Origin
Edwards, CO
Afternoon in Edwards on Sunday
Local time
3:54 PM
MDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Edwards, CO to Centennial, CO
Drive Time
2h 28m
Distance
121.4 mi
195 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 19m
★
6 AM
2h 29m
8 AM
2h 49m
10 AM
2h 36m
12 PM
2h 34m
3 PM
2h 37m
5 PM
2h 48m
8 PM
2h 23m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Edwards, CO
RDNE Stock project
Centennial, CO
RDNE Stock project
Trip Overview
Traveling from Edwards to Centennial covers a distance of 121.4 miles, typically taking about 2 hours and 28 minutes to complete. Because this is a relatively short trip, it works perfectly as a straightforward day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via the Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway, the North Valley Highway, and the West 6th Avenue Freeway. Budgeting approximately $18 for fuel will cover your transit across these Mountain West locations. While the route is efficient, be prepared for a drive that transitions from mountain terrain into the more populated areas of the state.
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
60.7 miles from Edwards, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 13m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a trip defined by its turn-heavy local feel, which adds a bit of variety compared to a standard interstate cruise. Although the route is only 7% highway, the majority of your time behind the wheel involves a long, 98-mile stretch along the Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway. This segment provides the primary flow of the drive before you transition into the more technical local sections. You should stay alert as the road characteristics shift from open highway stretches to the more demanding, winding local roads that define the latter portion of your journey.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 98 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 0.1 miles in near Edwards Access Road.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 121.4 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 0.1 miles (Edwards Access Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 0.9 miles (I 70 / Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 98.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Edwards Access Road
Enter roundabout onto Edwards Access Road
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
0.9 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
I 70 / Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway
Merge onto I 70 / Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
8
98.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 58m in
Take the exit toward US 6 East: 6th Avenue, Lakewood
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 261
Toward US 6 East: 6th Avenue, Lakewood
7
107.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 9m in
|
US 6
Take the exit onto US 6 toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado Springs
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.
Toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado Springs
7
120.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 26m in
Take the exit toward Dry Creek Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 196
Toward Dry Creek Road
Towns Along This Route
Between Edwards, CO and Centennial, CO, road signs point toward Lakewood and Colorado Springs.
Lakewood
98.9 mi in
|
~1h 58m
Colorado Springs
107.1 mi in
|
~2h 9m
|
via US 6
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway | 98 mi | 1h 56m |
| North Valley Highway | 12.3 mi | 14m |
| West 6th Avenue Freeway | 7.9 mi | 9m |
| US 6 | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| Edwards Access Road | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| East Dry Creek Road | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| East Panorama Circle | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| South Chester Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway
— 98 mi, about 1h 56m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Edwards, CO and Centennial, CO.
1
Start on this road
211 ft
·
17 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto Edwards Access Road
151 ft
·
3 sec
·
Edwards Access Road
3
Enter roundabout onto Edwards Access Road
321 ft
·
6 sec
·
Edwards Access Road
4
Continue on Edwards Access Road
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
·
Edwards Access Road
5
Enter roundabout onto I 70 Business
126 ft
·
2 sec
·
Edwards Access Road
6
Continue on I 70 Business
150 ft
·
3 sec
·
Edwards Access Road
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
8
Merge onto I 70
98 mi
·
1 hr 56 min
·
Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway
Use the none lane.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 261
Toward US 6 East: 6th Avenue, Lakewood
Use the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto US 6
7.9 mi
·
9 min
·
West 6th Avenue Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit onto US 6
0.6 mi
·
59 sec
·
US 6
Toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado Springs
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 25 South: Colorado Springs
13
Merge onto I 25
12 mi
·
14 min
·
North Valley Highway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 196
Toward Dry Creek Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn right onto CR 46
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
East Dry Creek Road
16
Turn left onto South Chester Street
0.1 mi
·
30 sec
·
South Chester Street
Use the left lane.
17
Turn left onto East Panorama Circle
0.1 mi
·
39 sec
·
East Panorama Circle
18
Turn left
133 ft
·
11 sec
19
Turn right
472 ft
·
34 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a manageable 2-hour and 28-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time to avoid the worst of local traffic. Plan your fuel stops strategically before hitting the longer 98-mile stretch, as this will help keep your $18 budget on track. Because the route features many turns, keep your focus sharp and pace yourself to account for the change in road complexity as you move toward Centennial. Take advantage of the fact that you don't need to plan for overnight stops, allowing you to complete the entire 121.4-mile trip in one efficient push.
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 60.7 miles from Edwards, CO, or about 1h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98 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 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 60.7 miles or 1h 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Centennial, CO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Edwards, 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 Edwards, CO
This is one driving day of about 121.4 miles and 2h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Edwards, 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 Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway for about 98 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 60.7 mi from Edwards, CO · 1h 13m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
61 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 60.7 miles from Edwards, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98 miles.
Arriving in Centennial, CO
The final approach into Centennial, 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 Centennial, 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
$18.40 one way
$36.79 round trip
$3.85/gal
25.4 MPG avg
43 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.08 | $19.52 | $39.04 |
| premium | $4.43 | $21.19 | $42.38 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $26.97 | $53.94 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 36.4 | 0 | $12.75 | $5.83 |
| Efficient EV | 30.4 | 0 | $10.62 | $4.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 48.6 | 0 | $17.00 | $7.77 |
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (67% 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
Centennial, CO
Afternoon in Centennial on Sunday
Local time
3:54 PM
MDT
Current temp
40°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
14 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
2h 28m 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 Edwards, CO to Centennial, CO covers 121.4 miles and takes about 2h 28m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway, North Valley Highway, West 6th Avenue Freeway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 60.7 miles from Edwards, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.40 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 15 significant decision points across 121.4 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 0.1 miles (Edwards Access Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 0.9 miles (I 70 / Gerald R. Ford Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 98.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Edwards, CO and Centennial, CO, road signs point toward Lakewood and Colorado Springs.
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