Colorado Springs Airport Transportation

Quick Facts: Colorado Springs Airport

A convenient alternative to Denver

Airport Code: COS (Colorado Springs Airport)

Distance to Downtown: 10 miles

Distance to Garden of the Gods: 15 miles

Transfer Time: 15-25 minutes to most destinations

Price Comparison

Option	Price	Best For
Uber/Lyft	$20-35	Downtown, most destinations
Taxi	$30-45	No app needed
Hotel Shuttle	Free-$15	Check with your hotel
Rental Car	$50-100/day	Exploring the region
Private Car	$60-100	Business, VIP

Why COS? Sometimes cheaper than DIA with less crowding. Great option if Colorado Springs is your destination or you want to avoid Denver traffic.

COS vs Denver Airport

When to choose Colorado Springs

Choose COS If:

Your destination is in the Pikes Peak region
Flights are comparable in price (sometimes cheaper)
You want a smaller, less hectic airport
You're visiting Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Air Force Academy
You're heading to Cripple Creek casinos

Choose DIA If:

More flight options needed
Heading to Denver or north
International connections
Better fare significantly

COS Advantages

Smaller: Easier navigation, shorter security lines
Growing: More routes being added
Location: 10 miles to downtown vs 25+ for DIA to Denver
Cost: Sometimes significantly cheaper flights

Transportation Options

Getting from COS to your destination

Uber/Lyft ($20-35)

The easiest option for most travelers. Good availability at COS.

Pick up at designated rideshare area
15-20 minutes to downtown
25-30 minutes to Garden of the Gods area
Generally reliable availability

Taxi ($30-45)

Available at the airport taxi stand. Fixed rates to common destinations.

Yellow Cab, Springs Cab companies
No surge pricing
Good for those without smartphone apps

Hotel Shuttles (Free-$15)

Many Colorado Springs hotels offer airport pickup. Call ahead to arrange.

The Broadmoor offers luxury shuttle service
Many chain hotels have courtesy vans
Confirm with your hotel when booking

Rental Car ($50-100/day)

Recommended if you want to explore the region. Colorado Springs is spread out.

All major companies at the airport
Useful for Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Manitou
Essential for Cripple Creek day trip
Lower rates than Denver typically

Private Car Service ($60-100)

For business travelers or those wanting guaranteed service.

Book in advance
Meet-and-greet available
Luxury vehicles available

Destinations from COS

What's near the airport

Destination	Distance	Drive Time
Downtown Colorado Springs	10 miles	15-20 min
Garden of the Gods	15 miles	20-25 min
Manitou Springs	18 miles	25-30 min
Air Force Academy	15 miles	20 min
The Broadmoor	8 miles	12-15 min
Pikes Peak Summit	35 miles	60+ min
Cripple Creek	45 miles	60-70 min
Denver	70 miles	75-90 min

Do You Need a Car?

Unlike Denver or Boulder, Colorado Springs is spread out and less transit-friendly. A rental car is recommended if you want to explore Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, or Manitou Springs efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs Airport transportation

Is there Uber at Colorado Springs Airport?

Yes, both Uber and Lyft operate at COS. Pick up at the designated rideshare area outside baggage claim. Expect $20-35 to most Colorado Springs destinations.

Should I fly into Colorado Springs or Denver?

Colorado Springs if that's your destination—you'll save 60+ miles of driving. Denver if you need more flight options or are heading north. Compare fares; COS is sometimes cheaper.

How far is Colorado Springs Airport from Denver?

About 70 miles, 75-90 minutes driving on I-25. Not practical as a Denver alternative unless COS flights are significantly cheaper.

Do I need a rental car in Colorado Springs?

Recommended. Colorado Springs is spread out and public transit is limited. You'll want a car for Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs, and day trips.

Is there a shuttle to Cripple Creek from COS?

No direct airport shuttle. Rent a car or take rideshare to town, then use a casino shuttle from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek. Or rent a car for the scenic drive.