How Long Does It Take to Drive from Aurora, Colorado to Riverside, California?

Are you thinking of taking a road trip from Aurora, Colorado to Riverside, California? The adventure awaits but first, you might be wondering how long it will take to drive there. Don’t worry, we’ve done the research to help you plan your journey!

Fastest and Slowest Routes:

The fastest route from Aurora to Riverside is via I-76 W and I-70 W. This route covers a distance of approximately 1065 miles and takes around 16 hours under optimal conditions. The route passes through picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and desert landscapes, making it a beautiful journey to undertake. Alternatively, I-80 W and I-680 S is also a quicker route that covers about 1200 miles.

In contrast, the slowest route covers around 1300 miles and takes about 20 hours via US-50 W and has an elevation of over 5,000 feet, with twists and turns that make it a challenging route even for experienced drivers.

Traffic Patterns:

When it comes to driving from Aurora to Riverside, traffic plays a significant role in determining the time it takes to complete the journey. Traffic on the I-25 N and I-70 W tends to be the busiest during weekdays’ rush hours in Denver, whereas the I-15 S and I-215 W get congested during the weekends. It is advisable to avoid peak times and check live traffic updates before setting out on your trip to avoid getting caught up in traffic snarls.

For low traffic times, we recommend driving through the night or early in the morning to ensure a smooth drive.

Driving Times:

If you’re driving during peak traffic, you should expect to add anywhere between 3-5 hours to your journey time. However, if you’re driving when roads are less busy, you should be able to complete your journey in around 15-16 hours.

In conclusion, if you're looking for the shortest possible time to travel from Aurora to Riverside, taking the I-76 W and I-70 W route would be advisable. In the case of a leisurely road trip through picturesque landscapes, add a few hours to your journey time and take the longest route. Make sure to check traffic conditions before setting out and enjoy your journey!