How do I get from Denver Airport to Telluride? Don't drive unless you must—it's 330+ miles, 6-7 hours. Fly to Montrose (MTJ, 65 miles from Telluride) or Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) instead. If you must drive: rental car or private car ($800-1200). Telluride is Colorado's most remote major ski destination.
Route Overview
Distance: 330-350 miles (depending on route)
Drive time: 6-7 hours (good conditions)
Route: Multiple options via I-70 or US-50
Elevation: 5,400 feet (DIA) to 8,750 feet (Telluride)
Telluride is spectacularly beautiful and spectacularly remote. The drive from Denver is one of the longest to any major Colorado ski destination. For most visitors, flying to a regional airport is the better choice.
Better Airport Options
Montrose Airport (MTJ)
Distance to Telluride: 65 miles (90 minutes)
Best for: Most visitors
Montrose-Telluride Regional Airport has direct flights from many major cities during ski season. The 90-minute drive to Telluride is scenic and manageable. Rental cars and shuttles available. This is how most Telluride visitors arrive.
Telluride Regional Airport (TEX)
Distance to Telluride: 5 miles (10 minutes)
Best for: Those with direct flight options
The small Telluride airport sits at 9,070 feet—one of the highest commercial airports in North America. Limited flights but incredibly convenient when available. Weather can cause cancellations.
If You Must Drive from DIA
Rental Car
Cost: $80-150/day + gas (~$80-100)
Time: 6-7 hours
Best for: Road trip enthusiasts, multi-destination trips
AWD strongly recommended, essential in winter. The drive is scenic but exhausting after a flight. Consider breaking it up with an overnight stop.
Private Car
Cost: $800-1200 one-way (vehicle)
Time: 6-7 hours
Best for: Large groups, those who need a car but don't want to drive
Very expensive but takes the driving burden off tired travelers. Makes more sense for groups of 5+ splitting costs.
Driving Routes
Via Montrose (Southern Route)
I-70 West to Grand Junction, US-50 South to Montrose, Highway 62/145 to Telluride. About 330 miles, generally easier roads.
Via US-285 (Eastern Route)
US-285 South to Poncha Springs, US-50 West to Montrose, then to Telluride. About 340 miles, more mountain passes.
Our Recommendation
Fly into Montrose (MTJ). The 90-minute ground transfer is manageable, flights are reasonably priced during ski season, and you avoid 6+ hours of driving. Only drive from DIA if you're combining Telluride with other destinations or genuinely enjoy long road trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I fly into Denver or Montrose for Telluride?
Montrose, almost always. The 6-7 hour drive from Denver is exhausting. Montrose flights are often reasonably priced, and the 90-minute ground transfer is manageable.
Is there a shuttle from Denver to Telluride?
Limited options exist but the 6+ hour journey makes shuttles impractical. Most shuttle services focus on Montrose-Telluride transfers.