The Drive from Boulder to Colorado Springs: How Long Will It Take?

Are you planning a trip from Boulder to Colorado Springs, but wondering how much time you should allot for the drive? The amount of time it takes to travel between these two cities can vary depending on the route you take and traffic patterns. In this blog post, we’ll explore the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the typical driving time based on traffic.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Boulder to Colorado Springs is via US-36 E and I-25 S. This route covers a distance of approximately 100 miles and takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes to drive. This is assuming you are driving during low traffic times. However, during peak traffic times, such as weekday mornings and evenings, the driving time can increase significantly, sometimes taking over 2 hours to arrive at your destination.

The Slowest Route

If you’re in the mood for a leisurely drive and want to see more of Colorado’s beautiful landscapes, you may consider taking the slower route via CO-7 E and CO-83 S. This route is approximately 130 miles long and takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive. However, the views you’ll see along the way are worth the extra time. Additionally, this route can sometimes be less congested than the faster route.

Traffic Patterns

While the fastest route is also the most direct, it can be prone to heavy traffic during certain times of day. The morning and afternoon rush hours on weekdays are generally the worst times to travel, where your drive time could be increased by up to 30 minutes or more. On weekends, traffic is usually lighter, but be prepared for heavier traffic during peak travel seasons, such as holidays and summer months.

Alternate Routes

If you’re looking for a middle ground between the longer and shorter routes, you may consider going via CO-119 E and CO-105 S. This route is approximately 115 miles long and takes around 2 hours to drive. This route can sometimes be less congested than the fastest route, but will also take less time than the longest route. However, similar to the fastest route, traffic during peak times may cause delays.

Final Thoughts

When planning your drive from Boulder to Colorado Springs, take into account the route you’re taking and the time of day you’ll be traveling. If you want to get there quickly, the US-36 E and I-25 S route is your best bet, but be prepared for heavy traffic during peak hours. If you’re in the mood for a scenic drive, take the slower route via CO-7 E and CO-83 S. And if you’re looking for a middle ground, consider going via CO-119 E and CO-105 S. Whatever route you choose, make sure to allow extra time for traffic and unexpected delays. Happy driving!