How do I get from Denver Airport to Keystone? Shared shuttle ($60-80/person, 2-2.5 hrs), private car ($280-400), or rental car (~$55/day + gas). Distance: 90 miles via I-70. Keystone is one of the closest ski resorts to Denver and offers night skiing—arrive early afternoon and ski the same day.
Route Overview
Distance: 90 miles
Drive time: 1.5-2 hours (good conditions)
Route: I-70 West to Exit 205 (Dillon/Silverthorne), then US-6 East
Elevation: 5,400 feet (DIA) to 9,300 feet (Keystone)
Keystone sits in Summit County, just past the Eisenhower Tunnel. Its proximity to Denver and night skiing (unique among Colorado ski resorts) make it popular for weekend trips and arrival-day skiing.
Transportation Options
Shared Shuttle
Cost: $60-80 per person one-way
Time: 2-2.5 hours
Best for: Solo travelers, couples, budget-conscious
Epic Mountain Express and Colorado Mountain Express offer scheduled service. Keystone shares shuttles with nearby Breckenridge and Copper Mountain—expect some stops.
Private Car/SUV
Cost: $280-400 one-way (vehicle)
Time: 1.5-2 hours direct
Best for: Groups of 3+, those wanting direct service
Door-to-door service. Worth it for groups splitting the cost, especially if arriving early for night skiing.
Rental Car
Cost: $55-90/day + gas (~$25)
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Best for: Those visiting multiple Summit County resorts
Free Summit Stage bus connects Keystone to Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, and other Summit County destinations, reducing the need for a car once there. Free parking at Keystone (unlike some other resorts).
Summit Stage + Bustang
Cost: ~$22 total
Time: 3+ hours
Best for: Budget travelers with flexibility
A-Line train from DIA to Union Station ($10.50), Bustang bus to Frisco ($12), then free Summit Stage to Keystone. Cheapest option but time-consuming.
Night Skiing Advantage
Keystone is the only Colorado ski resort with significant night skiing. If you arrive at DIA by early afternoon, you can be on the slopes by 4-5pm and ski until 8pm. This is unique among Colorado destinations and makes the most of your trip days.
Summit County Access
Keystone is part of Summit County, which includes Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, and Loveland. The free Summit Stage bus connects all these areas. A rental car or shuttle to any Summit County destination gives you access to multiple ski areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keystone closer than Breckenridge to Denver?
Slightly. Both are in Summit County and roughly the same distance. Keystone is about 5 miles closer.
Can I ski the day I arrive?
Yes—Keystone's night skiing (until 8pm) makes arrival-day skiing possible if you reach the resort by late afternoon.