How far is Appleton, CO from Denver International Airport, CO?
The driving distance from Appleton, CO to Denver International Airport, CO is about 270.2 miles (434.9 km), with a travel time of about 05h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 215.9 miles (347.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 15m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 05h 07m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Location in Colorado, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Appleton and Denver International Airport.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Appleton and Denver International Airport.
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1
Start on H Road
5 m · 3 sec · H Road
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2
Turn right onto 24 Road
2240 ft · 48 sec · 24 Road
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward 24 Road
62 m · 4 sec · 24 Road
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4
Exit the roundabout onto 24 Road
104 m · 6 sec · 24 Road
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5
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward I 70 East
85 m · 5 sec
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6
Exit the roundabout onto I 70 East
1531 ft · 21 sec
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7
Merge slight left
242 mi · 4 hr 31 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 70 East: Denver
5.3 mi · 7 min
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9
Keep slight right
9.3 mi · 13 min
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10
Keep slight right to continue on Peña Boulevard
11.5 mi · 14 min · Peña Boulevard
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11
Keep slight right to continue on Terminal East
1.2 mi · 2 min · Terminal East
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Terminal East Departures
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Appleton and Denver International Airport.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 70 East
Merge slight left
242 mi · 04h 31m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Appleton and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Denver International Airport.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Appleton to Denver International Airport?
The road trip is about 270.2 miles (434.9 km) and usually takes 05h 07m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Edwards is a useful midpoint, sitting about 135 miles from Appleton and 135.3 miles from Denver International Airport.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 215.9 miles (347.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 54.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 6:44 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $35.28 one way or $70.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 84.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Appleton and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Denver International Airport.
Stop Ideas Near Edwards
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Edwards.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Appleton and Denver International Airport. Straight-line distance: 215.9 mi (347.46 km).
#1 Appleton
Situated in Mesa County at an elevation of 4596 feet, this unincorporated community lies in the high desert Grand Valley northwest of Grand Junction.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 39.1208100, -108.6081500 |
| Altitude | 1401 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Denver International Airport
Airport in Denver, Colorado, United States
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 39.8589100, -104.6732600 |
| Altitude | 1637 |
| Country | United States |
End: Denver International Airport (-104.67326, 39.85891)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 435 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 51m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.70 | $35.28 | $70.56 |
| Mid-grade | $4.08 | $38.96 | $77.92 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $41.89 | $83.78 |
| Diesel | $4.74 | $45.19 | $90.38 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Colorado · Aug 26, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.