Quick Info
From Denver: 75 miles, about 1.5 hours via I-25. From DEN airport: 90 miles, about 1.5-2 hours. From Colorado Springs airport: 15 miles, about 20 minutes. Parking: Limited downtown—arrive early on weekends.
Manitou Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak, immediately west of Colorado Springs. Most visitors arrive by car from Denver or fly into one of two nearby airports. Once you're in town, you won't need a car for most attractions—but you'll need one to get there.
From Denver
Distance: 75 miles. Drive time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Route: Take I-25 South. Pass through Castle Rock and Monument. Exit at Cimarron Street (Exit 141) in Colorado Springs, then follow Highway 24 west to Manitou Springs.
Traffic considerations: I-25 congests during Denver rush hours and on summer weekend afternoons when mountain traffic returns. Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons are worst. Leave Denver before 2pm on summer Fridays.
Alternative route: Highway 83 through Parker offers a scenic bypass if I-25 is gridlocked. Adds 15-20 minutes but avoids interstate stress.
From Airports
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Distance: 90 miles. Drive time: 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic.
Most visitors rent a car at DEN. Take Pena Boulevard to I-70 West, then I-25 South to Colorado Springs. The drive is straightforward but long.
Shuttle services: Groome Transportation runs scheduled shuttles to Colorado Springs. From there, you'll need a rideshare or rental car for the final 15 miles to Manitou.
Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
Distance: 15 miles. Drive time: 20-25 minutes.
A much closer option with growing flight options. United, American, Delta, Southwest, and Frontier serve COS. Rental cars available. Take Highway 24 west directly to Manitou Springs.
Consider COS if: Your airline serves it, you want a shorter drive, or you're only visiting the Pikes Peak region (not Denver).
Parking in Manitou Springs
Parking is Manitou's biggest headache. The historic downtown wasn't built for modern car traffic. On busy weekends, finding a spot requires patience or strategy.
Street parking: Free but limited. Two-hour limits in most downtown areas. Enforcement is active.
Public lots: A few small lots exist downtown. Some are free, others require payment. They fill early on weekends.
Incline parking: The Incline trailhead has limited parking. Arrive before 7am on weekends or use the shuttle from Hiawatha Gardens lot.
Overflow areas: When downtown fills, look for parking on residential side streets. Respect no-parking signs and driveways.
Getting Around Without a Car
Walking: Downtown Manitou is very walkable. Most shops, restaurants, and the mineral springs are within a 15-minute walk.
Uber/Lyft: Available but limited. Drivers are scarcer than in Denver. Rides to Colorado Springs or Garden of the Gods work fine.
Public transit: Mountain Metro Transit connects Manitou to Colorado Springs. Limited routes and schedules. Not practical as a primary transportation mode.
Attractions requiring a car: Pikes Peak Highway, Cave of the Winds, and Cliff Dwellings require driving unless you arrange transportation.
Tips
Arrive early on weekends. Before 9am gives you best parking options and beat the crowds.
Consider staying in Manitou. Eliminate the parking problem entirely by walking from your lodging.
Fill up before you arrive. Gas stations in Manitou are limited and pricier than Colorado Springs.
Check I-25 conditions. Winter storms and accidents cause backups. Google Maps or CDOT apps show real-time traffic.
Don't drive the Pikes Peak Highway tired. If you're arriving from a long flight, acclimate before tackling the mountain road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denver or Colorado Springs airport better?
COS is much closer but has fewer flights. If your airline serves COS at reasonable prices, choose it. Otherwise, DEN has more options despite the longer drive.
Do I need a car in Manitou Springs?
You need one to get there. Once there, downtown is walkable. But reaching Pikes Peak, Cave of the Winds, and other attractions requires driving.
Is there a train from Denver?
No passenger rail service connects Denver to Manitou Springs. Bustang bus service runs to Colorado Springs; from there, you'd need a rideshare.
How bad is the parking really?
On summer weekends and holidays, it's genuinely difficult. Weekdays and off-season, you'll usually find spots. The Incline always has parking pressure.
Can I visit as a day trip from Denver?
Absolutely. Many people do. Leave Denver by 8-9am, spend the day, return by evening. Just don't underestimate the 3+ hours of round-trip driving.