How to Drive on Toll Roads in Colorado

If you’re planning a trip to the Centennial State, you may wonder, “Does Colorado have toll roads?” The short answer is yes, but many tolls within the state are optional—there are alternative routes, but they may be slower or busier than the tolled roads.

Budget is here to ensure you have a hassle-free, exciting experience during your trip to Colorado. In addition to our locations throughout Colorado, we’ve put together this informative Colorado toll roads guide for you. 

How Tolls Work in Colorado

Colorado tolls are collected through an all-electronic system to facilitate efficient traffic flow and reduce congestion on key highways. Several toll roads in Colorado, including E-470, Northwest Parkway, and express lanes on major highways like I-25 and US-36, serve the Denver metropolitan area and beyond.

Centennial State primarily uses the ExpressToll system, which automatically deducts tolls from a driver’s ExpressToll account. For motorists without a transponder, Colorado utilizes a License Plate Toll (LPT) system. 

Must-Know Tollways in Colorado

E-470

• Length: 46.95 miles (75.56 km)

• Speed Limit: 75 mph

• Major City/Cities Served: Denver, Centennial, Aurora

E-470 serves as a toll road around the eastern perimeter of the Denver metro area. It spans 47 miles, beginning near Lafayette in the north, looping around Denver International Airport, and curving back to I-25 near Parker in the south. This route diverts traffic away from central Denver and facilitates a more direct route to the airport. Additionally, it connects several Denver metro neighborhoods, including Aurora, Centennial, Brighton, and Broomfield. (Source)

Northwest Parkway (E-470 to US 36)

• Length: 9.05 miles (14.57 km)

• Speed Limit: 75 mph

• Major City/Cities Served: Broomfield, Lafayette, Boulder 

Northwest Parkway is a toll road stretching about 9 miles, connecting Broomfield with Lafayette. This parkway links E-470 at its eastern end to US 36 at its western end, effectively serving as a critical part of the larger Denver area’s highway system. It provides a fast and convenient alternative for travelers looking to bypass the busier central routes through Denver and those heading toward Boulder. Managed independently by the Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority, the parkway is also known for its scenic views. (Source)

Express Lanes on I-25 and US 36

• Major City/Cities Served: Denver, Boulder, Aurora

The express lanes on I-25 and US 36 in Colorado offer drivers an efficient travel route to navigate busy areas, particularly during peak traffic times. These lanes run along significant stretches of I-25, from downtown Denver to US 36 and continue along US 36 toward Boulder.

Utilizing a dynamic pricing model, the toll rates in these express lanes vary based on the time of day to ensure that speeds remain consistent, thereby reducing congestion and improving overall traffic times. (Source) (Source)

Mountain Express Lanes (I-70)

• Length: 12 miles (19.31 km)

• Speed Limit: 60–65 mph (Source)

• Major City/Cities Served: Idaho Springs, Downieville, Lawson, Empire

The Mountain Express Lanes on I-70 are a unique toll feature designed to alleviate congestion along one of Colorado’s busiest mountain corridors, especially during peak travel times like weekends and holidays. The express lanes run from Empire through the Veterans Memorial Tunnels in Idaho Springs, providing an option for travelers returning to the Denver metropolitan area.

The Mountain Express Lanes are only open during high-demand periods. Using these lanes is optional and ensures that traffic flow remains smooth and minimally congested. (Source) (Source)

*Toll rates, road distances, and speed limits subject to change.

*Toll road information provided on this page is current as of June 2024. Toll road information is subject to change without notice.