How far is Fort Collins, CO from Sterling, CO?
The driving distance from Fort Collins, CO to Sterling, CO is about 102.3 miles (164.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 98.5 miles (158.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 35m 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 47m.
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.
Human settlement in Weld County, Colorado, United States of America
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 Fort Collins and Sterling.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Collins and Sterling.
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1
Start on South Sherwood Street
841 ft · 41 sec · South Sherwood Street
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2
Continue on West Magnolia Street
145 m · 20 sec · West Magnolia Street
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3
Turn right onto South Meldrum Street
152 m · 29 sec · South Meldrum Street
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4
Turn left onto West Mulberry Street
1494 ft · 42 sec · West Mulberry Street
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5
Continue on East Mulberry Street
5 mi · 9 min · East Mulberry Street
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6
Continue on East Highway 14
12.8 mi · 21 min · East Highway 14
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7
Continue on West 1st Street
1 km · 2 min · West 1st Street
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8
Continue on Highway 14
81.5 mi · 2 hr 11 min · Highway 14
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9
Continue on West Main Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · West Main Street
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10
Turn right onto Poplar Street
595 ft · 33 sec · Poplar Street
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11
Turn left
41 m · 10 sec
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Collins 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.
Highway 14
Continue on Highway 14
81.5 mi · 02h 11m
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 Fort Collins and Sunny near Sterling.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Collins to Sterling?
The road trip is about 102.3 miles (164.7 km) and usually takes 02h 47m 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?
Raymer is a useful midpoint, sitting about 51 miles from Fort Collins and 51.3 miles from Sterling.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 98.5 miles (158.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.8 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 12:54 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.35 one way or $26.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fort Collins and Sunny near Sterling.
Stop Ideas Near Raymer
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 Raymer.
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Fort Collins, Colorado
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Collins and Sterling. Straight-line distance: 98.48 mi (158.49 km).
#1 Fort Collins
The fifth most populous city in Colorado.
| Population | 168,234 |
| Coordinates | 40.5852600, -105.0844200 |
| Altitude | 1525 |
| 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: 165 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.70 | $13.35 | $26.70 |
| Mid-grade | $4.08 | $14.74 | $29.49 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $15.85 | $31.70 |
| Diesel | $4.74 | $17.10 | $34.20 |
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.