Origin
Upton, WY
Afternoon in Upton on Sunday
Local time
4:48 PM
MDT
Current temp
33°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Upton, WY to Gillette, WY
Drive Time
1h
Distance
48.6 mi
78 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$8
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 55m
★
6 AM
1h 0m
8 AM
1h 10m
10 AM
1h 4m
12 PM
1h 3m
3 PM
1h 4m
5 PM
1h 10m
8 PM
0h 57m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Gillette, WY
cottonbro studio
Trip Overview
Spanning 48.6 miles across the Mountain West, this straightforward journey between Upton and Gillette typically takes about one hour to complete. You will primarily navigate via I-90, 2nd Street, and I-90 Business, making this a highly efficient trip that easily fits into a single day. With a modest fuel budget of approximately $8, it is a cost-effective excursion for those traveling within Wyoming. Because the duration is so short, you likely won't need an overnight stay, offering you maximum flexibility in your schedule. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a quick regional visit, this route serves as a reliable link between the two towns.
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
24.3 miles from Upton, WY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 34m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a mixed driving experience that balances highway efficiency with local access. Roughly 57% of your trip is spent on the highway, with your longest uninterrupted stretch covering 26.6 miles on I-90. The transition between the open interstate and the local roads of 2nd Street and I-90 Business keeps the drive from feeling like a monotonous grind. You will find that the character of the road changes as you move from the interstate speed of the open plains into the more controlled environment of the town centers. It is a practical, no-nonsense drive that allows you to cover the distance quickly while staying focused on the road ahead.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 11 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 90 is the longest continuous segment at about 26.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 16 / 2nd Street.
Route Complexity
2/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Upton, WY to Gillette, WY is easy. At 1h with 57% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 16 / 2nd Street): Navigation decision point; at 19.9 miles: Navigation decision point; at 46.7 miles (I 90 Business; US 14; US 16): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 16 / 2nd Street
Turn right onto US 16 / 2nd Street
Navigation decision point
5
19.9 mi into trip
|
~29m in
Take the ramp
Navigation decision point
6
46.7 mi into trip
|
~55m in
|
I 90 Business; US 14; US 16
Take the exit onto I 90 Business; US 14; US 16 toward I 90, US 14 West, US 16 West: Gillette
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 128
Toward I 90, US 14 West, US 16 West: Gillette
4
47.7 mi into trip
|
~57m in
|
Stanley Avenue
Turn left onto Stanley Avenue
Navigation decision point
6
47.7 mi into trip
|
~57m in
|
East 4th Street
Turn right onto East 4th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 26.6 mi | 25m |
| 2nd Street | 19.3 mi | 28m |
| I 90 Business | 1 mi | 2m |
| East 4th Street | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| East Converse Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| I-90 Access Road | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Stanley Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Ash Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 26.6 mi, about 25m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Upton, WY and Gillette, WY.
1
Start on WY 116
55 ft
·
3 sec
·
Ash Street
2
Turn right onto US 16
19 mi
·
28 min
·
2nd Street
3
Continue on US 16
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
·
East Converse Street
4
Turn right onto I 90 Business
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
·
I-90 Access Road
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
12 sec
6
Merge onto I 90
27 mi
·
25 min
·
I 90
7
Take the exit onto I 90 Business; US 14; US 16
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
·
I 90 Business; US 14; US 16
Exit 128
Toward I 90, US 14 West, US 16 West: Gillette
8
Continue on I 90 Business; US 14; US 16; WY 51
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
I 90 Business; US 14; US 16; WY 51
9
Turn left onto Stanley Avenue
208 ft
·
9 sec
·
Stanley Avenue
10
Turn right onto East 4th Street
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
East 4th Street
Use the none lane.
11
Arrive at destination
East 4th Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a quick one-hour trip, you have the advantage of being able to depart whenever suits your plans best. With no mandatory stops required to reach your destination, you can easily drive the entire 48.6 miles without needing a break, though staying alert during the I-90 stretch is key. Keep your fuel gauge in mind before you head out, but with an $8 estimated cost, you won't need to worry about extensive refueling logistics. Given the short duration, try to time your departure to avoid peak local traffic on the I-90 Business and 2nd Street portions of the route. This efficiency makes the trip ideal for a flexible, stress-free morning or afternoon departure.
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 24.3 miles from Upton, WY, or about 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 26.6 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 48.6 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 24.3 miles or 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gillette, WY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Upton, WY 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 Upton, WY
This is one driving day of about 48.6 miles and 1h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Upton, WY.
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 90 for about 26.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 24.3 mi from Upton, WY · 34m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
24 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 48.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 24.3 miles from Upton, WY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Gillette, WY
The final approach into Gillette, WY 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 Gillette, WY.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$7.70 one way
$15.40 round trip
$4.03/gal
25.4 MPG avg
17 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.23 | $8.10 | $16.19 |
| premium | $4.53 | $8.67 | $17.33 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $10.80 | $21.59 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$33–$58
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 17 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 14.6 | 0 | $5.10 | $2.33 |
| Efficient EV | 12.2 | 0 | $4.25 | $1.94 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 19.4 | 0 | $6.80 | $3.11 |
Gas CO2
17 kg
EV CO2
6 kg (65% 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
Gillette, WY
Afternoon in Gillette on Sunday
Local time
4:48 PM
MDT
Current temp
32°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
34°F
Wright, WY
24 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
1 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 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 Upton, WY to Gillette, WY covers 48.6 miles and takes about 1h without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 90, 2nd Street, I 90 Business. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 24.3 miles from Upton, WY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $7.70 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.
The drive from Upton, WY to Gillette, WY is easy. At 1h with 57% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 16 / 2nd Street): Navigation decision point; at 19.9 miles: Navigation decision point; at 46.7 miles (I 90 Business; US 14; US 16): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Upton, WY to Gillette, WY does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Gillette, WY
More trips to Gillette, WY
Explore more options from Upton, WY or browse trips ending in Gillette, WY.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse WY road trips.
Explore maps for Upton, WY or Gillette, WY on MapSof.net.