Denver Airport to Telluride

Quick Facts: DIA to Telluride

A very long drive—fly to Montrose if possible

Distance: 330 miles

Drive Time: 6-7 hours

Route: I-70 west to Grand Junction, then south through Montrose to Telluride

Honest Advice: Don't Drive From Denver

The drive from Denver to Telluride is 6+ hours through remote mountain terrain. For most travelers, flying to Montrose (MTJ)—just 65 miles from Telluride—makes far more sense.

Your Real Options

Option	Time	Notes
Fly to Montrose (MTJ)	90 min drive	Best option for most travelers
Fly to Telluride (TEX)	10 min drive	Limited flights, expensive, weather issues
Private car from DIA	6-7 hours	$900-1200, only if necessary
Rental car from DIA	6-7 hours	Long drive, but you'll have a car

Fly to Montrose Instead

The smart way to reach Telluride

Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)

Montrose is 65 miles from Telluride—about 90 minutes through spectacular San Juan Mountain scenery. During ski season, direct flights operate from major hubs.

Why Montrose Works

Direct flights from Denver, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Phoenix, LA
90-minute shuttle vs 6+ hour drive
Arrive rested, not road-weary
Shuttle service: $55-80/person
Private car: $250-350

Telluride Regional Airport (TEX)

Telluride has its own airport just 6 miles from town, but it's challenging:

Highest commercial airport in North America (9,070 ft)
Limited flight options, small planes
Frequent weather delays and cancellations
Expensive tickets
Best for private jets or if direct flights are available

Our recommendation: Fly to Montrose. It's reliable, affordable, and still gets you to Telluride in under 2 hours total.

If You Must Drive From Denver

Ground transportation from DIA to Telluride

Private Car Service ($900-1200)

For the 6+ hour journey, private transport offers comfort and flexibility.

Luxury SUV or sedan
Door-to-door service
Driver handles the mountain roads
Split among 4-6 passengers to reduce per-person cost

Per person for 4 passengers: ~$250—still comparable to airfare to Montrose plus shuttle.

Rental Car

If you want to explore southwest Colorado or need flexibility, renting makes sense.

AWD required in winter
Scenic drive through Gunnison, Ridgway, and San Juans
Can stop in Ouray (hot springs) or Silverton
Break up the drive with an overnight if possible

The Route

Several options, all 6+ hours:

Northern (I-70): Via Grand Junction and Montrose—most reliable winter route
Southern (US-285): Via South Park, Gunnison, Montrose—more direct, more mountain passes

Why People Drive Anyway

Road trip with scenic stops (Ouray, Black Canyon, etc.)
Need a car in Telluride (though town is walkable)
Arriving from a location without Montrose flights
Extended Colorado trip visiting multiple areas

Frequently Asked Questions

DIA to Telluride transportation

How long is the drive from Denver Airport to Telluride?

6-7 hours depending on route and conditions. It's 330 miles through mountain terrain. Seriously consider flying to Montrose instead.

Is it better to fly to Montrose or Telluride?

Montrose for most travelers. It has more flights, better reliability, and the 90-minute shuttle is scenic and easy. Telluride's airport has limited service and frequent weather delays.

How much is a shuttle from Montrose to Telluride?

$55-80 per person for shared shuttles, $250-350 for private cars. The drive is 65 miles, about 90 minutes through the San Juan Mountains.

Is there a shuttle from Denver to Telluride?

Not really—the distance makes shared shuttles impractical. Private car service is available but expensive ($900+). Fly to Montrose instead.

Do I need a car in Telluride?

No. Telluride is small and walkable. A free gondola connects town to Mountain Village. Free buses run throughout both areas. Most visitors don't need a car.