Quick Info
Distance: 120 miles. Drive time: About 2 hours (longer in traffic/weather). Route: I-70 West to Exit 167 (Avon). Options: Rental car, shared shuttle, or private car service.
Getting to Beaver Creek from Denver International Airport is straightforward—follow I-70 west into the mountains. The route passes through the Eisenhower Tunnel and climbs through some of Colorado's most scenic terrain. In good conditions, it's a scenic 2-hour drive. Winter weather and weekend traffic can extend that considerably.
Driving Yourself
The route:
- Pena Boulevard from DEN to I-70 West
- I-70 through Idaho Springs, the Eisenhower Tunnel, and past Vail
- Exit 167 (Avon/Beaver Creek)
- Follow signs to Beaver Creek Village
Rental cars: All major agencies operate at DEN. AWD or 4WD is strongly recommended for winter. Colorado's traction law requires adequate tires and/or chains on I-70.
Parking at Beaver Creek: The village has covered parking structures with direct escalator access to the slopes. Parking fees apply but are included with some lodging packages.
Shuttle Services
Shared shuttles: Companies like Epic Mountain Express run scheduled vans between DEN and Beaver Creek/Avon. Book in advance, especially during peak periods. Door-to-door service to major lodges.
Cost: Typically $70-100 per person each way for shared service. Less expensive than private options, but you'll make stops for other passengers.
Timing: Shuttles run on schedules coordinated with flight arrivals. Allow time for baggage claim and potential delays.
Private Transportation
Private car services: Various companies offer dedicated SUV or sedan service. More expensive ($300-500 each way) but direct and comfortable.
Limo/town car: Available for groups or those wanting extra comfort. Book well in advance for holidays.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate from DEN. Longer trips like Beaver Creek are expensive and availability varies. Not the most reliable option for mountain destinations.
Winter Considerations
The I-70 corridor presents challenges in winter:
- Traction law: AWD/4WD or adequate tires required
- Eisenhower Tunnel traffic: Delays common during storms and weekend rushes
- Road closures: I-70 can close entirely during severe storms
- Extended travel times: Allow 3-4 hours in challenging conditions
Check conditions: COTrip.org provides real-time updates on I-70 conditions.
Tips
Avoid Friday evening. Weekend ski traffic makes the drive significantly longer. Saturday morning or Sunday arrival works better.
Leave room for delays. Don't schedule tight connections on arrival day. Weather and traffic are unpredictable.
Consider a shuttle for stress-free travel. Particularly if you're not experienced with mountain winter driving, a shuttle lets someone else handle the conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a car in Beaver Creek?
Not necessarily. The village is walkable and free shuttles connect to Avon. A car adds flexibility for visiting Vail or exploring, but isn't essential.
Is it faster to fly to Eagle?
Eagle County Airport (EGE) is only 25 minutes from Beaver Creek. Limited direct flights, but if your city connects, it's much faster than DEN.
What about the Bustang bus?
Colorado's public bus runs from Denver to Vail, stopping in Avon. Affordable but limited schedules. Check CDOT for current routes.
Can I take Uber from Denver to Beaver Creek?
Technically yes, but expensive ($200+) and availability isn't guaranteed. Shuttle services are more reliable and often cheaper.