How far is Arvada, CO from Sterling, CO?
The driving distance from Arvada, CO to Sterling, CO is about 127.6 miles (205.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 114.3 miles (184 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 31m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 15m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Town in Colorado, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Arvada and Sterling.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Arvada and Sterling.
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1
Start on the route
13 m · 5 sec
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2
Turn right onto Ammons Street
18 m · 7 sec · Ammons Street
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3
Turn left
96 m · 25 sec
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4
At the end of the road, turn right onto Allison Street
53 m · 14 sec · Allison Street
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5
Turn left onto Ralston Road
1.8 mi · 4 min · Ralston Road
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6
Turn right onto Sheridan Boulevard
1376 ft · 34 sec · Sheridan Boulevard
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7
Turn left onto I 76 East
2150 ft · 56 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Heartland Expressway
10.5 mi · 12 min · Heartland Expressway
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9
Keep slight right to continue on Heartland Expressway
112 mi · 1 hr 52 min · Heartland Expressway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 6: Sterling, Holyoke
2004 ft · 49 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on US 6 West: Sterling
56 m · 6 sec
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12
Turn left onto US Highway 6
3251 ft · 1 min · US Highway 6
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13
Continue on East Chestnut Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East Chestnut Street
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14
Turn left onto North 3rd Street
84 m · 10 sec · North 3rd Street
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15
Turn right
73 m · 18 sec
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Arvada and Sterling.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Heartland Expressway
Keep slight right to continue on Heartland Expressway
112 mi · 01h 52m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Arvada and Sunny near Sterling.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Arvada to Sterling?
The road trip is about 127.6 miles (205.4 km) and usually takes 02h 15m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Wiggins is a useful midpoint, sitting about 63.8 miles from Arvada and 63.9 miles from Sterling.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 114.3 miles (184 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:58 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.64 one way or $33.28 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Arvada and Sunny near Sterling.
Stop Ideas Near Wiggins
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 Wiggins.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Arvada and Sterling. Straight-line distance: 114.31 mi (183.97 km).
#1 Arvada
The second most populous city in Jefferson County, Colorado.
| Population | 121,936 |
| Coordinates | 39.8027600, -105.0874800 |
| Altitude | 1629 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sterling
City in Colorado
| Population | 14,078 |
| Coordinates | 40.6255400, -103.2077100 |
| Altitude | 1200 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sterling (-103.20771, 40.62554)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 205 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.70 | $16.64 | $33.28 |
| Mid-grade | $4.08 | $18.38 | $36.76 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $19.76 | $39.52 |
| Diesel | $4.74 | $21.32 | $42.63 |
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 · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.