~10m in | I 270 / Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 270 / Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway toward I 270 West: Boulder

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 279A Toward I 270 West: Boulder

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Aurora, CO to Windsor, CO, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Collins along the way.

Fort Collins

57.7 mi in | ~1h 7m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway	40.9 mi	43m
North Valley Highway	10.4 mi	12m
East County Road 32	2.5 mi	4m
Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway	2.1 mi	2m
Main Street	1.4 mi	3m
I 225	1.1 mi	1m
North Potomac Street	0.6 mi	1m
Highway 392	0.5 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway — 40.9 mi, about 43m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Aurora, CO and Windsor, CO.

Start on North Vaughn Street

80 ft · 5 sec · North Vaughn Street

Turn right onto Toledo Street

0.2 mi · 49 sec · Toledo Street

Turn slight right onto East 10th Avenue

257 ft · 16 sec · East 10th Avenue

Turn left onto North Potomac Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Potomac Street

Use the none lane.

Continue on North Fitzsimons Parkway

0.3 mi · 40 sec · North Fitzsimons Parkway

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto East 17th Place

0.2 mi · 29 sec · East 17th Place

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 51 sec

Toward I 225 North Use the left lane.

Merge onto I 225

1.1 mi · 1 min · I 225

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min

Exit 12A Toward I 70 West: Denver Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 46 sec

Toward I 70 West: Denver Use the none lane.

Merge onto I 70

2.1 mi · 2 min · Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway

Use the none lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 270

6.6 mi · 8 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway

Exit 279A Toward I 270 West: Boulder Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 41 sec

Toward I 25 North: Fort Collins Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 25

0.8 mi · 1 min · North Valley Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 25

4.3 mi · 5 min · North Valley Highway

Use the none lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 25

5.3 mi · 5 min · North Valley Highway

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 25

34 mi · 34 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Exit 262 Toward CO 392: Windsor, Fort Collins

Turn right onto CO 392

2.5 mi · 4 min · East County Road 32

Use the straight lane.

Continue on CO 392

0.5 mi · 50 sec · Highway 392

Use the straight lane.

Continue on CO 392

1.4 mi · 3 min · Main Street

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto 7th Street

369 ft · 10 sec · 7th Street

Use the right lane.

Turn slight left

138 ft · 9 sec

Turn left onto Walnut Street

0.3 mi · 42 sec · Walnut Street

Turn right onto 4th Street

484 ft · 26 sec · 4th Street

Turn left onto Elm Street

317 ft · 13 sec · Elm Street

Arrive at destination

Elm Street

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short drive with zero mandatory stops, you have plenty of flexibility when it comes to your departure time. Aim to hit the road outside of peak traffic hours to ensure a smoother, more consistent transit along the Eisenhower Highway. Because the entire trip is only 62.8 miles, you do not need to worry about extensive rest planning; however, keeping a small buffer in your schedule for the turn-heavy sections near Windsor is a smart move. Keep your fuel costs in mind, as the $10 budget is an estimate that may fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency during the transition from highway to local road speeds. Use this quick travel time to your advantage by planning your arrival in Windsor for a full day of activity.

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 31.4 miles from Aurora, CO, or about 40m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 40.9 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 62.8 miles or 1h 17m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 31.4 miles or 40m 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 2m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Aurora, 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 Aurora, CO

This is one driving day of about 62.8 miles and 1h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Aurora, CO.

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

You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.

The longest stretch is on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 40.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 31.4 mi from Aurora, CO · 40m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Thornton, CO

31 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

Timnath, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 62.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Frederick, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 31.4 miles from Aurora, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Windsor, CO

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

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Windsor, CO.

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$9.52 one way

$19.03 round trip

$3.85/gal 25.4 MPG avg 22 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.08	$10.10	$20.19
premium	$4.43	$10.96	$21.92
diesel	$5.64	$13.95	$27.90

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$10

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$35–$60

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 22 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	18.8	$6.59	$3.01
Efficient EV	15.7	$5.49	$2.51
EV Truck/SUV	25.1	$8.79	$4.02

Gas CO2

22 kg

EV CO2

7 kg (68% 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Aurora, CO

Evening in Aurora on Sunday

Local time

7:31 PM

MDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Windsor, CO

Evening in Windsor on Sunday

Local time

7:31 PM

MDT

Current temp

36°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

30 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

1h 17m 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 Aurora, CO to Windsor, CO covers 62.8 miles and takes about 1h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, North Valley Highway, East County Road 32. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 31.4 miles from Aurora, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $9.52 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.