Is there a train to Denver?

Yes, Amtrak's California Zephyr stops in Denver, but you must reach a station like Kansas City first.

How long is the drive?

The drive is approximately 12 hours.

What is the best route?

I-70 West is the most direct and reliable route.

Yes, there are frequent direct flights from St. Louis (STL) to Denver (DEN).

Denver is generally safe, but like any major city, be aware of your surroundings in downtown areas.

Wentzville

Denver

Driving

Wentzville to Denver

Updated: 28 May 2026

The drive from Wentzville to Denver is a classic American road trip covering 850 miles along I-70 West. You will traverse the entire state of Missouri and Kansas before reaching the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The journey takes approximately 12 hours of pure driving time. It is a long but rewarding route that showcases the vastness of the Great Plains. Plan for multiple stops to keep your energy levels high.

Total Distance: 1,368 km driving distance; 1,200 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via I-70 West is the fastest route, taking 12 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving your own vehicle is the most affordable way to reach Denver, costing about $130 in fuel.

Compare Wentzville to Denver Routes

Driving

Direct

Duration

12 hours

Avg Price

$120-$180

Operator

Personal Vehicle

Route

I-70 W through Kansas City, Topeka, and Salina.

Kansas is very flat and straight; use cruise control to save fuel.

Travel Tips

Altitude
Denver is a mile high; drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness upon arrival.
Kansas Stretch
Kansas can be monotonous; plan podcasts or audiobooks to keep yourself entertained.
Fuel Stops
Salina, Kansas, is a great place to stop for a meal and fuel halfway through the state.
Weather
Check for mountain pass closures if you plan to drive further west into the Rockies.
Parking
Downtown Denver parking is expensive; look for hotels that offer parking packages.

Safety Tips

Fatigue
This is a very long drive; consider splitting it into two days with an overnight stay in Kansas.
Vehicle Check
Ensure your car is in top condition, especially your cooling system for the long, hot Kansas drive.
Emergency Kit
Carry extra water and non-perishable food, as some stretches of I-70 in Kansas are remote.
Speeding
Kansas state troopers are active on I-70; stick to the speed limit to avoid fines.