What's the best way to get to Aspen? Fly into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) for convenience, or Denver (DEN) for cheaper flights + 4-hour drive. Shuttle services run $95-130/person from Denver. In winter, I-70 traffic and Independence Pass closure (Nov-May) affect routes significantly.
Aspen sits in a mountain valley that's stunning but not exactly easy to reach. There's no quick way to get there - just different tradeoffs between cost, time, and convenience.
Here's every option, with honest takes on each.
Flying Directly to Aspen (ASE)
Best for: Time-sensitive trips, ski weekends, luxury travel
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is tiny but serves major airlines during ski season. United, American, and Delta fly direct from several hubs.
Pros:
- 3 miles from downtown - you're there in 10 minutes
- Skip the mountain driving entirely
- Direct flights from Chicago, Dallas, Houston, LA, Miami, San Francisco
Cons:
- Flights are expensive ($400-1200+ round trip)
- Small runway means weather delays and cancellations
- Limited flight options outside peak season
- Baggage fees hurt when you're bringing ski gear
Reality check: Weather delays happen. The airport sits at 7,800 feet between mountains. Clouds, snow, and wind regularly ground flights. Have a backup plan.
Flying to Denver + Driving or Shuttle
Best for: Budget travelers, groups, flexibility
Denver International Airport (DEN) has way more flights and lower fares. Then it's 200 miles to Aspen.
Drive time: 4-4.5 hours (without traffic)
Route: I-70 west to Glenwood Springs, then Highway 82 south to Aspen
Winter route note: Independence Pass closes November through late May. You must go through Glenwood Springs year-round in winter.
Rental Car from Denver
Cost: $50-150/day depending on season
Pros: Freedom to explore, stop when you want, no schedule
Cons: I-70 weekend traffic is brutal (can add 2+ hours), winter driving requires experience, parking in Aspen costs $20-40/day
Tips:
- Get AWD or 4WD in winter - it's often required by law on I-70
- Leave Denver before 7am or after 7pm on weekends to avoid traffic
- Check CDOT.gov for road conditions before departing
Shuttle Services
Cost: $95-130 per person one-way
Colorado Mountain Express and Epic Mountain Express run scheduled shuttles. Door-to-door service from DEN to Aspen hotels.
Pros: No driving stress, they handle the mountain roads, luggage included
Cons: Fixed schedules, shared with other passengers, takes 5+ hours total
Private Car Service
Cost: $550-800 for up to 6 passengers
For groups, private SUVs are often cheaper per person than individual shuttle tickets. Plus you leave on your schedule.
Flying to Eagle County (EGE)
Best for: Compromise between cost and convenience
Eagle County Regional Airport is 70 miles from Aspen. More flight options than Aspen, shorter drive than Denver.
Drive time: 1.5 hours to Aspen
Pros: Better weather reliability than Aspen airport, still relatively close
Cons: Still need ground transportation, limited year-round flights
Bus Options (Budget)
RFTA (Roaring Fork Transit Authority) runs buses between Glenwood Springs and Aspen. If you can get to Glenwood Springs, the bus is $7.
Bustang runs Denver to Glenwood Springs for about $30. Combine them for the cheapest option (but it takes all day).
Seasonal Considerations
Winter (December-March):
- Independence Pass closed - only route is through Glenwood Springs
- I-70 weekend traffic peaks - Saturday mornings are worst
- Chains or AWD required for mountain passes
- Flight delays more common at ASE
Summer (June-September):
- Independence Pass open - scenic shortcut from Leadville
- Less traffic, more flexibility
- Fewer direct flights to ASE
- Perfect driving conditions
My Recommendation
For ski trips: Fly to Aspen if you can afford it and have backup plans for delays. Otherwise, fly to Denver Friday night, stay near the airport, drive Saturday morning early.
For summer visits: Fly to Denver, rent a car, enjoy the drive. Take Independence Pass (Highway 82) - it's one of Colorado's most scenic roads.
For groups: Private car from Denver. Split 6 ways, it's cheaper than shuttles and way more convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Aspen from Denver?
200 miles via I-70 and Highway 82 through Glenwood Springs. Drive time is 4-4.5 hours without traffic, but weekend ski traffic can add 2+ hours. In summer, Independence Pass shortcut is 160 miles but takes similar time due to mountain roads.
Is it better to fly into Aspen or Denver?
Aspen airport is more convenient (10 minutes to town) but flights cost more and weather delays are common. Denver has cheaper flights and more options but requires a 4-hour drive. For groups, Denver + private car often makes sense financially.
When is Independence Pass open?
Independence Pass typically opens late May and closes early November, depending on snowfall. During winter, the only route to Aspen from the east is through Glenwood Springs via I-70, adding time to the journey.
How much does a shuttle from Denver to Aspen cost?
Shared shuttles run $95-130 per person one-way. Private SUVs for up to 6 people cost $550-800 total. For groups of 4+, private service is often cheaper per person and more convenient.
Can you Uber from Denver to Aspen?
Not really. Standard Uber won't take 4-hour trips. Some drivers might accept, but you'd pay $400-600+. Scheduled shuttle services or private car companies are more reliable and often cheaper.
Do I need a car in Aspen?
No. Aspen has excellent free bus service within town and to Snowmass. Parking is expensive and limited. Most visitors do fine without a car once they arrive. Consider shuttling in and using local transit.