Driving Cost from Breckenridge, Colorado to Colorado Springs, Colorado

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The Cost of a Trip Between Breckenridge, Colorado and Colorado Springs, Colorado: A Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling between Breckenridge and Colorado Springs in Colorado requires a bit of planning, especially on a budget. With a distance of roughly 110 miles, the trip could last anywhere from 2 to 3 hours depending on your mode of transportation and the route you take. In this guide, we are going to explore the different routes you can take, their cost, and which one is the best based on current gas prices.

Route 1: Take the I-70 W and US-285 S Route

The I-70 W and US-285 S route is the fastest and most direct route between Breckenridge and Colorado Springs. To initiate the trip, drivers will need to start from Breckenridge and navigate by following the I-70 W towards Denver. After passing Keystone Resort, proceed to exit 205 for CO-9 S towards Fairplay-Breckenridge. It's a bit tricky around Fairplay because you'll be branching off of CO-9 S and following US-285 S towards Buena Vista-Salida. Continue to Salida until you reach Poncha Springs, and then proceed to follow US-50 E towards Cañon City. Once you get into Cañon City, look out for CO-115 S towards Colorado Springs. It's from there that you start heading south.

Driving straight through non-stop from Breckenridge to Colorado Springs, using this route, it takes roughly 2 hours and 38 minutes. Depending on your type of vehicle and current gas prices, budgeting for the cost of gas for a round trip using this route could be about $35.16. However, it's worth noting that gas prices and mileage for each vehicle are different, and this will affect how much you spend on gas.

Route 2: Go Through Park County and Pike National Forest

Another option to consider when traveling between Breckenridge and Colorado Springs is going through Park County and Pike National Forest. This route is a bit shorter than the I-70 W and US-285 S route mentioned earlier, but it takes much longer and is more demanding, mainly due to the winding and uneven roads. To use this route, start by exiting Breckenridge and turning onto CO-9 towards Fairplay. After passing through the town, you need to follow CR-5 towards Hartsel before taking a left onto US-24 E. Follow US-24 E for a while until you see a sign indicating Pike National Forest. Turn right and take the road until you reach CO-67 S, which will lead to Woodland Park. Finally, get onto US-24 E once more and proceed to Colorado Springs.

Stopping by different picnic spots and scenic overlooks during this route may be an intriguing experience, and drivers who are enthusiastic about nature may enjoy it more. However, because of the difficult terrain and the need to drive slower, it takes longer to use this route, with an average of 3 hours and 35 minutes. In terms of cost, you need to be ready to budget around $44.80 for gas for a round trip, considering that the route is roughly 108 miles.

Route 3: Use the I-70 E and CO-470 W Route

The I-70 E and CO-470 route is an alternative for those who don't want to navigate through winding roads but instead prefer standard and more accessible highways. To kick off the trip, exit Breckenridge, and follow CO-9 N to cross Cataract Creek before transitioning onto the I-70 E towards Denver. After you pass Evergreen, take exit 259 for CO-470 W towards Colorado Springs. Proceed to follow the road until you get to the exit for I-25 S, and then use the exit to initiate the final leg of the trip to Colorado Springs.

Using this route, drivers can get to Colorado Springs from Breckenridge in roughly 3 hours and 5 minutes, but the total distance may be a bit more than other routes at 136 miles. Additionally, based on the mileage and current gas prices, budget considerations should be around $44.24 for a round trip.

The Best Route Between Breckenridge and Colorado Springs

After comparing the three routes, the best route for a trip based on current gas prices between Breckenridge and Colorado Springs is the I-70 W and US-285 S route. While all three routes have their unique advantages and disadvantages, the I-70 W and US-285 S route offers the most direct path between the two locations and is the most cost-effective, with an estimated cost of $35.16 for a round trip.

Another significant consideration while deciding the best route is the distance, which is shortest using this route, at roughly 110 miles. The journey time is also reasonable for those who are looking for a straightforward and time-efficient route, lasting approximately 2 hours and 38 minutes based on current traffic conditions.

Conclusion

No matter which route you ultimately decide to take when traveling between Breckenridge and Colorado Springs, it's vital to consider the cost of gas and other expenses associated with the trip. Based on current gas prices, the I-70 W and US-285 S route are the most cost-effective and direct path to consider, and is likely the best choice if you want to get there quickly and without having to spend a lot on gas. Whether you're visiting friends and family, going on a vacation, or attending a business meeting, Breckenridge and Colorado Springs offer stunning views and an excellent base from which to explore surrounding areas throughout Colorado.