Montrose Airport to Telluride

Quick Facts: MTJ to Telluride

90 minutes through spectacular San Juan scenery

Airport Code: MTJ (Montrose Regional Airport)

Distance to Telluride: 65 miles

Drive Time: 75-90 minutes

Route: Highway 550 south to Ridgway, Highway 62 west to Placerville, Highway 145 south to Telluride

Price Comparison

Option	Price	Best For
Shared Shuttle	$55-80/person	Solo, couples
Private Car/SUV	$250-350	Families, groups
Rental Car	$70-120/day	Exploring SW Colorado
Luxury/Limo	$400-600	VIP arrival

Why Montrose? Telluride is remote—330 miles from Denver. Flying to Montrose cuts that to a scenic 90-minute drive through the San Juan Mountains.

Why Fly to Montrose

The practical choice for Telluride

Montrose Regional Airport is Telluride's main gateway. While Telluride has its own airport (TEX), Montrose offers more reliable service and better connections.

Montrose vs Telluride Airport

	Montrose (MTJ)	Telluride (TEX)
Distance to town	65 miles (90 min)	6 miles (10 min)
Flight options	Many direct routes	Very limited
Reliability	Good	Weather issues common
Cost	Moderate	Expensive
Best for	Most travelers	Private jets, direct flights

Flight Options from Montrose

Winter season: Direct flights from Denver, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Phoenix, LA, Newark
Summer: Reduced schedule, Denver connections reliable
Airlines: United, American, Delta (seasonal)

Transportation Options

Getting from MTJ to Telluride

Shared Shuttles ($55-80/person)

The most popular option. Several companies run scheduled service from MTJ to Telluride.

Telluride Express – Primary shuttle operator
Mountain Limo – Shuttle and private options
Departures timed to flight arrivals
Service to Telluride town and Mountain Village
Scenic ride through San Juan Mountains

Private Car/SUV ($250-350)

Direct service for families or groups. The per-person cost becomes reasonable with 4+ passengers.

Door-to-door service to your lodging
No waiting for other passengers
Stops possible (Ridgway, Ouray)
Child seats available on request

Rental Car ($70-120/day)

Worth considering if you want to explore southwest Colorado. The drive from Montrose to Telluride is spectacular.

All major rental companies at MTJ
AWD recommended in winter
Beautiful drive through Ridgway and San Juans
Easy day trips to Ouray, Silverton, Durango
Free gondola means you don't need car in Telluride

The Scenic Drive

The route from Montrose to Telluride passes through some of Colorado's most beautiful country:

South on Highway 550 through Ridgway
West on Highway 62 with San Juan mountain views
South on Highway 145 into Telluride box canyon

Optional detour: Continue on 550 to Ouray for hot springs—adds 30 minutes but worth it.

Other MTJ Destinations

Southwest Colorado's gateway airport

Montrose serves all of southwest Colorado. Consider staying in one of these other towns:

Destination	Distance	Drive Time	Known For
Ouray	36 miles	45 min	Hot springs, ice climbing
Ridgway	26 miles	30 min	Arts community, state park
Black Canyon	15 miles	20 min	National Park
Silverton	50 miles	75 min	Mining town, train ride

Frequently Asked Questions

Montrose Airport transportation

How long is the drive from Montrose Airport to Telluride?

About 75-90 minutes for the 65-mile drive. The route through Ridgway and the San Juan Mountains is scenic but winding. Winter conditions may add time.

Should I fly to Montrose or Telluride?

Montrose for most travelers. More flights, better reliability, lower costs. Telluride airport is convenient but has limited service, weather issues, and expensive fares.

Is there Uber from Montrose Airport to Telluride?

Very limited. Uber/Lyft coverage in this rural area is sparse. Book a shuttle or private car for reliable service. Don't count on rideshare for a 65-mile mountain trip.

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 once there.

Can I stop in Ouray on the way to Telluride?

If you rent a car or book a private transfer that allows stops. Ouray is slightly off the main route but worth the 30-minute detour for hot springs. Shuttles typically go direct.