Quick Info
From Denver: 75 miles, 90 minutes (no traffic). Route: I-70 West through Eisenhower Tunnel. Airport: Denver International (DEN). Winter warning: I-70 traffic can triple drive times on weekends.
Frisco is the first major Summit County town you reach heading west on I-70. The drive from Denver is straightforward—all interstate with no mountain passes beyond the Eisenhower Tunnel. In good conditions, you're there in 90 minutes. The challenge is traffic, especially on winter weekends when I-70 becomes Colorado's most congested road.
From Denver
Distance: 75 miles. Time: 90 minutes without traffic.
Route: I-70 West from Denver. Pass through Idaho Springs and Georgetown. Through the Eisenhower Tunnel. Exit 201 for Frisco.
The tunnel: Eisenhower Tunnel at 11,158 feet is the highest point. No pass to drive over—just straight through. The tunnel sometimes closes briefly for accidents or weather.
I-70 Traffic Reality
I-70 is Colorado's main ski corridor, and traffic can be extreme:
Westbound Friday/Saturday: Heavy traffic starts mid-afternoon Friday and continues through Saturday morning. 3-4 hour drives are common.
Eastbound Sunday: The worst traffic of the week. Afternoon return traffic can extend to 5+ hours. Many locals avoid Sunday travel entirely.
Powder days: Fresh snow brings extra traffic. Everyone wants first tracks.
Holiday weekends: Presidents Day, MLK, Christmas week—traffic reaches epic proportions.
Avoiding Traffic
Depart very early. Leave Denver before 7 AM on Saturdays to beat the rush. Friday nights after 8 PM work too.
Avoid Sunday returns. Leave Saturday night, stay Sunday night, or leave very early Monday morning.
Take US-6 to I-70. Local alternative through Clear Creek Canyon. Joins I-70 at Idaho Springs, avoiding some traffic.
Consider weekdays. Midweek ski trips avoid almost all traffic. And the slopes are less crowded.
From Denver Airport
Distance: 95 miles. Time: 2 hours (add traffic buffer).
Route: Peña Boulevard to I-70 West. Same route as from Denver proper, just starting further east.
Shuttle Services
Several companies run scheduled shuttles from DEN to Summit County. Door-to-door service, no driving in winter conditions. Book in advance for ski season.
Rental Cars
All major rental companies at DEN. 4WD/AWD recommended for winter. Some roads require chains or appropriate tires—check rental policies.
Getting Around Summit County
Summit Stage: Free public bus connecting Frisco, Breckenridge, Keystone, Dillon, Silverthorne, and Copper Mountain. Frequent service during ski season. Bike racks in summer.
No car needed: Between the Summit Stage and walkable downtown Frisco, many visitors don't need a car after arrival.
Tips
Check CDOT before you go. Colorado Department of Transportation provides real-time I-70 conditions and travel times.
Traction law in effect. Colorado requires adequate tires or chains on I-70 during winter. AWD or M+S rated tires required. Fines for non-compliance.
Fill up before the mountains. Gas is cheaper in Denver. Summit County prices are higher.
Pack food and entertainment. If you hit bad traffic, you'll be glad to have snacks, water, and something to do.
Consider staying the extra night. Often cheaper than fighting Sunday traffic and more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the drive difficult in winter?
The road is well-maintained, but winter conditions require appropriate tires and careful driving. The tunnel eliminates the highest pass. Take your time.
Should I rent a 4WD vehicle?
Recommended but not required. AWD with good tires handles I-70 fine. 4WD helps for side roads and snowy conditions in town.
How bad is traffic really?
On peak days, 3-5 hour drives from Denver are common. It's frustrating but predictable. Plan around it.
Is there an alternate route?
US-285 to US-9 via Breckenridge works but isn't faster and includes Hoosier Pass. I-70 is the practical choice.
What about the bus from Denver?
Bustang offers service from Denver to Frisco. Schedule is limited, but it's a car-free option. Check routes and times.