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Trip from Boulder, CO to Breckenridge, CO

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 10m

Distance

91.8 mi

148 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 1m ★
6 AM
2h 10m
8 AM
2h 29m
10 AM
2h 17m
12 PM
2h 15m
3 PM
2h 18m
5 PM
2h 28m
8 PM
2h 5m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in and county seat of Boulder County, Colorado, United States

Boulder, CO

Wikimedia Commons

town in and county seat of Summit County, Colorado, United States

Breckenridge, CO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Driving from Boulder to Breckenridge is a straightforward 91.8-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes. Because of the manageable distance, this route functions perfectly as a simple day trip, allowing you to reach the mountains without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via the South Foothills Highway, I-70, and CO-9 to complete the transit between these two Mountain West hubs. Budgeting approximately $14 for fuel will cover your transit costs, making this an economical choice for a quick getaway. Since the entire trip takes place within Colorado, you won't encounter major regional shifts, but you will notice the transition from the base of the foothills into the higher elevation of the Rockies. It is a practical, efficient path for travelers looking to prioritize time at their destination over hours spent behind the wheel.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

45.9 miles from Boulder, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 5m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 70 56.8 mi 1h 9m
CO 9 9.3 mi 16m
South Foothills Highway 8.3 mi 12m
CO 93 7.5 mi 11m
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway 2.9 mi 4m
Broadway 2.2 mi 4m
28th Street 0.8 mi 1m
Arapahoe Avenue 0.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 70 — 56.8 mi, about 1h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Boulder, CO and Breckenridge, CO.

1

Start on this road

87 ft · 6 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto 19th Street

143 ft · 13 sec · 19th Street
3

Turn left onto Arapahoe Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · Arapahoe Avenue
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
4

Turn right onto US 36

0.8 mi · 1 min · 28th Street
5

Turn straight

0.2 mi · 18 sec
Toward Baseline Road
6

Keep slight left at fork

381 ft · 15 sec
Toward Baseline Road, Broadway South Use the left lane.
7

Continue on 27th Way

0.3 mi · 45 sec · 27th Way
Use the left / straight lanes.
8

At end of road, turn left onto CO 93

2.2 mi · 4 min · Broadway
Use the left lane.
9

Continue on CO 93

8.3 mi · 12 min · South Foothills Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
10

Continue on CO 93

7.5 mi · 11 min · CO 93
Use the left / straight lanes.
11

Continue on US 6

2.9 mi · 4 min · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
Use the straight lane.
12

Turn right onto CO 470

0.6 mi · 53 sec · CO 470
13

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 58 sec
Exit 1 Toward I 70 West: Grand Junction Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto I 70

57 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit onto CO 9

0.2 mi · 31 sec · CO 9
Toward CO 9: Frisco, Breckenridge Use the right lane.
16

Enter roundabout onto CO 9

225 ft · 3 sec · CO 9
17

Continue on CO 9

1.3 mi · 2 min · CO 9
Use the straight lane.
18

Enter roundabout onto CO 9

108 ft · 1 sec · CO 9
19

Continue on CO 9

0.4 mi · 45 sec · CO 9
20

Enter roundabout onto CO 9

118 ft · 2 sec · CO 9
21

Continue on CO 9

5.1 mi · 8 min · CO 9
Use the straight lane.
22

Enter roundabout onto CO 9

96 ft · 1 sec · CO 9
23

Continue on CO 9

2.2 mi · 3 min · CO 9
Use the straight lane.
24

Continue on CO 9

0.2 mi · 38 sec · Main Street
Use the straight lane.
25

Enter roundabout onto Main Street

104 ft · 3 sec · Main Street
26

Continue on Main Street

0.2 mi · 1 min · Main Street
27

Turn left onto North French Street

0.3 mi · 51 sec · North French Street
28

Turn left onto Wellington Road

0.4 mi · 57 sec · Wellington Road
29

Turn right onto Royal Tiger Road

401 ft · 12 sec · Royal Tiger Road
30

Turn right onto North Pine Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · North Pine Street
31

Arrive at destination

South Pine Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 2-hour and 10-minute drive, try to time your departure to avoid peak traffic congestion on I-70. Since there are no mandatory stops scheduled in this itinerary, you have the flexibility to power through the entire 91.8 miles in one go if your schedule is tight. Keep in mind that your fuel costs will hover around $14, so consider topping off your tank before leaving Boulder to ensure a stress-free climb into the mountains. Pay close attention to road signage when you transition from the interstate to CO-9, as this is where the route structure changes most significantly. Being prepared for these transitions will help you maintain a smooth pace from start to finish.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 45.9 miles from Boulder, CO, or about 1h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 56.8 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 20 miles or 32m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 45.9 miles or 1h 5m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 41m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Breckenridge, CO than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Boulder, CO so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Boulder, CO

This is one driving day of about 91.8 miles and 2h 10m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Boulder, CO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 70 for about 56.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Evergreen, CO, CO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Evergreen, CO

46 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Applewood, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Evergreen, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 45.9 miles from Boulder, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop

Sushi Bistro TASUKI

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Boulder, Colorado

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately

Hours: 5–9:30 pm

+13034479718

Visit website

Sushi Bistro TASUKI

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately

Boulder, Colorado

Hours: 5–9:30 pm

+13034479718

Visit website

Clear Creek White Water Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Golden, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13033848000

Visit website

Pearl Street Mall

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Boulder, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13034493774

Mountain Time Escape Rooms - Sasquatch

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Breckenridge, Colorado

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+19704236556

Visit website

Mountain Top Explorium (Children’s Museum)

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Breckenridge, Colorado

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

+19704537878

Visit website

Chautauqua Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Boulder, CO

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+13034137200

Visit website

Breckenridge Recreation Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Breckenridge, Colorado

Hours: 5:30 am–9 pm

+19704531734

Visit website

Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Breckenridge, Colorado

+19704531734

Visit website

Colorado Adventure Center - Zipline & Ropes Course

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Idaho Springs, Colorado

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+17207071885

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 80.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Arapahoe Avenue

Turn left onto Arapahoe Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight / right lanes.
9
1.6 mi into trip | ~3m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Baseline Road, Broadway South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward Baseline Road, Broadway South
5
1.9 mi into trip | ~4m in | CO 93 / Broadway

At end of road, turn left onto CO 93 / Broadway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
7
23.4 mi into trip | ~37m in

Take the exit toward I 70 West: Grand Junction

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 1 Toward I 70 West: Grand Junction
7
80.9 mi into trip | ~1h 48m in | CO 9

Take the exit onto CO 9 toward CO 9: Frisco, Breckenridge

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward CO 9: Frisco, Breckenridge

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.83 one way

$27.66 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 32 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.05 $14.64 $29.29
premium $4.39 $15.88 $31.76
diesel $5.61 $20.27 $40.54

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$14

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$39–$64

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 32.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 27.5 0 $9.64 $4.41
Efficient EV 23 0 $8.03 $3.67
EV Truck/SUV 36.7 0 $12.85 $5.88

Gas CO2

32 kg

EV CO2

11 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Boulder, CO

Late night in Boulder on Tuesday

Local time

4:12 AM

MDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Breckenridge, CO

Late night in Breckenridge on Tuesday

Local time

4:12 AM

MDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

7 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 10m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 81% of your travel occurring on major thoroughfares. You should prepare for a consistent pace, as your longest uninterrupted stretch is 56.8 miles spent cruising along I-70. While the route begins with local connections, the interstate portion demands your focus and steady highway driving skills. As you transition onto CO-9 to reach your final destination, the character of the road shifts, requiring more attention to the specific demands of mountain highway driving. Expect a blend of fast-paced interstate travel followed by the more direct, focused transit needed to navigate the final leg into Breckenridge.

81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 56.8 mi on I 70.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and CO 9. You will hit about 21 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Arapahoe Avenue.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 91.8 miles you will encounter 21 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Arapahoe Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.9 miles (CO 93 / Broadway): Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 10m. Total distance: 91.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 56.8 miles on I 70. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Breckenridge, CO before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Arapahoe Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.9 miles (CO 93 / Broadway): Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Breckenridge, CO before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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