Navigating Colorado’s highways gets easier when you have a toll pass. Whether you’re a daily commuter or occasional traveler, having the right toll pass saves you time, money, and the hassle of unexpected bills in your mailbox. This guide will walk you through all the options for getting your Colorado toll pass, helping you decide which method works best for your situation.
What is ExpressToll and Why You Need It
ExpressToll is Colorado’s primary electronic toll collection system that works on all toll roads in the state. With an ExpressToll account, you’ll save more than 35% compared to license plate billing rates on roads like E-470, Northwest Parkway, and all CDOT Express Lanes (including I-25, I-70, US-36, and C-470).
The best part? Your ExpressToll now works beyond Colorado’s borders through the Central United States Interoperability Hub, covering Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas too!
Online: The Fastest Way to Get Your Colorado Toll Pass
The quickest and most convenient option is signing up online at expresstoll.com. The entire process takes about 10 minutes and your account becomes active immediately.
Here’s what you’ll need to provide:
- License plate numbers for all vehicles you want on the account
- Vehicle make, model, and year information
- A valid email address
- Credit card for the initial $35 deposit (this goes toward future tolls)
The online process is streamlined and user-friendly. Once you complete registration, your transponder will arrive by mail in 7-10 business days, but your account works immediately via license plate recognition.
In-Person Options: ExpressToll Service Center
If you prefer face-to-face service or have questions about your account, visit the ExpressToll Service Center located at:
22470 E. Stephen D. Hogan Parkway, Aurora, Colorado 80018
They’re open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The service center offers several advantages:
- Immediate account setup
- Transponders available on the spot
- Staff to answer specific questions about toll roads
- Help with any special account requirements
Phone Registration: ExpressToll Customer Service
Don’t have time to visit in person or go online? You can set up your ExpressToll account over the phone by calling:
- Local: (303) 537-3470
- Toll-Free: (888) 946-3470
Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to walk you through the process.
Retail Partners: Convenient Local Options
ExpressToll has partnered with various retail locations throughout Colorado to make sign-up even more convenient. While the specific retail partners may change, grocery stores like King Soopers and Safeway have historically offered ExpressToll services.
For the most current list of retail locations:
- Visit expresstoll.com
- Call customer service
- Check with your local grocery stores
The retail option is perfect if you want to get your pass while running errands, with no special trip required.
Understanding ExpressToll Account Costs
One of the biggest advantages of ExpressToll is its straightforward pricing structure:
| Fee Type | Standard Account | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Setup fee | $0 | No activation charges |
| Monthly maintenance | $0 | No recurring fees |
| Initial deposit | $35 | Applied toward future tolls |
| Standard sticker transponder | FREE | One per registered vehicle |
| Switchable HOV3+ transponder | $18 | Optional, for carpool lane access |
The $35 initial deposit is not a fee—it’s prepayment for tolls that will be used as you drive toll roads. Your account is automatically replenished when the balance gets low.
Types of Colorado Toll Transponders Available
Colorado offers two main types of transponders:
Standard Sticker Transponder
The standard option is a free sticker transponder that attaches to your windshield. These are:
- Free of charge
- Easy to install
- Work on all Colorado toll roads
- Non-transferable between vehicles
Switchable HOV3+ Transponder
If you frequently travel with passengers and want to use HOV lanes for free, you’ll need the Switchable HOV3+ Transponder:
- Costs $18
- Allows switching between toll mode and HOV mode
- Provides free travel in HOV lanes when properly set to HOV mode with 3+ people in your vehicle
- Movable between vehicles (though the account still needs all vehicles registered)
Alternative Payment Methods for Colorado Toll Roads
Don’t want to set up an ExpressToll account? You still have options:
License Plate Toll (LPT)
With License Plate Toll, cameras photograph your license plate as you drive through toll points, and a bill is mailed to the registered owner:
- No pre-registration required
- No transponder needed
- Costs approximately 40% more than ExpressToll rates
- Bills arrive by mail several weeks after travel
GO-PASS (Northwest Parkway Only)
The Northwest Parkway offers its own GO-PASS system, which:
- Works only on the Northwest Parkway
- Doesn’t require prepayment
- Bills you after use
- Can be set up at nwpky.com
Benefits of Choosing ExpressToll over Alternatives
ExpressToll offers several advantages that make it the preferred choice for most Colorado drivers:
- Cost savings: Save more than 35% compared to License Plate Toll rates
- Convenience: No stopping at toll booths; your transponder handles everything
- Multi-state compatibility: Works in Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas
- Account management: Easy online access to view trips and manage payment methods
- Multiple vehicle support: Add all family vehicles to one account
- No surprise bills: Your account is automatically replenished when funds get low
ExpressToll Versus License Plate Toll: Cost Comparison
To illustrate the savings, here’s a comparison of ExpressToll versus License Plate Toll rates:
| Toll Road | ExpressToll Rate | License Plate Toll Rate | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-470 (Full length) | $16.15 | $24.65 | $8.50 |
| Northwest Parkway | $4.60 | $7.00 | $2.40 |
| I-25 Express Lanes (Downtown to US 36) | $1.15-$5.25* | $3.15-$7.25* | $2.00+ |
*Express Lane rates vary by time of day and congestion levels
How to Install Your ExpressToll Transponder
Once you receive your transponder, proper installation ensures it works correctly:
Standard Sticker Transponder:
- Clean the inside of your windshield with alcohol wipes (included)
- Remove the adhesive backing
- Place the sticker on the inside of your windshield behind the rearview mirror
- Press firmly to secure
- Wait 24 hours before driving through toll points
Switchable HOV3+ Transponder:
- Mount the transponder to your windshield using the velcro strips provided
- Position it behind the rearview mirror
- Ensure the switch is accessible for changing between toll and HOV mode
- Set to HOV mode only when carrying 3+ passengers
Managing Your ExpressToll Account
After setting up your account, management is simple through the ExpressToll website:
- View toll history and charges
- Update payment methods
- Add or remove vehicles
- Check account balance
- Download statements for expense reports
- Set up auto-replenishment thresholds
You can also manage your account through the ExpressToll mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices.
ExpressToll for Rental Cars and Visitors
Visiting Colorado or renting a car? You have options:
- Temporary accounts: Set up a short-term ExpressToll account for your rental
- Add to existing account: Temporarily add a rental car to your existing ExpressToll account
- Rental company programs: Many rental agencies offer toll programs (like Hertz PlatePass)
- License Plate Toll: Do nothing and receive a bill later (higher rates apply)
Frequently Used Colorado Toll Roads
Understanding which roads use tolls helps you plan your trips and budget accordingly:
- E-470: 47-mile beltway around eastern Denver metro area
- Northwest Parkway: Connects E-470 to US 36
- I-25 Express Lanes: From downtown Denver to 120th Avenue, and from Monument to Castle Rock
- US 36 Express Lanes: Between Denver and Boulder
- I-70 Mountain Express Lane: Eastbound from Empire to Idaho Springs
- C-470 Express Lanes: From I-25 to Wadsworth Boulevard
When Your ExpressToll Works Outside Colorado
Your Colorado ExpressToll transponder now works seamlessly in:
- Texas (TxTag, NTTA, HCTRA)
- Oklahoma (PIKEPASS)
- Kansas (K-TAG)
This interoperability is particularly useful for road trips and cross-state commuters.
Is ExpressToll Worth It? The Bottom Line
For most Colorado drivers, ExpressToll offers clear advantages:
- Regular toll road users save significant money (35%+ savings)
- Express lanes access during rush hour saves time
- No surprise bills in the mail
- Multi-state compatibility for regional travelers
- One account for the whole family’s vehicles
The minimal setup requirements (just $35 in prepaid tolls) make it an easy choice for anyone who uses Colorado toll roads even occasionally.
Ready to get your Colorado toll pass? Visit expresstoll.com today to start saving on your toll road travel.
