Should you drive from Denver to Durango? Probably not. At 330 miles and 6+ hours, it's one of the longest drives to any Colorado destination. Fly directly to Durango-La Plata Airport (DRO) instead—flights from Denver take about an hour. If you must drive: rental car is the only practical option. Beautiful scenery but exhausting after a flight.
Route Overview
Distance: 330 miles
Drive time: 6-7 hours
Route: US-285 South or I-70 to US-550
Elevation: Multiple mountain passes
Durango sits in southwestern Colorado, far from Denver and the Front Range. The drive is scenic—passing through the San Juan Mountains on the Million Dollar Highway if you take the western route—but it's long and tiring, especially after a flight.
Better Option: Fly to Durango
Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) has direct flights from Denver on United. The flight takes about an hour. During ski season, additional routes serve Phoenix, Dallas, and other cities. The airport is 15 minutes from downtown Durango.
Flying adds cost but saves 5+ hours of driving each way. For most visitors, the time savings justify the expense.
If You Must Drive
Rental Car
Cost: $60-120/day + gas (~$80)
Time: 6-7 hours
The only practical ground option. AWD recommended in winter. Two main routes exist: US-285 South through Alamosa is slightly shorter but less scenic. I-70 to US-550 through Ouray and Silverton is longer but spectacular (the Million Dollar Highway section).
Private Car Service
Cost: $1,000+ one-way
Time: 6-7 hours
Available but extremely expensive given the distance. Only makes sense for large groups or those who can't drive.
Driving Routes
Via US-285 (Shorter): Take US-285 South from Denver through South Park and Alamosa, then US-160 West to Durango. About 330 miles. Less dramatic scenery but faster.
Via Million Dollar Highway (Scenic): Take I-70 West to Grand Junction, US-550 South through Montrose, Ouray, and Silverton. About 380 miles but includes some of Colorado's most spectacular driving. Not recommended in winter without experience on mountain roads.
Recommendation
Fly to Durango. The drive from Denver is too long to make sense for most trips unless you're specifically planning a road trip through southwestern Colorado with multiple stops. If driving, consider breaking the trip with an overnight in Ouray or Silverton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I fly to Denver or Durango?
Durango if that's your destination. The 6+ hour drive from Denver is exhausting after a flight. Durango flights are sometimes more expensive but the time savings are significant.
Is the drive from Denver to Durango scenic?
Yes, especially via the Million Dollar Highway route through Ouray and Silverton. But it's also long and tiring. Consider it only if the drive itself is part of your trip, not just transportation.
Can I take a shuttle from Denver to Durango?
No regularly scheduled shuttle service exists due to the distance. Your options are flying, renting a car, or expensive private transfers.