The Cost of a Trip Between Broomfield and Colorado Springs: Navigating Gas Prices in 2021

Taking a trip from Broomfield to Colorado Springs in 2021 comes with its own unique considerations, particularly when it comes to gas prices. It's important to first identify the different routes available and weigh the cost and distance of each one before making a decision. This article will provide a breakdown of the different routes available, the cost of each one and what to look out for to help you make an informed decision about which route to take.

Assessing the Different Routes

There are several different routes that can be taken on the journey from Broomfield to Colorado Springs. These include the I-25 South, U.S. 85 S/CO-86 E, and U.S. 285 S/CO-24 E. Each of these roads has its own set of costs and considerations that need to be weighed up before making a decision.

I-25 South

The I-25 South is the most direct route and also the most popular for those traveling from Broomfield to Colorado Springs. This road is relatively fast and smooth, taking you straight from Broomfield to Colorado Springs in about an hour and 15 minutes. However, during peak traffic hours, you may experience heavy traffic, which can significantly slow down the journey.

When traveling on the I-25 South in 2021, you can expect to pay around $9.10 for gas for a one-way trip in a medium-sized car, with gas prices averaging around $2.59 per gallon. On this route, you’ll travel approximately 83 miles, making it the shortest route of the three.

U.S. 85 S/CO-86 E

U.S. 85 S/CO-86 E is a slightly longer route that takes you through some of the smaller towns surrounding Denver. While it takes you further east than I-25 South, it is relatively straightforward and will add only an extra 10 minutes to your journey.

The average cost to travel along U.S. 85 S/CO-86 E lies at around $11.95 for gas in a medium-sized car, mainly due to the road being longer at approximately 91 miles.

U.S. 285 S/CO-24 E

U.S. 285 S/CO-24 E is the longest route out of the three. It is a unique route as it takes you from the mountains and through several parks, making it one of the most scenic routes you can take. Because it is a more rural route, the cost of gas is a bit higher than the I-25 South and U.S. 85 S/CO-86 E routes.

If you are traveling from Broomfield to Colorado Springs on this route, expect to pay an average of $15.28 for gas in a medium-sized car, as you will spend around 120 miles on the road.

Choosing the Best Route

From the breakdown of the three routes, it’s clear that the I-25 South route is the most cost-effective for a one-way trip between Broomfield and Colorado Springs. While U.S. 285 S/CO-24 E might be the most visually appealing, the distance covered on this route will undoubtedly cost you more gas money. When considering alternatives, the I-25 South route clearly offers the best “bang for your buck.”

In addition to cost, it is also important to factor in how heavy or light traffic may slow down your journey. In general, the peak hours for heavy traffic are between 6:45 a.m. and 9 a.m. when people are driving to work. If time isn't on your side and you have to travel around this time, it's best to take the U.S. 85 S/CO-86 E route, which has a lesser chance of congestion.

However, if time is not a constraint, the I-25 South is the most efficient route with the shortest traveling time and cost-effective gas prices.

Conclusion

Traveling from Broomfield to Colorado Springs can be a straightforward route, provided you figure out which route you should take based on cost, traffic, and distance. The I-25 south is the most cost-effective with a medium-sized car, while U.S. 85 S/CO-86 E and U.S. 285 S/CO-24 E offer viable alternatives that add only a few extra minutes of the journey. Traffic can also be a deciding factor when travelling during peak hours. In the end, the choice lies with you—do you feel the extra few dollars for gas, traffic congestion or longer travel time along scenic routes is worth it?