The drive from Yellowstone to Denver takes approximately 9h 49min, covering 540 miles via I-90. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $63 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 13–14+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
8h 21m
🔵 Typical
9h 49min
🔴 Heavy traffic
14h 14m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance540 miles (869 km)
Drive Time9h 49min
RouteI-90
Best TimeMid-morning (9-11 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~18.0 gallons
Est. Cost$63
Route Tips: I-90
Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from Yellowstone to Denver
For a long drive like Yellowstone to Denver, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.
🟢 Best:Mid-morning (9-11 AM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
9h 49min
~$63 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 35m
~$81–$189 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 5m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
9h 49min
~$63
🚌 Bus
12h 0m
~$43–$97
🚂 Train
9h 49m
~$65–$162
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 Casper
📍 Steamboat Springs
📍 Laramie
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Yellowstone to Denver?
The drive from Yellowstone to Denver takes approximately 9h 49min covering 540 miles via I-90. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Yellowstone to Denver?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $63 on gas for this 540-mile trip. You'll need about 18.0 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Yellowstone to Denver?
Mid-morning (9-11 AM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Yellowstone to Denver route?
Yes, expect approximately $16 in tolls along this route. Consider getting a ExpressToll transponder for faster toll payment.
