Origin
Brush, CO
Evening in Brush on Sunday
Local time
5:05 PM
MDT
Current temp
36°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Brush, CO to Aurora, CO
Drive Time
1h 40m
Distance
92.3 mi
149 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 33m
★
6 AM
1h 40m
8 AM
1h 55m
10 AM
1h 46m
12 PM
1h 44m
3 PM
1h 46m
5 PM
1h 55m
8 PM
1h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Brush, CO
Wikimedia Commons
Aurora, CO
Raul Kozenevski
Trip Overview
Connecting the plains of Brush to the suburbs of Aurora, this 92.3-mile journey is a straightforward trek across Colorado. You can expect a drive time of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, making this an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. Your route primarily utilizes I-76, E-470, and Peña Boulevard to navigate between these two Mountain West locations. With an estimated fuel cost of around $14, it remains an affordable transition from the open eastern landscape toward the Denver metro area. Whether you are commuting or heading home, this route offers a functional path that gets you to your destination efficiently.
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
46.1 miles from Brush, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 48m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 79% of the distance spent on high-speed roads. You will settle into a consistent pace early on, as the route features a longest uninterrupted stretch of 70.8 miles along I-76. The experience is characterized by steady interstate travel rather than technical turns or winding backroads. As you move from Brush toward Aurora, the road maintains a predictable flow, allowing you to cover the majority of the mileage without frequent stops or navigation changes. Expect a reliable, high-speed transit that prioritizes speed and directness over scenic detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 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 70.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 76 and E-470. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 72 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 92.3 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 72 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 79.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 80.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
72 mi into trip
|
~1h 13m in
Take the exit toward E470 Toll South: Limon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 18
Toward E470 Toll South: Limon
8
79.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 22m in
Take the exit toward Denver International Airport, Pena Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 28
Toward Denver International Airport, Pena Boule...
8
80.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 23m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Peña Boulevard West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 28B
Toward Peña Boulevard West
8
87.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 32m in
Take the exit toward I 225 South: Aurora, Colorado Springs, Peoria Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 282
Toward I 225 South: Aurora, Colorado Springs, ...
7
87.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 33m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 225 South: Aurora, Colorado Springs
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 282
Toward I 225 South: Aurora, Colorado Springs
Towns Along This Route
Between Brush, CO and Aurora, CO, road signs point toward E470 Toll South: Limon, Denver International Airport, Peña Boulevard West and Colorado Springs.
E470 Toll South: Limon
72 mi in
|
~1h 13m
Denver International Airport
79.9 mi in
|
~1h 22m
Peña Boulevard West
80.1 mi in
|
~1h 23m
Colorado Springs
87.5 mi in
|
~1h 32m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 76 | 70.8 mi | 1h 10m |
| E-470 | 6.9 mi | 6m |
| Peña Boulevard | 6.6 mi | 8m |
| I 225 | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| Colorado Avenue | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| East 6th Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| North Vaughn Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 76
— 70.8 mi, about 1h 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Brush, CO and Aurora, CO.
1
Start on Clayton Street
185 ft
·
12 sec
·
Clayton Street
2
Turn left onto West Emerson Street
418 ft
·
25 sec
·
West Emerson Street
3
Turn left onto CO 71
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Colorado Avenue
Use the straight lane.
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
5
Merge onto I 76
71 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
I 76
Use the none lane.
6
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Exit 18
Toward E470 Toll South: Limon
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto E470
6.9 mi
·
6 min
·
E-470
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
Exit 28
Toward Denver International Airport, Pena Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 28B
Toward Peña Boulevard West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto Peña Boulevard
6.6 mi
·
8 min
·
Peña Boulevard
Use the none lane.
11
Merge onto I 70
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 282
Toward I 225 South: Aurora, Colorado Springs, Peoria Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Exit 282
Toward I 225 South: Aurora, Colorado Springs
14
Continue on I 225
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
I 225
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 9
Toward CO 30: 6th Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn right onto CO 30
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
East 6th Avenue
Use the right lane.
17
Turn right onto Vaughn Street
257 ft
·
12 sec
·
Vaughn Street
18
Turn right onto North Zion Street
509 ft
·
27 sec
·
North Zion Street
19
Turn left onto North Vaughn Street
0.2 mi
·
43 sec
·
North Vaughn Street
20
Arrive at destination
North Vaughn Street
Trip Plan
Since the total drive time is under two hours, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure schedule. You won't need to worry about planning for multiple stops, as the direct nature of the route allows you to complete the trip in one go. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Brush, as the $14 estimate assumes you are starting with a full tank for the 92.3-mile run. Because the vast majority of your time is spent on I-76, be prepared for potential traffic shifts as you transition onto E-470 near the Denver metro area. Use this quick transit time to your advantage by planning your arrival in Aurora during off-peak hours to avoid heavy congestion.
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 46.1 miles from Brush, CO, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 70.8 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 80 miles or 1h 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 46.1 miles or 48m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Aurora, CO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Brush, 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 Brush, CO
This is one driving day of about 92.3 miles and 1h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Brush, 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 I 76 for about 70.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 46.1 mi from Brush, CO · 48m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
46 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 46.1 miles from Brush, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 76 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 70.8 miles.
Arriving in Aurora, CO
The final approach into Aurora, 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 Aurora, 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
$13.99 one way
$27.97 round trip
$3.85/gal
25.4 MPG avg
32 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.08 | $14.84 | $29.68 |
| premium | $4.43 | $16.11 | $32.22 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $20.51 | $41.01 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.83
E-470
(6.9 mi)
$0.83
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 32.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 27.7 | 0 | $9.69 | $4.43 |
| Efficient EV | 23.1 | 0 | $8.08 | $3.69 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 36.9 | 0 | $12.92 | $5.91 |
Gas CO2
32 kg
EV CO2
11 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.
Destination
Aurora, CO
Evening in Aurora on Sunday
Local time
5:05 PM
MDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
66°F
Brighton, CO
46 mi in
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 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 40m 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 Brush, CO to Aurora, CO covers 92.3 miles and takes about 1h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 76, E-470, Peña Boulevard. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 46.1 miles from Brush, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $13.99 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 demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 92.3 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 72 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 79.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 80.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Brush, CO and Aurora, CO, road signs point toward E470 Toll South: Limon, Denver International Airport, Peña Boulevard West and Colorado Springs.
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