While you will never experience the frustrating traffic jams of
Los Angeles or New York, efficient automobile travel in the Pikes Peak region
can only be learned through experience. Interstate 25 is the major
north-south expressway in Colorado Springs, and U.S. Highway 24 is the major
east-west route. Major north-south roads are almost circular in
Colorado Springs and include Nevada Avenue, Union Blvd, Circle Drive, Academy
Blvd and Powers Blvd. The following information is provided for your
driving awareness:
1. If the mountains are on your left, you're
going north.
2. If the mountains are on your right, you're going
south.
3. If the mountains are dead ahead, you're going
west.
4. If the mountains are east, you're in
California.
5. Wahsatch and Sawatch are not the same street
spelled backwards.
6. Airport Road does not go to the
airport.
7. Fountain Boulevard does not go to
Fountain.
8. Palmer Park Boulevard does not go to Palmer
Park.
9. Academy Boulevard does go to the Air Force Academy,
eventually.
HIGHWAY TRAVEL:
Once you've memorized the fact that the
mountains are west of Colorado Springs, navigating around town is fairly
easy. Cutting though town from north to south, I-25 links Colorado
Springs with Denver to the north and Pueblo to the south. Built in
the early sixties, Interstate 25 is currently undergoing renovation to
accommodate increasing traffic. Due to the construction, traffic can be stop and
go, especially during the rush hour. Other major north/south
thoroughfares include Nevada Ave, Union Blvd, Circle Dr, Academy Blvd, and
Powers Blvd.
Traveling east to west can be a bit confusing in Colorado
Springs. There is no true limited-access east/west road through the
city. The U.S. 24 Bypass skirts downtown by traveling through I-25,
Fountain Blvd, Powers Blvd, and Platte Ave. Other major east/west
thoroughfares include Pikes Peak Ave, Platte Ave, Austin Bluffs Parkway, Garden
of the Gods Rd, and Woodmen Rd. Although this may seem a bit
overwhelming, please remember that Colorado Springs measures about 20 miles
north to south and 10 miles east to west, so you can get almost anywhere in the
city in less than 30 minutes.
AIR TRAVEL:
The Colorado Springs Airport
is served by eight airlines providing 50 flights a day to 12 nonstop
destinations. Major airlines include America West, American,
Continental, Delta, Mesa, Northwest, and United. Located southeast of
Colorado Springs, parking is available in front of the terminal.
BUS
TRAVEL:
Springs Transit provides public bus transportation to the city of
Colorado Springs and the surrounding area. The downtown terminal,
located at the corner of Kiowa St and Nevada Ave, is the major hub and transfer
station for the system. Twenty two routes travel throughout the city,
and passengers can catch the bus at more than 2,400 bus stops along the various
routes.
For out-of-town travel, Greyhound/TNM&0 Coaches provide bus
service from their downtown terminal. There are also charter buses
for gambling or tourist trips.
SHUTTLES/LIMOUSINES
About 20 area
hotels and motels provide shuttle service to and from the Colorado Springs
Airport, and more than a dozen limousine services are available
locally. In addition, several companies offer shuttles to and from
nearby ski resorts and for statewide travel.
TAXIS:
There are two taxi
companies, Yellow Cab and American Cab, that serve the Pikes Peak
region. Both offer airport service and package
delivery.
***PLEASE SEE ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS IN THE
CONTACTS/LINKS***