Colorado Toll Roads Complete Guide: ExpressToll, E-470, Rates & Payment 2025
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
Colorado Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (ExpressToll RFID + License plate recognition)
Coverage: Denver Metro Area, I-25, I-70, US-36 Express Lanes
Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
Technology: ExpressToll transponders, GO-PASS, ANPR cameras
Operators: E-470 Public Highway Authority, CDOT, Northwest Parkway LLC
Do I Need ExpressToll for Colorado? 2025 Update
No, you don't need ExpressToll to drive on Colorado toll roads - but you'll save over 35% with an account. Colorado operates a mixed electronic toll system with license plate backup billing at higher rates.
Key Reality: ExpressToll customers save more than 35% on all Colorado toll roads compared to license plate toll customers who pay higher rates plus potential fees.
2025 Update: Starting December 1, 2024, Colorado implemented automated enforcement for Express Lanes violations, with warnings through December 31, 2024, and fines beginning January 1, 2025.
Colorado Toll Costs: Current Rates
Colorado operates toll roads in the Denver metro area with rates varying by location, time, and vehicle type. The state uses both distance-based and barrier toll systems.
Current Toll Rates by Facility (2025)
| Facility | ExpressToll Rate | License Plate Rate | System Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-470 (Full Length) | $2.60-$12.50 | $4.00-$19.25 | Distance-based |
| Northwest Parkway | $5.20 (mainline) | $8.00 (mainline) | Barrier toll |
| I-25 Express Lanes | $0.75-$6.00 | $1.50-$12.00 | Dynamic pricing |
| US-36 Express Lanes | $1.00-$5.00 | $2.00-$10.00 | Dynamic pricing |
| I-70 Mountain Express Lane | $3.00-$30.00 | $6.00-$60.00 | Dynamic pricing |
| C-470 Express Lanes | $1.50-$4.00 | $3.00-$8.00 | Dynamic pricing |
Vehicle Classification System
Two-Axle Vehicles: Cars, motorcycles, pickup trucks, vans (standard rates)
Multi-Axle Vehicles: Commercial vehicles with more than two axles incur additional charges, with rates multiplied by axle count
How to Pay Colorado Tolls
Colorado offers multiple payment methods for toll roads:
1. ExpressToll Electronic System:
- $35 initial deposit required for ExpressToll account
- Works on all Colorado toll roads and express lanes
- Central United States Interoperability Hub allows use in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado
2. GO-PASS (Northwest Parkway Only):
- Auto-Bill service with monthly billing, no prepaid balance required
- Exclusive to Northwest Parkway
3. License Plate Toll (Backup):
- Cameras photograph license plates when driving through tolling points
- Higher rates than ExpressToll customers
- $5 late fee for second statement if not paid by due date
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Colorado toll roads, use TollGuru Colorado toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Express Lanes Enforcement:
- December 1, 2024: Automated enforcement for Express Lanes violations began with 30-day warning period
- January 1, 2025: Civil penalties for crossing solid lines outside designated areas take effect
- Covers I-25 South Gap, I-70, and US-36 corridors
Dynamic Pricing Expansion:
- US-36 and I-25 Central Express Lanes transitioned to dynamic pricing
- Real-time traffic-based rate adjustments
- Overhead signs display current toll prices
HOV Requirements:
- Express Lanes require at least three passengers (HOV3) for free travel
- Switchable HOV3+ Transponder required for HOV mode
Colorado Toll Facilities
E-470 - Eastern Beltway:
- 47-mile semi-circular beltway around eastern Denver metro area
- 75 mph four-lane toll highway connecting I-25 North to I-25 South
- Primary route to Denver International Airport
Express Lanes Network:
- I-25: Downtown Denver to 120th Avenue
- US-36: Federal Boulevard to Table Mesa Drive
- I-70 Mountain Express Lane: 13-mile HOT lane on eastbound I-70
- C-470 Express Lanes: Southwest Denver metro
Northwest Parkway:
- 9.05-mile limited-access toll road from US-36 to I-25/E-470 interchange
- Funded entirely with private money
- Forms partial beltway around Denver metropolitan area
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Denver airport trips: $8-15 via E-470 (fastest route)
- Cross-town express lanes: $3-12 depending on traffic
- Mountain corridor (I-70): $6-60 depending on conditions
Alternative Routes:
- General purpose lanes available on all Express Lane corridors
- Surface streets available but significantly slower
- I-70 Mountain: No alternative during peak ski season
Peak Pricing:
- Express lanes use dynamic pricing during congestion
- I-70 Mountain: Premium pricing on ski weekends
- Special event pricing for major venues
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Colorado tolls completely?
Yes, but with significant time penalties. E-470 alternatives add 30-60 minutes to airport trips. Express lanes are optional - general purpose lanes are always available.
What happens if I don't pay Colorado tolls?
License Plate Toll statement with $5 late fee for second statement, followed by notices of violation and potential civil penalties.
Do rental cars work with ExpressToll?
You must add rental car license plates to your ExpressToll account prior to driving on any Colorado toll road. Otherwise, you'll receive separate bills.
Can I use ExpressToll in other states?
Yes, ExpressToll works on toll roads in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas through the Central United States Interoperability Hub.
What are HOV3 requirements?
Express Lanes require at least three passengers (HOV3) to be eligible for free HOV travel. A switchable transponder is required.
Colorado vs. Neighboring States
| State | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Electronic + license plate | $2.60-$30.00 | Denver metro area |
| Kansas | K-TAG + cash | $0.10-0.15/mile | Kansas Turnpike |
| Oklahoma | PIKEPASS + cash | $0.05-0.12/mile | Statewide turnpikes |
| New Mexico | No tolls | $0.00 | Toll-free state |
| Utah | No tolls | $0.00 | Toll-free state |
| Wyoming | No tolls | $0.00 | Toll-free state |
| Nebraska | No tolls | $0.00 | Toll-free state |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- US Toll Roads - Complete United States toll information
- Canada Toll Roads - Northern neighbor toll systems
- Mexico Toll Roads - Southern neighbor toll systems
ExpressToll Services:
- ExpressToll Customer Service: (303) 537-3470 or (888) 946-3470
- E-470 Administration: (303) 537-3470
- Northwest Parkway: (303) 252-7277
