Colorado Transportation Guide

Airport Shuttles, Ski Transfers & Ground Transportation

Getting Around Colorado

From the airport to the slopes and everywhere between

Colorado's mountains are stunning—but getting to them requires planning. Denver International Airport sits 25 miles from downtown Denver and over 100 miles from most ski resorts. Understanding your transportation options saves money, time, and stress.

Shared shuttles offer the best value for solo travelers and couples heading to ski resorts. Private cars and limos make sense for groups or those wanting door-to-door service. Rideshare works well for shorter trips but gets expensive to mountain destinations.

This guide covers every major route, compares options honestly, and helps you choose the right transportation for your Colorado trip.

Getting to Colorado Destinations

Transportation guides are now part of each city's travel hub

VAIL

Getting to Vail

100 miles from DIA. Shuttles, private cars, or fly into Eagle County Airport. Complete transportation guide.

ASPEN

Getting to Aspen

200 miles from DIA or fly direct. Premium destination with multiple airport options.

STEAM

Getting to Steamboat

160 miles from DIA. Northwest route or fly into Hayden. Avoids I-70 ski traffic.

BOULDER

Getting to Boulder

45 miles from DIA. RTD bus, shuttles, and rideshare all viable options.

KEY

Getting to Keystone

85 miles from DIA. Summit County destination with shared shuttle options.

Casino Towns

Getting to Colorado's gaming destinations

CASINO

Getting to Black Hawk

40 miles from Denver. Free casino shuttles, rideshare, limos. Colorado's largest gaming destination.

CASINO

Getting to Cripple Creek

45 miles from Colorado Springs. Scenic mountain drive to southern Colorado's gaming town.

CASINO

DIA to Black Hawk

55 miles from DIA. Private cars and limos for out-of-state visitors.

Transportation Options Compared

Choosing the right option for your trip

Shared Shuttles

Best for: Solo travelers, couples, budget-conscious groups
Cost: $55-100 per person to ski resorts
Pros: Affordable, scheduled departures, no driving stress
Cons: Fixed schedules, multiple stops, less flexibility

Major operators include Epic Mountain Express, Colorado Mountain Express, and Peak 1 Express. Book in advance during ski season—shuttles fill up.

Private Car/SUV

Best for: Groups of 4+, families with kids, those with lots of luggage
Cost: $300-600 to ski resorts (whole vehicle)
Pros: Door-to-door service, your schedule, space for gear
Cons: Higher cost for small groups

Private cars become cost-effective for groups of 4-6. You're paying for the vehicle, not per person, so larger groups save significantly.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

Best for: Short trips (Denver, Boulder), spontaneous travel
Cost: $35-50 to downtown Denver, $200+ to ski resorts
Pros: On-demand, no booking needed, familiar apps
Cons: Expensive for long distances, limited availability in mountains

Uber and Lyft work great for Denver and Boulder. Availability drops significantly in mountain towns, and prices surge during peak times.

Rental Cars

Best for: Multi-destination trips, those comfortable with winter driving
Cost: $50-150/day plus gas
Pros: Maximum flexibility, can explore multiple areas
Cons: I-70 traffic, winter driving skills needed, parking costs at resorts

AWD/4WD recommended in winter. I-70 traffic on weekends can double drive times. Some resorts charge $30-50/day for parking.

Limo/Luxury Services

Best for: Special occasions, executive travel, maximum comfort
Cost: $500-1000+ to ski resorts
Pros: Premium vehicles, professional drivers, VIP experience
Cons: Highest cost option

Makes sense for weddings, corporate groups, or when you want the journey to be part of the experience.

Premium Services

Luxury transportation for special occasions

LIMO

Limo Services

Luxury sedans, SUVs, and stretch limos. Airport transfers, casino trips, special events. Pricing guide and booking tips.

VIP

VIP Ski Transfers

Skip the shuttle, arrive in style. Luxury SUVs and Sprinters from DIA to Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge. Premium mountain experience.

WEDDING

Wedding Transportation

Mountain wedding logistics. Bridal party limos, guest shuttles, getaway cars. Planning checklist for Colorado venues.

CORP

Corporate Transportation

Executive car service, conference shuttles, retreat transport. Professional service for business travel in Colorado.

Regional Airports

Sometimes flying closer makes sense

PLANE

Eagle County (EGE)

35 miles to Vail, 30 minutes. Seasonal flights, higher fares. Worth it to skip I-70.

PLANE

Aspen (ASE)

4 miles to downtown Aspen. Limited flights, expensive but convenient. Weather delays common.

PLANE

Montrose (MTJ)

65 miles to Telluride, 90 minutes. Much better than 6-hour drive from Denver.

PLANE

Steamboat (HDN)

22 miles to ski area. Direct flights from major hubs in winter. Eliminates the 3-hour Denver drive.

PLANE

Colorado Springs (COS)

10 miles to downtown. Good option for Pikes Peak region. Sometimes cheaper than DIA.

PLANE

Durango (DRO)

15 miles to town. Gateway to Mesa Verde and Purgatory. Better than long drives.

Practical Guides

Essential information for Colorado travel

TRAFFIC

I-70 Traffic Guide

Beat the gridlock. Best times to drive, traffic hotspots, and strategies that work for ski resort trips.

SNOW

Winter Driving Tips

Mountain road safety, traction law requirements, chain-up stations, and essential gear for winter travel.

TIP

Tipping Guide

What to tip shuttle drivers, limo chauffeurs, rideshare drivers, and ski valets. Etiquette for Colorado travel.

BOOK

When to Book

Reservation timing for shuttles, limos, and special events. Peak season planning and last-minute options.

DIA

Airport Arrival Tips

Navigating Denver Airport, finding ground transportation, and avoiding common first-timer mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Colorado transportation questions

Should I rent a car or take a shuttle to ski resorts?

Shuttle if you're staying at one resort and don't need a car there. Rent if you want to explore multiple areas or need flexibility. I-70 traffic and winter driving stress favor shuttles for most visitors.

How far in advance should I book airport shuttles?

At least a week ahead during ski season, especially for weekend arrivals. Holiday periods (Christmas, Presidents Day) book up weeks in advance. Summer is more flexible.

Is Uber available at Colorado ski resorts?

Limited. Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen have some coverage, but wait times can be long and prices high. Most resorts have free bus systems that work better for getting around locally.

What about ski and luggage storage on shuttles?

Most shuttles accommodate skis and standard luggage. Large items or bikes may need advance arrangement. Private cars offer more flexibility for oversized gear.

Plan Your Colorado Trip

Explore destinations and transportation options