How far is Julesburg, CO from Thornton, CO?
The driving distance from Julesburg, CO to Thornton, CO is about 176.7 miles (284.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 162.1 miles (260.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 12m 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 36m.
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 Morgan County, Colorado, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain And Snow Showers Likely
Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Julesburg and Thornton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Julesburg and Thornton.
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1
Start on Cedar Street
863 ft · 31 sec · Cedar Street
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2
Turn left onto East 1st Street
1882 ft · 35 sec · East 1st Street
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3
Turn straight
1355 ft · 53 sec
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4
Turn right onto US Highway 385
1.8 mi · 3 min · US Highway 385
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5
Take the ramp right toward I 76 West: Sterling
1521 ft · 37 sec
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6
Merge slight left
169.3 mi · 2 hr 50 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward 88th Avenue
1390 ft · 37 sec
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8
Turn right onto East 88th Avenue
1.5 mi · 3 min · East 88th Avenue
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9
Turn right onto Colorado Boulevard
1.6 km · 2 min · Colorado Boulevard
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10
Turn left onto Thornton Parkway
1.7 mi · 3 min · Thornton Parkway
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11
Turn left onto Dorothy Boulevard
1077 ft · 51 sec · Dorothy Boulevard
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12
Turn right
36 m · 9 sec
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Julesburg and Thornton.
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 76 West
Merge slight left
169 mi · 02h 50m
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.
Rain And Snow Showers Likely leaving Julesburg and Rain And Snow Showers near Thornton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Julesburg to Thornton?
The road trip is about 176.7 miles (284.4 km) and usually takes 02h 36m 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?
Hillrose is a useful midpoint, sitting about 88.2 miles from Julesburg and 88.4 miles from Thornton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 162.1 miles (260.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.6 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 1:18 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.04 one way or $46.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain And Snow Showers Likely around Julesburg and Rain And Snow Showers near Thornton.
Stop Ideas Near Hillrose
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 Hillrose.
Fort Morgan
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Julesburg and Thornton. Straight-line distance: 162.07 mi (260.83 km).
#1 Julesburg
City in Sedgwick County, Colorado, United States of America
| Population | 1,161 |
| Coordinates | 40.9883300, -102.2643500 |
| Altitude | 1060 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Thornton
The seventh most populous city in Colorado.
| Population | 148,113 |
| Coordinates | 39.8680400, -104.9719200 |
| Altitude | 1631 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-104.971859, 39.868064)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 284 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.70 | $23.04 | $46.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.08 | $25.44 | $50.89 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $27.36 | $54.71 |
| Diesel | $4.74 | $29.51 | $59.02 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.