Quick facts: Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is the gateway to Vail (30 minutes), Beaver Creek (25 minutes), and Aspen (90 minutes). More reliable operations and often lower fares than Aspen airport. Major airlines with seasonal service to many cities. Preferred by experienced Colorado skiers for its convenience and reliability.
About Eagle County Airport
EGE sits in the Vail Valley at 6,540 feet elevation with a longer runway than Aspen, allowing larger aircraft and more reliable operations. The airport sees heaviest traffic during ski season but operates year-round. Terminal is modern and manageable—small enough to navigate quickly but with adequate amenities.
Airlines and Destinations
United operates the most flights with year-round service to Denver and seasonal routes to major hubs. American, Delta, and JetBlue serve various destinations seasonally. During ski season (December-April), direct flights connect to Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, and other cities.
Summer service is more limited but growing. Check availability for your travel dates—routes change seasonally.
Ground Transportation
To Vail (30 minutes): Shared shuttles ($40-60), private car ($150-250), rental car, or the free ECO Transit bus (limited service). Most Vail hotels offer shuttle service.
To Beaver Creek (25 minutes): Similar options to Vail. Slightly closer to the airport.
To Aspen (90 minutes): Shuttle services ($75-100), private car ($250-400), or rental car via I-70 West and Highway 82. This is the most common reason to choose Eagle over Aspen airport—reliable flights followed by a scenic 90-minute drive.
EGE vs Aspen Airport
Eagle operates more reliably than Aspen. The higher elevation and challenging terrain at Aspen airport causes frequent delays and cancellations, especially in winter. Eagle's longer runway handles weather better.
Aspen airport is more convenient when flights operate on schedule (10 minutes to town vs 90 minutes from Eagle). But many experienced Aspen visitors prefer Eagle for the reliability, especially when losing a ski day to flight issues is unacceptable.
EGE vs Denver Airport
For Vail and Beaver Creek, Eagle cuts 2+ hours off the ground transfer compared to Denver. Direct flights to Eagle often cost similar or less than Denver during ski season. For Aspen, Eagle saves about 2.5 hours vs driving from Denver.
Denver has more flight options and sometimes lower fares for non-peak travel. If Eagle doesn't have a direct flight from your origin city, Denver with ground transfer may be the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eagle or Denver better for Vail?
Eagle is closer (30 minutes vs 2+ hours) and often has competitive fares during ski season. Choose Eagle if direct flights are available from your city. Choose Denver for more flight options or significantly lower fares.
Is Eagle or Aspen better for Aspen?
Aspen is more convenient (10 minutes to town) but less reliable. Eagle is more reliable but requires a 90-minute drive. Many experienced visitors prefer Eagle, especially for winter trips where flight reliability matters.
Is there public transit from Eagle airport?
ECO Transit operates free buses to Vail and the valley, but service is limited. Most visitors use shuttles, rental cars, or hotel transportation.