How much time to allot for AM commute to Denver from Ft Collins (Colorado Springs: hotel) - Fort Collins area - (CO) - City-Data Forum

Bluesky2015 · 06-12-2016, 06:05 PM

Hello,
I newly moved to Fort Collins. I need to go to a one time workshop in Colorado Springs and arrive by 10am. What time should I leave Fort Collins? 4AM? My sense is that once I pass the Denver area, traffic will be OK. But what with construction, rush hour traffic, etc. I'm afraid I'll still be sitting in traffic at 10 am if I'm not careful.

Sunderpig2 · 06-13-2016, 08:38 AM

As a starting point, you might want to consult Google Maps for a minimum time needed, and then add at least two hours to it.

If you can leave at 4AM or so, that's much smarter and safer. You can always get some food and/or read a book or material for the workshop. The earlier you go, the more enjoyable the drive should be, especially since this may through unfamiliar territory. Hopefully others who are more familiar with that type of commute will chime in. I hope it turns out to be a great trip for you!

SkyDog77 · 06-13-2016, 08:59 AM

As of 9am with traffic, Google is saying 2 hours, 18 minutes.

EastwardBound · 07-01-2016, 11:40 AM

I wouldn't wish that commute on my worst enemy. Traffic is bumper to bumper in both directions, with tons of tailgaters and stop and go traffic the entire way at almost any time of the day.

2bindenver · 07-01-2016, 12:36 PM

I would spend the night at a local hotel.

MN_Ski · 07-01-2016, 01:20 PM

I honestly didn't really find it that bad last time I did a similar route.

I-25 isn't as backed up as say I70.

You could probably leave around 6:30 and be OK. Google predicts that you can leave at 7am, and arrive by 9:50, according to historical traffic data.

livethedream3 · 07-01-2016, 02:18 PM

I periodically have to make the drive from Golden to CO Springs with 10 AM arrival. I budget about 1.5 hours (from Golden) as 470 and I-25 are almost always smooth in the mornings. Some advice on the way back (depending on when you are returning): go around Denver. Take E-470 (toll) or even 470 W to 93 to northwest parkway (NW pkwy has a toll). Made the mistake once of trying to go through Denver via I-25 on the way back to Broomfield and will never do that again.