Origin
Grand Junction, CO
Afternoon in Grand Junction on Sunday
Local time
4:11 PM
MDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Grand Junction, CO to Littleton, CO
Drive Time
4h 46m
Distance
247.8 mi
399 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$38
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 33m
★
6 AM
4h 46m
8 AM
5h 13m
10 AM
4h 56m
12 PM
4h 53m
3 PM
4h 57m
5 PM
5h 12m
8 PM
4h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Grand Junction, CO
Ambient Vista
Littleton, CO
Eric Matthew
Trip Overview
Traveling from Grand Junction to Littleton covers 247.8 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 46 minutes. Because this journey fits comfortably into a single day, you likely won't need to book an overnight stay unless you prefer a leisurely pace. You will primarily navigate via I-70 BUS, US-285, and CO-470 as you transition across the Colorado Mountain West. With an estimated fuel cost of $38, it is a straightforward trip for your budget. The route is entirely contained within Colorado, offering a consistent regional feel from start to finish. It is an ideal choice if you want to reach the Denver metro area without a multi-day commitment.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
123.9 miles from Grand Junction, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 22m into the drive .
Drive Character
This is a highway-focused drive, with 98% of your journey spent on high-speed roads. You should prepare for a significant amount of steady cruising, as the longest uninterrupted stretch spans 228.8 miles along I-70 BUS. The transition between these major corridors creates a predictable rhythm that allows you to cover ground efficiently. While the drive is dominated by interstate and highway travel, the shift from the Western Slope toward the Front Range keeps the experience feeling purposeful. Behind the wheel, you can expect a reliable, consistent pace that favors direct travel over technical or winding local backroads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 70 BUS is the longest continuous segment at about 228.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 BUS and US 285. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.4 miles in near I 70 BUS.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 247.8 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 6.4 miles (I 70 BUS): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 230.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 230.4 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
6.4 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
I 70 BUS
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70 BUS toward I 70 East: Denver
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 70 East: Denver
8
230.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 21m in
Take the exit toward CO 470 East: Colorado Springs, Golden, Boulder, 6th Avenue
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 260
Toward CO 470 East: Colorado Springs, Golden, B...
7
230.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 22m in
Keep slight right at fork toward CO 470 East: Colorado Springs
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward CO 470 East: Colorado Springs
7
236.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 29m in
Take the exit toward US 285 North: Denver
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 5B
Toward US 285 North: Denver
6
244.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 39m in
Keep slight right at fork toward CO 88 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward CO 88 South
Towns Along This Route
Between Grand Junction, CO and Littleton, CO, road signs point toward Golden and Boulder.
Golden
230.1 mi in
|
~4h 21m
Boulder
230.1 mi in
|
~4h 21m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 70 BUS | 228.8 mi | 4h 19m |
| US 285 | 7.8 mi | 9m |
| CO 470 | 5.2 mi | 6m |
| South Federal Boulevard | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| Pitkin Avenue | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| South Santa Fe Drive | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| South Prince Street | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| West Belleview Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 70 BUS
— 228.8 mi, about 4h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Grand Junction, CO and Littleton, CO.
1
Start on I 70 BUS
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Pitkin Avenue
Use the none lane.
2
Continue on I 70 BUS
4.3 mi
·
7 min
·
I 70 BUS
Use the none lane.
3
Continue on I 70 BUS; US 6
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
I 70 BUS; US 6
Use the none lane.
4
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70 BUS
224 mi
·
4 hr 11 min
·
I 70 BUS
Toward I 70 East: Denver
Use the slight right lane.
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 260
Toward CO 470 East: Colorado Springs, Golden, Boulder, 6th Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward CO 470 East: Colorado Springs
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Merge onto CO 470
5.2 mi
·
6 min
·
CO 470
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
44 sec
Exit 5B
Toward US 285 North: Denver
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Merge onto US 285
7.8 mi
·
9 min
·
US 285
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Toward CO 88
11
Keep slight right at fork
299 ft
·
9 sec
Toward CO 88 South
12
Turn straight onto CO 88
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
South Federal Boulevard
Use the none lane.
13
Turn left onto CO 88
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
West Belleview Avenue
Use the left lane.
14
Turn right onto South Prince Street
0.3 mi
·
51 sec
·
South Prince Street
Use the none lane.
15
Turn right onto US 85
0.6 mi
·
51 sec
·
South Santa Fe Drive
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
16
Turn left onto West Bowles Avenue
299 ft
·
6 sec
·
West Bowles Avenue
Use the left lane.
17
Continue on West Alamo Avenue
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
West Alamo Avenue
18
Turn left onto South Prince Street
205 ft
·
12 sec
·
South Prince Street
19
Turn left
153 ft
·
13 sec
20
Turn right
35 ft
·
2 sec
21
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4 hour and 46 minute trek, aim to depart early to avoid potential traffic congestion near your destination. You only need to plan for one strategic stop to refuel and stretch, which keeps your momentum high throughout the day. Keep in mind that your fuel budget is roughly $38, so keep an eye on your gauge during that long 228.8-mile stretch on I-70 BUS. Since the route is manageable in one go, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your personal preference. Always check road conditions before heading out, as high-altitude highways can be subject to quick weather changes.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 123.9 miles from Grand Junction, CO, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 228.8 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 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.9 miles or 2h 22m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Littleton, CO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Grand Junction, 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 Grand Junction, CO
This is one driving day of about 247.8 miles and 4h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Grand Junction, CO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 70 BUS for about 228.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 123.9 mi from Grand Junction, CO · 2h 22m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
124 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 123.9 miles from Grand Junction, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 70 BUS if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 228.8 miles.
Arriving in Littleton, CO
The final approach into Littleton, 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 Littleton, CO.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.55 one way
$75.10 round trip
$3.85/gal
25.4 MPG avg
87 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.08 | $39.84 | $79.69 |
| premium | $4.43 | $43.25 | $86.50 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $55.05 | $110.11 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 74.3 | 0 | $26.02 | $11.89 |
| Efficient EV | 62 | 0 | $21.68 | $9.91 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 99.1 | 1 | $34.69 | $15.86 |
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Littleton, CO
Afternoon in Littleton on Sunday
Local time
4:11 PM
MDT
Current temp
39°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
27 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
4h 46m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Grand Junction, CO to Littleton, CO covers 247.8 miles and takes about 4h 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 70 BUS, US 285, CO 470. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 123.9 miles from Grand Junction, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $37.55 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 247.8 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.4 miles (I 70 BUS): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 230.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 230.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Grand Junction, CO and Littleton, CO, road signs point toward Golden and Boulder.
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