*Rates are estimates based on average cost-per-mile between major gantries. Actual billing occurs at specific toll points and may vary based on time of day or specific fee schedule updates.
function calculateToll() {
var entryVal = parseFloat(document.getElementById('entryPlaza').value);
var exitVal = parseFloat(document.getElementById('exitPlaza').value);
var paymentMethod = document.getElementById('paymentMethod').value;
var axleMultiplier = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vehicleAxles').value);
// Check if entry and exit are the same
if (entryVal === exitVal) {
alert("Please select different Entry and Exit plazas.");
document.getElementById('resultOutput').style.display = 'none';
return;
}
// Calculate approximate distance
var distance = Math.abs(entryVal – exitVal);
// Base rates per mile (Approximation of 2024 fee schedules)
// ExpressToll is roughly $0.38 – $0.42 per mile depending on segment
// License Plate Toll is significantly higher (approx 35-40% markup)
var baseRatePerMile = 0.41;
var lptMarkup = 1.40; // 40% markup for license plate toll
var calculatedRate = 0;
if (paymentMethod === 'express') {
calculatedRate = (distance * baseRatePerMile) * axleMultiplier;
} else {
calculatedRate = (distance * baseRatePerMile * lptMarkup) * axleMultiplier;
}
// Calculate potential savings (Difference between LPT and Express)
var lptCost = (distance * baseRatePerMile * lptMarkup) * axleMultiplier;
var expressCost = (distance * baseRatePerMile) * axleMultiplier;
var potentialSavings = lptCost – expressCost;
// Formatting
var finalCost = calculatedRate.toFixed(2);
var finalDistance = distance.toFixed(1);
var finalSavings = potentialSavings.toFixed(2);
// Display Logic
document.getElementById('totalCost').innerHTML = '$' + finalCost;
document.getElementById('distanceResult').innerHTML = finalDistance + ' miles (approx)';
document.getElementById('rateTypeResult').innerHTML = paymentMethod === 'express' ? 'ExpressToll (Lowest Rate)' : 'License Plate Toll (Mailed Bill)';
var savingsElement = document.getElementById('savingsResult');
if (paymentMethod === 'plate') {
savingsElement.innerHTML = 'You could save $' + finalSavings + ' with ExpressToll';
savingsElement.style.color = '#c0392b';
} else {
savingsElement.innerHTML = 'You are saving $' + finalSavings + ' vs LPT';
savingsElement.style.color = '#27ae60';
}
document.getElementById('resultOutput').style.display = 'block';
}
Understanding E-470 Toll Rates and Fees
E-470 is a 47-mile semicircular toll highway that runs along the eastern perimeter of the Denver metropolitan area. Unlike traditional toll roads that use toll booths, E-470 is a fully automated, cashless highway. This means you cannot pay with cash at the time of travel. Instead, tolls are calculated based on electronic sensors located at various gantries along the route.
ExpressToll vs. License Plate Toll (LPT)
The cost of driving on E-470 depends heavily on your payment method. There are two primary ways to pay:
ExpressToll (Transponder): This is the most cost-effective method. By setting up a prepaid account and adhering a transponder sticker to your windshield, you receive the lowest toll rates automatically. ExpressToll accounts generally save drivers roughly 35% compared to License Plate Tolls.
License Plate Toll (LPT): If you do not have an ExpressToll account, cameras at the toll gantries will photograph your license plate. A bill is then mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. LPT rates are significantly higher to cover the administrative costs of processing and mailing bills.
How Tolls Are Calculated
Tolls on E-470 are not a flat fee; they are distance-based. The highway is divided into segments by toll gantries. As you pass underneath a gantry, you incur a charge for that specific segment. The calculator above estimates your total cost by aggregating the distance between your entry and exit points.
Vehicle Classifications
The toll rate also varies by vehicle size, determined by the number of axles:
2-Axle Vehicles: Motorcycles, passenger cars, and SUVs pay the standard base rate.
3-Axle Vehicles: Vehicles towing a single-axle trailer or larger RVs generally pay a multiplier of the base rate (approx. 1.5x).
4+ Axle Vehicles: Commercial trucks and heavy haulers pay higher rates (2x to 3x) to account for the increased wear and tear on the roadway.
Route Planning: DIA and I-70
One of the most common uses for E-470 is accessing Denver International Airport (DIA) via Peña Boulevard. The toll segments leading into and out of the airport (specifically near the 96th Ave and I-70 interchanges) see high traffic volume. Using the calculator above helps you budget for the trip to the airport, whether you are coming from the north (I-25/Thornton) or the south (Parker/Highlands Ranch).
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate based on average mileage rates and gantry locations. Official rates are subject to change by the E-470 Public Highway Authority. Please consult your official statement or the E-470 website for exact billing details.