Spend Less Time Driving and More Time Exploring Colorado

With so much to experience, you don’t want to waste precious vacation hours stuck in traffic — especially when there’s an easier way to get around. That’s where Colorado Express Lanes come in. Whether you’re picking up a rental car at the airport or hopping into your own vehicle, the Colorado Express Lanes help you reach the mountains, cities and everywhere in between quicker. That means more moments hiking postcard-worthy trails, discovering local flavors and making the most out of your trip.

Learn about the Colorado Express Lanes and all the places they can take you.

How Do the Colorado Express Lanes Work?

Colorado Express Lanes are optional toll lanes that drivers can choose to use instead of general-purpose lanes. On most Colorado Express Lanes, motorcycles and buses can use the express lanes for free. To use the Express Lanes for free as a driver, you will need three or more occupants in the vehicle and a Switchable HOV3+ Transponder Pass. HOV3+ is not available on C-470 Express Lanes and the I-70 Express Lanes between Empire and Idaho Springs.

While buses and motorcycles can travel on multiple Express lanes, vehicles with less than three occupants must pay a toll on all Express Lanes. Toll prices vary based on how heavy traffic is, with increases during peak hours and decreases during slower hours. On all Colorado Express Lanes, drivers can save an average of 40% on tolls by using an ExpressToll Pass.

Colorado Express Lane Rules

Before hitting the road, there are a few key rules to keep in mind while using the Colorado Express Lanes.

• Stick to designated entry and exit points — weaving in and out of the lane over solid lines will lead to a fine.
• In some cases, you’ll see a dashed line next to a solid line, which means drivers can enter only if the dashed line is on their side. 
• The Colorado Express Lanes are not passing lanes — they’re built for reliable travel, not as a way to move ahead of slower vehicles.
• On the I-70 Mountain Express Lanes, oversized vehicles longer than 25 feet aren’t allowed due to the narrow roadway. 
• Only use the Colorado Express Lanes when they are open. Nearly all of Colorado’s Express Lanes are open 24/7 but on some corridors, like I-70 between Idaho Springs and Empire, there are specific operating hours. Driving in the I-70 Mountain Express Lanes when closed is extremely dangerous as they operate as peak period shoulder lanes when closed and are used as shoulders for emergency and disabled vehicles. 

 

The Safety and Toll Enforcement Program is active on all tolled Colorado Express Lanes. If you violate any of the rules mentioned above, a $75 fine will be mailed to you based on the registered address of the vehicle’s license plate. To avoid receiving a fine and to keep Colorado’s roadways safe, adhere to the Express Lane rules.

Unique destinations can be found all over Colorado and by using the express lane safely, you can count on a reliable trip, less time in the car and more time to explore. 

Read on to learn about places to eat, drink and enjoy in Colorado and the Express Lanes you can take to get there.

Denver

The Denver Art Museum is a standout, so make it one of your first stops. Home to one of the nation’s most notable Indigenous art collections, it showcases more than 18,000 works from more than 250 Indigenous nations, along with pieces from Latin America, Africa, Asia and Europe.

Knock out shopping, dining and entertainment at Larimer Square, a vibrant district lined with boutiques and vintage finds. Rent gear from Confluence Kayak & Ski to paddle near Confluence Park — right in the middle of the city. For a next-level relaxation, Oakwell Beer Spa offers hydrotherapy with a beer bath and an infrared sauna.

Make a reservation at MICHELIN-starred Alma Fonda Fina for a rich short-rib taco de barbacoa or Pacific halibut with buttered rice. At Atelier by Radex, delicately poached lobster and vibrant tomato caprese arrive plated like works of art. Bonnie Brae Ice Cream scoops up flavors like cappuccino crunch, while 54Thirty, the rooftop bar at Le Méridien, pairs a classic cheese board with a crisp riesling. Note: If you plan to drink, make sure you designate a sober driver. 

Express Lanes in the Area:

The I-70: I-25 to Chambers Road Express Lanes give direct access to many top attractions. Travelers from northern Colorado and north Denver, including Thornton, Broomfield and Boulder, can use the I-25 Express Lanes between US 36 and E-70 or stretch from downtown Denver to US 36 for a smoother commute. 

Find Colorado Express Lanes in both directions on C-470 between Wadsworth Boulevard and I-25 for easy access to attractions in the south Denver metro area, such as the Park Meadows shopping mall and Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre.

Remember: No weaving across solid lines. Enter and exit the Express Lanes at designated areas only. Entering in an exit-only area or exiting at an entry-only area by crossing over a solid line is considered a violation. 

Fort Collins

Put the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery on your list, with ever-changing exhibits that blend history, science and hands-on exploration. In The Schatz Family Exploration Room, children can interact with scientific exhibits demonstrating the principles of motion, light and color through engaging displays. 

The Fort Collins Creative District bursts with color and culture, featuring vibrant murals, architecture and live music, making it a great area in which to experience the city’s artistic energy. For family-friendly activities, Fort Fun packs in mini-golf, go-karts and arcade games. 

Thanks to the time saved in the express lanes, you can linger longer and make a stop at Horsetooth Reservoir — a picture-perfect setting — where hiking, swimming, camping and expansive views await. 

Dining in Fort Collins brings something for every craving. Restaurant 415 serves modern American dishes like spicy grilled chicken, while Café Vino crafts mushroom-spinach pizza with organic ingredients. Rodizio Grill delivers a taste of Brazil and Social pairs light bites with an extensive drink menu featuring everything from lavender-sour cocktails to bold cabernet sauvignons. Note: If you plan to drink, make sure you designate a sober driver. 

Express Lanes in the Area:

To get to these northern Colorado destinations, you can use the I-25: Berthoud to Fort Collins lanes for a quicker journey. Remember: No weaving across solid lines. Enter and exit the Express Lanes through the dashed lines only.

Westminster

With Colorado Express Lanes making you feel like you have wings, it’s only fitting to soar into Westminster for a visit to the Butterfly Pavilion. Step into a tropical habitat where 1,600 free-flying butterflies drift around you. For a glimpse into Westminster’s past, visit the Bowles House Museum, a 1971-built home that once belonged to Edward Bruce Bowles and his wife. It showcases the lives of Westminster’s early settlers via intricate architecture and artifacts.

When it’s time to enjoy some downtime, McFall Park offers plenty of space to spread out a picnic, let kids play on the playground and take a stroll along the paved trail. A short drive away, Standley Lake Regional Park provides a peaceful outdoor escape for wildlife spotting, kayaking or camping.

Dig into bold flavors at Yak and Yeti, where crispy vegetable samosas lead into rich, spice-laden lamb masala with rice. Kachina Southwestern Grill serves up creative brunch bites like chili-mango French toast or refreshing salads with fruit. At Asti D’Italia, treat yourself to buffalo-and-cheese lasagna or grilled ahi tuna. For a laid-back sip, grab a seat in Mad Rabbit Distillery’s tasting room and enjoy craft beer or a fruit-punch-flavored cocktail. Note: If you plan to drink, make sure you designate a sober driver. 

Express Lanes in the Area:

Colorado Express Lanes are available for both directions of US 36 between Federal Boulevard and Table Mesa Drive, making Westminster a remarkable stop on a day trip to Boulder from Denver or even for a trip of its own! Remember: No weaving across solid lines. Enter and exit the Express Lanes through the dashed lines only.

Boulder

The Flatirons rise dramatically above Boulder, their jagged peaks glowing at sunset. CO 128, one of the most scenic drives in Colorado, offers breathtaking perspectives of these iconic rock formations. For exploring on foot, the Wonderland Lake Loop Trail offers a peaceful stroll around the lake, where wildlife, like deer, are often spotted.

With the express lane reducing your drive, you now have time to book a two-hour guided e-bike tour with Ride Colorado, which zips past the University of Colorado Boulder’s Folsom Field football stadium and Fiske Planetarium.

Pearl Street buzzes with artisan shops, bookstores and street performers, making it a perfect place for wandering. Eldora Mountain Resort, just 30 minutes away from the city, offers exhilarating skiing and snowboarding thrills.

Feeling hungry? SALT whips up bold dishes like curry-chicken salad, oak-fired steak and other flavorful options. For something simple, The Sink serves up a grilled-salmon sandwich or a hearty bacon burger. At Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, chai pancakes and Indian dosas — savory crepes — arrive beneath a hand-painted, intricately carved ceiling, surrounded by greenery. For a refined evening, MICHELIN-starred Frasca Food and Wine delivers Italian cuisine with perfectly paired wines. Note: If you plan to drink, make sure you designate a sober driver. 

Express Lanes in the Area:

For continuous outdoor adventure and exciting attractions, the Colorado Express Lanes run in both directions on US 36 between Boulder and Denver. Remember: No weaving across solid lines. Enter and exit the Express Lanes through the dashed lines only.

Colorado Springs

Explore the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) campus, where a family-friendly scavenger hunt kicks off at the Visitor Center. Cycle or hike around 30 miles of single-track trails or sit back for a free planetarium show.

Just south of USAFA, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center offers a tour through its museum, highlighting the triumphs of America’s legendary athletes. Watch future stars push their limits for their shot at history in the training center. 

Heading into town from the north? Use Colorado Express Lanes for a quicker and reliable drive to Garden of the Gods, where orange-hued rock formations create a dramatic setting for hiking, rock climbing or a morning segway tour. For more adventure, Pikes Peak, at 14,115 feet, is hard to miss. Reach the summit by parking and taking the Cog Railway, a shuttle or even cycling.

Challenge yourself on the Manitou Incline, a steep, 2,000-foot climb with around 2,744 steps to the summit. The round-trip hike takes about three hours with a picturesque trail recommended for the descent. Afterward, an overnight stay at The Broadmoor offers a well-earned retreat, with access to its luxurious spa and serene pools.

Inside The Broadmoor, Ristorante Del Lago plates up braised veal-stuffed pasta, best enjoyed with views of Cheyenne Lake. At Rabbit Hole, crisp garlic-truffle fries and carefully assembled meat and cheese boards make for perfect shareables. Garden of the Gods Market and Café serves up steaming tomato-basil soup and a filling breakfast burrito. Burrowing Owl focuses on plant-based bites, from a rice-and-beans supreme bowl to a fresh vegetable wrap.

Express Lanes in the Area:

For those driving to or from Colorado Springs from Denver or northern Colorado, Colorado Express Lanes operate in both directions of I-25 between Monument and Castle Rock.

Idaho Springs

Beyond the state’s major cities, Colorado Express Lanes also provide a route to smaller mountain towns like Idaho Springs. For winter thrills, ski, snowboard or snow tube down powdery slopes at Echo Mountain.

Argo Mill & Tunnel brings history to life with gold panning and tours showcasing milling techniques from the Victorian Industrial Revolution. For a soothing escape, Indian Hot Springs features a mineral-water pool inside a tropical-like dome.

At Colorado Adventure Center, burn off energy by whitewater rafting on Clear Creek, ziplining over the river or testing your skills on rope courses while taking in the landscape scenery.

For boneless slow-braised short ribs or a hand-packed Angus burger, MTN Prime delivers satisfying flavors. Pickaxe Pizza serves up wood-fired Cajun chicken pizza along with street tacos and freshly made sandwiches.

Try a juicy pineapple-mango Westbound IPA at Westbound & Down Brewing Company or enjoy a Burro Verde lager infused with Anaheim chiles at Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub. Note: If you plan to drink, make sure you designate a sober driver. 

Express Lanes in the Area:

Colorado Express Lanes are open in both directions between Empire and Idaho Springs, serving as a gateway to mountain destinations like Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Winter Park and Vail. Remember: No weaving across solid lines, no driving in the Express Lanes when they are closed and no oversized vehicles in the Express Lanes.

Want More?

How to use the Colorado Express Lanes

Find more info on the Colorado Express Lanes

Learn about Colorado Express Lanes Safety and Toll Enforcement