Origin
Parker, CO
Night in Parker on Wednesday
Local time
10:25 PM
MDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Parker, CO to Centennial, CO
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
16m
Distance
10.6 mi
17 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$2
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 15m
★
6 AM
0h 16m
8 AM
0h 19m
10 AM
0h 17m
12 PM
0h 17m
3 PM
0h 17m
5 PM
0h 19m
8 PM
0h 15m
★
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Parker, CO
Wikimedia Commons
Centennial, CO
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This short 10.6-mile drive from Parker to Centennial, Colorado, is easily manageable in about 16 minutes, making it a perfect single-day trip. With a fuel cost estimated at just $2, it's an economical choice for getting between these two Mountain West communities. The route primarily utilizes E-470 and South Parker Road, with a brief stint on I-25, suggesting a blend of highway and local road driving. Given its brevity, there's no need to consider an overnight stay; you can complete this journey with flexibility in your schedule. It's a straightforward hop within the state of Colorado.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
5.3 miles from Parker, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 7m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive for the majority of this 10.6-mile journey. While about 9% of the route involves highway driving, including a 4.9-mile stretch on E-470, the overall feel is more about navigating local roads and intersections. This isn't a long, monotonous highway cruise; instead, it's a route where you'll be making more frequent adjustments. The road character likely shifts between faster-paced highway segments and more deliberate local street driving as you progress from Parker to Centennial.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 16 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
E-470 is the longest continuous segment at about 4.9 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 2.6 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
Focused - lots of decisions in a short distance, but it is over quickly
This is a short but busy drive. With 14 decision points packed into just 10.6 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 16m.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3 miles (E470 / E-470): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
2.6 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the exit toward E470 Toll South, I 25: Colorado Springs
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward E470 Toll South, I 25: Colorado Springs
5
3 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
E470 / E-470
Merge onto E470 / E-470
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
7.9 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Take the exit toward I 25: Denver, Colorado Springs
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 1A
Toward I 25: Denver, Colorado Springs
9
8.1 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 25 North: Denver
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 1A
Toward I 25 North: Denver
7
9.6 mi into trip
|
~13m 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 Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Parker, CO and Centennial, CO, road signs point toward E470 Toll South and Colorado Springs.
E470 Toll South
2.6 mi in
|
~4m
Colorado Springs
7.9 mi in
|
~10m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| E-470 | 4.9 mi | 4m |
| South Parker Road | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| I 25 | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| East Dry Creek Road | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| East Mainstreet | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| East Panorama Circle | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| South Chester Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| South Pikes Peak Drive | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
E-470
— 4.9 mi, about 4m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Parker, CO and Centennial, CO.
1
Start on South Pikes Peak Drive
100 ft
·
8 sec
·
South Pikes Peak Drive
2
Turn right onto East Mainstreet
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
East Mainstreet
3
Turn right onto CO 83
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
South Parker Road
Use the right lane.
4
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward E470 Toll South, I 25: Colorado Springs
5
Merge onto E470
4.9 mi
·
4 min
·
E-470
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 1A
Toward I 25: Denver, Colorado Springs
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 1A
Toward I 25 North: Denver
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
Continue on this road
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
this road
Exit 1A; 26
Toward I 25 North: Denver
9
Merge onto I 25
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
I 25
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 196
Toward Dry Creek Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Turn left onto CR 46
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
East Dry Creek Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
12
Turn left onto South Chester Street
0.1 mi
·
30 sec
·
South Chester Street
Use the left lane.
13
Turn left onto East Panorama Circle
0.1 mi
·
39 sec
·
East Panorama Circle
14
Turn left
133 ft
·
11 sec
15
Turn right
472 ft
·
34 sec
16
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the short 16-minute duration and 10.6-mile distance, you have a lot of flexibility on when to depart for Centennial from Parker. Aim to leave when traffic is typically lighter to make the most of the minimal driving time. Since there are no recommended stops and the fuel cost is a low $2, you won't need to factor in many breaks. Keep an eye out for the transition between E-470 and South Parker Road, as this is where the driving character changes significantly. This short trip is best tackled in one go, allowing for spontaneous departures.
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 5.3 miles from Parker, CO, or about 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 4.9 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 10.6 miles or 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 5.3 miles or 7m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Centennial, CO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Have your navigation ready before leaving Parker, CO.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Parker, CO
This is one driving day of about 10.6 miles and 16m.
At 10.6 miles this is a quick drive — no planned stops needed.
The longest stretch is on E-470 for about 4.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 5.3 mi from Parker, CO · 7m into the drive
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 10.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 5.3 miles from Parker, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Centennial, CO
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Centennial, CO if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$1.60 one way
$3.19 round trip
$3.83/gal
25.4 MPG avg
4 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.05 | $1.69 | $3.38 |
| premium | $4.39 | $1.83 | $3.67 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $2.34 | $4.68 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.59
E-470
(4.9 mi)
$0.59
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
$2
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$27–$52
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 3.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $1 in charging · 0 stops · 75% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 3.2 | 0 | $1.11 | $0.51 |
| Efficient EV | 2.7 | 0 | $0.93 | $0.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 4.2 | 0 | $1.48 | $0.68 |
Gas CO2
4 kg
EV CO2
1 kg (75% 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
Night in Centennial on Wednesday
Local time
10:25 PM
MDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
16m 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 Parker, CO to Centennial, CO covers 10.6 miles and takes about 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are E-470, South Parker Road, I 25. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 5.3 miles from Parker, CO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $1.60 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 short but busy drive. With 14 decision points packed into just 10.6 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 16m.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3 miles (E470 / E-470): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Parker, CO and Centennial, CO, road signs point toward E470 Toll South and Colorado Springs.
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