Aspen Airport Transportation

Quick Facts: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport

The closest airport to Aspen—when flights operate

Airport Code: ASE (Aspen/Pitkin County Airport)

Distance to Aspen: 4 miles

Distance to Snowmass: 9 miles

Transfer Time: 10-15 minutes to downtown Aspen

Price Comparison

Option	Price	Notes
RFTA Bus	Free	Public transit to downtown
Hotel Shuttle	Free-$25	Check with your hotel
Taxi	$30-50	Available at airport
Private Car	$75-150	Luxury experience
Rental Car	$100-200/day	Premium Aspen pricing

The reality: ASE is incredibly convenient when flights operate. But weather delays and cancellations are common, and flight options are limited.

About Aspen Airport

Convenience with caveats

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is one of the most scenic—and challenging—airports in the country. Nestled in the Roaring Fork Valley at 7,820 feet, it's just minutes from downtown but subject to mountain weather.

ASE Advantages

Proximity: 4 miles to Aspen, 10 minutes to downtown
Skip the drive: Avoids 4-hour drive from Denver
Quick transfers: Free bus to downtown in 15 minutes
Small airport: Fast baggage, easy navigation

ASE Challenges

Weather delays: Clouds, wind, and snow cause frequent disruptions
Limited flights: Only United and American serve ASE regularly
Small planes: Usually regional jets, bumpy rides
Expensive: Flights cost significantly more than Denver
Cancellations: Have a backup plan for weather days

When to Consider ASE

Premium trips where time matters
Good weather windows
When you can handle potential delays
VIP and private aviation (ASE handles many private jets)

Transportation Options

Getting from ASE to Aspen and Snowmass

RFTA Bus (Free)

The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority runs free buses from the airport to downtown Aspen. This is the easiest option for most travelers.

Buses timed to flight arrivals
15 minutes to Rubey Park Transit Center (downtown)
Connects to Snowmass Village service
Luggage space available

Hotel Shuttles (Free-$25)

Many Aspen hotels offer airport pickup. Contact your hotel before arrival.

St. Regis, Little Nell, and other luxury hotels often provide service
Arrange in advance with your concierge
Direct to hotel entrance

Taxi ($30-50)

Taxis wait at the airport. For such a short distance, this is a convenient option.

High Mountain Taxi, Aspen Taxi
Fixed rates to most Aspen destinations
To Snowmass: $50-70

Private Car/Limo ($75-150)

For a luxury arrival matching the Aspen experience.

Arrange in advance
Meet-and-greet at baggage claim
Luxury vehicles available

Rental Car ($100-200/day)

Available but expensive. Consider whether you really need one—Aspen has excellent free transit.

Hertz, Avis at airport
Premium pricing (it's Aspen)
Useful for day trips to Independence Pass, Maroon Bells
Downtown parking is limited and expensive

Getting Around Aspen

You probably don't need a car

Aspen has excellent free public transit. Most visitors never need a car.

Free RFTA Bus System

Within Aspen: Free circulator buses
Aspen to Snowmass: Free express service
Four Mountains: Free ski shuttle to Aspen Mountain, Highlands, Buttermilk
Maroon Bells: Required shuttle in summer (small fee)

Walkable Downtown

Downtown Aspen is compact. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance of each other. Aspen Mountain gondola is downtown.

When You Might Want a Car

Independence Pass (summer only, spectacular drive)
Day trips to Glenwood Springs or Vail
Staying in outlying areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Aspen Airport transportation

How do I get from Aspen Airport to downtown Aspen?

The easiest way is the free RFTA bus, which takes about 15 minutes to downtown. Taxis are also available at the airport for $30-50. Many hotels offer complimentary pickup.

Is Aspen Airport often delayed or cancelled?

Yes, more than most airports. Mountain weather, wind, and visibility cause frequent issues. Have a backup plan—driving from Denver or rebooking through Eagle or Denver if needed.

Should I fly into Aspen or Denver?

Aspen is convenient but risky. Denver is reliable but requires a 4-hour drive. For short trips or when time is premium, try Aspen with a backup plan. For reliability, fly to Denver or Eagle.

Is there Uber at Aspen Airport?

Limited availability. Uber and Lyft operate in Aspen but there aren't many drivers. Use the free bus or arrange a taxi for reliable service from the airport.

How far is Snowmass from Aspen Airport?

About 9 miles, 15-20 minutes by car. RFTA buses connect the airport to Snowmass Village. Taxis cost $50-70.